​In a CoR Plenary debate with Maros ŠEFČOVIČ Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight on the European Commission priorities including Ukraine,  Energy and EU-UK relations held on Thursday 9th February the European Alliance Group President Karl Vanlouwe focussed on the need for Regions and local government to continue supporting Ukraine in its hour of need.

He also said that the EU needs to reduce its dependence of the supply of Energy from third countries and while we move towards energy sustainable energy solutions, we need to plan for a clear energy mix so that we do not have reduction of supply.  

On the increased droughts and forest fires being experienced across the EU in recent years Karl Vanlouwe called for a new "Blue deal" to help reduce these problems in the EU.

Finally on the EU UK relations the EA President hoped for a resolution on the Northern Ireland protocol and asked the European Commission to create a North Sea Area or macroregional strategy which would enhance cooperation with regions in the North Sea area.