Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the ​​​​​​ European Summit of Regions and Cities in Marseille. The Summit is a gathering of local representatives organised every half mandate by the European Committee of the Regions to discuss the EU's future challenges. This time, the Summit aims at increasing the impact and outreach of the Conference on the Future of Europe. In the margins of the Summit, she meets with Martine VASSAL, President of Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis.

meeting

visit

EU - France (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

European Committee of the Regions

president's agenda

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Marseille - 9th European Summit of Regions and Cities in Marseille, France: arrival, ambiance shots and address

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, we stand with Ukraine not only today, but tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. We have to salute these brave Europeans who are fighting every day against a Russian invasion and aggression that is brutal. And this is why, on behalf of the European Parliament, I condemn this invasion and aggression in the strongest possible terms and express our solidarity with all those suffering and all those kids.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, And our House of European Democracy will not be tampered with, because we know that we can never take democracy for granted. We know that democratic principles are fragile and can be destabilised. And this is why there is such a clear role for regional and local governments in assuring that fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are present in the everyday life of our citizens.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, There are challenges ahead, and local authorities will play a pivotal role in addressing them. You will play a pivotal role in implementing the European Union's energy and climate policy. Let me say this again. We need to end our dependence on Russian gas. With pressure on energy sources resulting from Russia war on Ukraine regions and cities across Europe will need to be ready for change, from increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonising public transport to creating a circular economy, from clean air initiatives to waste management.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, All such reforms are already being rolled out by local and regional authorities, but there will be more, much more to do. You will play a crucial part in welcoming Ukrainian refugees who will get access to our schools and our services at an unprecedented time of crisis.

Adoption of the Marseille Manifesto of local and regional leaders - Europe starts in its regions, cities and villages by acclamation of the assemble

Meeting with Martine Vassal, President of Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis