Speaking at the opening of the general Assembly of CALRE in Milan on 23 October 2015, the Vice-President of the Congress stressed that “regional autonomy, where it exists, is a strong means of empowering citizens in decisions which are of direct concern for them”. He explained that “in quite a number of European Union countries, regions have major responsibilities in fields as important as education, health, and employment”. “In addition, devolution of powers to regions can be an efficient response to separatist tensions which exist throughout our continent, and thus contribute to Europe’s political stability” he added. He called on European institutional organisations such as the Congress and the Committee of the Regions and regional associations to enhance cooperation and synergies in order to profitably pursue their common objectives and avoid duplication. He proposed in this regard that the Congress’ Chamber of Regions could serve as a ‘clearing house’ for sharing information and ensuring complementarity of work.
