​During the Committee of the Regions July Plenary Session Mr Kieran McCarthy Lord Mayor of Cork City took part in the debate with Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration on the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). He highlighted the new challenges for the European Union such as last pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

In this context he said: "The war in Ukraine has re-focussed our attention to show solidarity with our Ukrainian friends, to help in hosting refugees and support the Alliance for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The COVID 19 pandemic pushed the EU to also examine and formulate a Recovery and Resilience fund, which was greatly appreciated but the downside was that the process of the fast tracking left many Regions and Cities noting they weren't consulted by their respective member state on what was needed. In essence the NextGeneration EU needs to be bottom up, and create opportunities in our villages, our cities and our rural communities."

He also highlighted that he placed a particular focus on his city's attempts towards climate neutrality and its involvement with one of the five EU Horizon mission programme. "To be part of 112 cities aiming to be climate neutral before 2030 is a significant aim for the EU, but does need the brokering of finance from public and private sectors and the brokering of new financial investment opportunities." Lord Mayor said

He also called on Commissioner to look at the needs of local and regional governments and where their challenges lie and to unlock their opportunities with Horizon mission. "European Union finance paired with the amazing innovation and personal drive of our cities and regions can deliver. Or as we always say If you empower the regions, the EU will be a success." – he assured

He is convinced that the review of the MFF needs to include a partnership for change, a cooperation to deliver but more so a comprehension between the European Institutions, Member States and Cities and Regions.