​The 166th Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions ran a key and timely debate on 'The EU-UK relationship: perspectives for local and regional cooperation' which enabled CoR members to discuss how cross-border cooperation should be fostered between local communities in the EU and UK.

The debate was led by Sandro Gozi MEP, Co-Chair of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA), who outlined the European Parliament's goals for an upcoming EU-UK Summit, which will take place in London on the 19th of May. Mr. Gozi highlighted three priorities: firstly, ensuring full implementation of all pre-existing agreements between the EU and UK. Secondly, building a mutual base of trust amongst Assembly members to consolidate a strong and lasting partnership within a geopolitically unstable climate. Finally, highlighting the territorial and regional dimension of the EU-UK relationship as an area not yet covered within negotiations. Mr. Gozi accordingly acknowledged that Brexit's impacts are not experienced equally across the EU and UK's local communities, making it crucially important that local and regional authorities are involved in shaping a new, cooperative EU-UK relationship.

Karl Vanlouwe, EA Group Vice President and newly elected Chair of the CoR-UK Contact Group, welcomed EU-UK rapprochement as essential for shared prosperity and security, calling it 'nonsensical' not to deepen cooperation amid today's geo-political instability. Nonetheless, Mr. Vanlouwe stressed that this 'reset' must transcend national level by adopting a multi-level approach that actively involves local and regional authorities. For this, he promoted closer collaboration between the EU-UK PPA and the CoR-UK Contact Group, which facilitates dialogue between EU and UK local authorities. Mr. Vanlouwe argued that amplifying local voices throughout the negotiation process and promoting inter-communal exchange will strengthen our macro- and regional-level ties to create a robust foundation for sustainable cooperation. On this basis, he stressed that strong and effective cross-border cooperation must be rebuilt from the bottom up and pervade all levels of society. He conclusively expressed his commitment as Chair of the UK Contact Group to champion a locally driven and forward-thinking framework for partnership grounded in mutual trust, respect and a common ambition for prosperity.

Cllr. Dwane-Stanley subsequently intervened by welcoming efforts to deepen EU-UK cooperation and reaffirming the need for local and regional voices to be heard within the next stage of 'reset' negotiations. She stressed that: 'the Irish case demonstrates how cooperation affects local communities within and outside the EU', highlighting how enhanced cross-border exchange must consider the unique needs and interests of local communities. With this in mind, she called on negotiators at the upcoming EU-UK Summit to focus on three key issues that impact Ireland. Firstly, bolstering cooperative and friendly relations between the EU and UK is crucial to safeguard peace on the Island of Ireland. Secondly, responding collectively to new challenges in the global trading system to ensure that tariffs do not impede on cross-border cooperation. Finally, reinstating freedom of movement for young people on the basis that empowering youth is essential to building a strong and lasting EU-UK partnership.