(15 October 2015) – The European regions mostly hit by the unfolding refugee crisis have asked more help from Brussels in order to deliver their “humane” and “technical” goals.
In an event organised by the Region of North Aegean, the Region of Sicily and the Region of Calabria with the support of CPMR (Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions), Eurocities, CEMR (Council of European Municipalities and Regions), and hosted by the Greek MEP Eliza Vozemberg (EPP), regional and local leaders exchanged their views, with MEPs focusing on migration and the role the EU regions need to play in the refugee crisis.
The debate focused on the proper use of the EU funds related to migration and the need for the regions to play a more decisive role in their use, being in the front line and often, without having sufficient means.
The speakers presented ideas and shared best practices discussing ways to improve access to finance for regions mainly hit by the refugee crisis.
In an effort to tackle the refugee crisis, Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu decided on 23 September to let member states make more flexible use of EU funding in the framework of cross-border cooperation programmes, and macro-regional strategies. (EurActiv)