The President of the Chamber of Regions, Gunn Marit HELGESEN, speaking at the 35th Session of the Congress in Strasbourg (France) on 6 November 2018, presented a report on the Chamber’s activities during her first term (2016-2018). She noted the numerous challenges facing regions: territorial solidarity, the need to accommodate and integrate migrants, implementation of the European Social Charter at regional level, etc., all areas in which the regions play a key role in Europe.
“The regions are the largest employers and sources of public investment, with crucial responsibilities in particular in terms of social services and their delivery in the fields of education, employment, culture, services for young people and children,” she added.
“We should pursue the reflection on the question of reconciling regional particularity with broader national identity. We also need to take a closer look at mechanisms of national dialogue and consultations between national governments and regions, both within and outside the existing institutional framework,” she said.
The President likewise urged the Chamber of Regions to continue exploring the issue of citizen engagement in regional governance.
Mediabox interview, Gunn Marit Helgesen
** 35th Session of the Congress **