CoR to debate cohesion policy with Commissioner Crețu at next plenary

The Italian Presidency of the EU has placed immigration and the development of a Common European Migration Policy at the top of its agenda. It has called on the CoR to share regions' and cities' view in an opinion led by François Decoster (FR/ALDE), mayor of Saint-Omer. He argues the reception of migrants is unevenly spread both within and between member states, with some regions taking a greater share of responsibility in processing migrants. Mechanisms should be put in place, he argues, to better support local authorities in addressing this challenge whilst ensuring "genuine solidarity" with migrants, third countries of origin, as well as between the various levels of governance.

Also on the agenda

Reconnecting Europe with its citizens: A call for a 2015-2019 EU Communication Plan

It is the CoR's view that the crisis of confidence towards the EU requires the European institutions to align their policies and communication tools to reconnect citizens with the European project. Led by Christophe Rouillon (FR/PSE), mayor of Coulaines, CoR members will debate proposals for a communication plan that sets measurable targets for all the institutions by the next European elections in 2019. The proposed plan places regions, cities and local and national media at the heart of a firmly decentralized communications strategy.

Exploiting the potential of Europe's organic sector and oceans

The EU's organic market is a growth sector worth €19.7bn in 2011 and forecast to rise. Reacting to European Commission plans to support the market, in her opinion Willemien Hester Maij (NL/EPP), Member of the Council of Overijssel province, will call for more investment to support the transition and laments that the proposal ignores the local and regional perspective.

Adam Banaszak (PL/ECR), member of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Assembly, will present his opinion on innovation in the Blue Economy. Banaszak recognizes the benefits that Blue Growth offers for local economies but it must be balanced with environmental protection. He calls for information to be made available at a regional level so it can benefit both the public and private sectors.

Improving health care in the EU

Improving health care services in the EU will also be the focus of debate. Martin Andreasson (SE/EPP), Councillor of Västra Götaland, will present his opinion on mHealth – using technology to allow citizens to manage their health – which he argues must include measures to protect citizens' privacy. How to improve the "effectiveness, accessibility and resilience" of member states' health care systems is also the centre of Karsten Uno Petersen's (DK/PES) opinion. Local and regional authorities face similar challenges in delivering quality health care at a time when costs are rising and workforce is ageing. The member of South Denmark Regional Council will stress the importance of addressing the issue nationally, regionally and locally.

The plenary will be held in the European Parliament, Paul Henri Spaak building (hemicycle), in Brussels.

Debates will be streamed live here.

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More information

• Plenary session agenda
• Media Programme
• Plenary session opinions