European Union enlargement

Marseille, France - Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), delivered a keynote speech in Marseille during an event organised by the Université européenne de l'AFCCRE. The gathering aimed to explore the critical role of regional and local partnerships in the context of the European Union's enlargement.
 
The event comes at a pivotal moment in the EU's history, stressing the importance of examining the active involvement of regional and local entities, which play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and shaping policies that resonate with the diverse needs of communities.
 
In his address, Rossi highlighted the indispensable role that regional and local partnerships play in shaping the European Union's future. He emphasised that involving these entities in policy-making and collaboration is crucial for creating policies that truly understand and address the distinct requirements of different communities.
 
Fabrizio Rossi summed up the sentiment, stating, "Local and regional authorities are the backbone of our societies. Their active engagement is vital for a successful and cohesive European Union. Let us join hands and work towards a stronger, more unified Europe, where the voices of local and regional entities are at the forefront of policy-making and progress."
 
The Secretary expressed warm appreciation towards the Association Française du Conseil des Communes et Régions d'Europe (AFCCRE) for arranging the event and lauded their steadfast dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding regarding EU enlargement. The event acts as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to a stronger, more unified Europe where local and regional perspectives hold significant value and are integrated.