“The transition will not happen for free or without affecting people”
The Assembly of European Regions (AER) has a vice-chairman from Norrbotten: regional politician Johannes Sundelin (S). He had the opportunity to visit the EU Commission with the AER and meet with Sweden's EU Commissioner Jessica Roswall. "Above all, I highlighted the need for local influence," Sundelin writes about the meeting.
Roswall is responsible for the environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy.
“In this way, she has a decisive influence in the work of adhering to the goals of the EU's green deal,” writes Johannes Sundelin, chairman of the regional development committee, on social media. The meeting took place in Brussels on April 7.
Submitted report
At the meeting, AER representatives took the opportunity to present a document on the organization's stance on the issue of striving for climate-neutral regions. Johannes Sundelin also presented Region Norrbotten's report from last year: Industrial transformation and its socio-economic effects.
Jessica Roswall is Sweden's representative in the Commission, which can be compared to the EU's government.
"Municipalities and regions can and want to lead the green transition, but to do this, tools are needed! The transition will not happen for free or without affecting the people living in the affected areas. Therefore, local influence is needed in decision-making processes and financing," writes Sundelin.
“Investments in society are required”
During the meeting, Region Norrbotten took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of cohesion policy – The EU's regional policy, which is currently under renegotiation. In the summer, the European Commission will present a new proposal for a long-term budget, and there is concern that the development of the regions will have to take a back seat to pay for, above all, armaments, security and strengthened competitiveness.
"In the regions, we can deliver both growth, competitiveness and major climate action, but this requires major investments not only in industry but also in society and its structures. Above all, I highlighted the need for local influence if we are to truly gain acceptance for the changes that must take place. It was a good meeting and I really appreciate the opportunity to discuss the regions' needs and opportunities," writes Sundelin.
Assembly of European Regions (AER) – a cooperation network of regions in Europe. AER works to strengthen the political role of regions and increase cooperation between regions.
