Por Redaccion 
The President of the Junta de Andalucía and co-chair of the Committee of the Regions, Juanma Moreno, has pointed out that this body is a great opportunity for these cities to be involved in the decision-making process of the European Union. He also emphasized that it is a key player in the development of policies set by European institutions.
At this point, he stressed that involving young people is crucial. Moreno considers them essential for bridging the gap between EU policies and local and regional structures. He encouraged seeking their assistance to help Europe grow, stay united, and tackle the challenges ahead. «The future is full of hope, and young people have the power to build the Europe we desire.»
During his speech at the 164th plenary session of the Committee of the Regions held in Brussels, where the new Presidency of this body was elected, Moreno highlighted the significant competencies of regions and local entities as strategic partners in achieving the Union’s objectives.
He underscored that from an economic and competitiveness standpoint, Europe has realized the need to compete in a global economy increasingly dominated by China and the US, while also acknowledging that the EU is the world’s second-largest economic power.
In this regard, he mentioned that the Commission recently launched the Competitiveness Compass, which will guide the EU’s work on competitiveness for the next five years. This roadmap aims to consistently ensure the EU’s climate neutrality and lay the groundwork for Europe to be the place where future clean technologies and products are invented, manufactured, and marketed.
Moreover, he emphasized the importance of preserving agriculture, describing it as a significant economic and social pillar in many European regions and a robust primary sector that ensures food production for Europe’s autonomy and food sovereignty.
«The Common Agricultural Policy needs to be more decentralized and connected with strategies on rural development and food security, safeguarding our farmers and livestock breeders.»
Juanma Moreno embraces Kata Tutto, with whom he will jointly preside over the Committee of the Regions.
Therefore, he expressed that working to ensure water in regions and cities, investing in infrastructure, and becoming more efficient in its management are important tasks. «Water is a problem not only for Southern Europe but also for the center, and it will be in the north due to climate change. Without water, there is no life, no economic activity, no prosperity, no future. Water policies must be taken very seriously by the Commission and the new European Commissioner, with global and specific policies.»
He also addressed immigration, advocating for progress towards an orderly and regular model and continued efforts to combat human trafficking mafias. «I know well what I’m talking about, as Andalusia is the Southern border of Europe, and we face this phenomenon practically every day.»
The Andalusian president asserted that demographic decline, depopulation, talent drain, labor shortages, and the integration of migrants and refugees are topics that should also be in focus in EU strategies and the Committee’s agenda.
«We must oppose any attempt to destabilize democratic institutions. We must ensure the integrity of elections at any level, be it local or regional, and strengthen political participation from the bottom up. Ultimately, strengthening our democracy, a key pillar of the European Union.»
Moreno greets Ilídio Alves Cordero, former first vice president of the Committee of the Regions.
Moreno noted that protecting our values cannot be discussed without mentioning peace because, as he stated, the European Union is born out of the need to avoid war. «Europe is synonymous with peace, generosity, and vision for the future. Defending European democracy will not be possible without neighbors who are democratic and provide security.»
He emphasized that for the functioning of the single market, an effective cohesion policy through upward convergence is essential. He emphasized that the cohesion policy faces a crucial stage in shaping future European funds that must be beneficial for the development of regional and local policies.
«Let’s advocate for regions to continue to play a central role in managing these funds. I specifically refer to the debate within the Commission on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034. We must be very alert to signs pointing to a centralization of its management.»
Regarding climate change, he highlighted that sustainable adaptation and mitigation should be the pillars on which the Committee of the Regions intensifies its work. He reiterated that his goal is to amplify the voice of this Committee within the EU Delegation at COP, being full-fledged interlocutors in negotiations crucial for Europe.
He also touched on the issue of misinformation and anti-European voices that go against our values and interests. Here, he stated that the Committee of the Regions must align with the European Commission and Parliament to combat this, proclaiming true European success stories and proudly showcasing our European identity.
The Andalusian President, during a moment of his speech at the Committee of the Regions plenary session.
«We have an identity to be proud of. Our sense of belonging to a territory that is crucial, unique on the planet, not only because of our millennia of history but also because we have built a space of freedom, prosperity, and social rights that is unparalleled in the world. A model of our own that we should deeply be proud of.»
The President of the Junta stated that the Committee of the Regions is entering a new level, where both Kata Tutto and he will work together with common goals to elevate this body and make it more influential in the decisions made by the European Commission and various institutions.
Thus, he added that European society demands that all institutions «demand more of ourselves so that Europe has more capacity, efficiency, and influence, and that the space it occupies in the world is decisive for our progress and well-being.»
«There are significant challenges where the Committee of the Regions can play a prominent role due to its ability to educate citizens and act as a bridge between them and the institutions, conveying the objectives.»
In conclusion, he emphasized the importance of connecting citizens with the decisions made in institutions and underscored that this body plays a fundamental role in this aspect.