"Europe needs a soul, an ideal and the political will to achieve it" said Robert Schuman, one of the fathers of the European Project.
We need to confirm our commitment to Europe on a daily basis, because that is our soul and our political will to be united, in solidarity and in peace. The FMRM adheres to the institutional declaration of the FEMP on the occasion of the celebration of May 9, Europe Day.
Download link to the FEMP Institutional Declaration
The Commitment of Local Governments to the Defence of European Values
«For a united, united and peaceful Europe»
In 1950, five years after the end of World War II, European nations were still struggling to overcome the terrible effects of the conflict.
On May 9 of that year, the historic “Schuman Declaration” took place, which is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union, and in which the idea of a new
form of political cooperation in Europe that would make war between European nations inconceivable.
Since then, every May 9, we commemorate Europe Day and celebrate peace and unity on the old continent.
Today, 73 years later, the serious context in which we are living leads us to a profound reflection on the model of European integration that we want and need to address the challenges of a global society. This May 9 is the right time to highlight the importance of the cooperation of the European Union and its Member States in the face of each crisis, providing a coordinated and supportive European response that translates into coexistence, so as not to leave anyone or any territory behind.
In a uniquely decentralised geographical and political space such as Europe, the arrival of COVID19, the war caused by the invasion of Ukraine, the continued migration crises... have made it clear that it is necessary to articulate responses from the coordination and cooperation of all institutions at the different levels, European, national, regional and local, in order to face the urgent challenges of the planet, present and future, within the framework of compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
At the moment, the uncertainty of millions of Europeans is finding a clear refuge in the local governments of the EU.
Local action has once again demonstrated its ability to respond immediately to the impact of the social, health and economic consequences arising from the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and now by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
During the management of an unprecedented crisis in recent times, such as that derived from the pandemic, the need for strong States, articulated through solid Public Administrations, at their different levels, state, autonomous and local, has become clearly evident, as well as the importance of highlighting public policies and a loyal, well-organized and effective co-governance system, which must reach not only the national level but also the European level.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, representatives of local governments and their associations have also been involved and have been supporting within the framework of the European institutions, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRCE) and the Committee of the Regions (COR).
Local government representative associations such as CEMR must become key partners of the EU institutions, so that the principle of subsidiarity, established by the European Charter of Local Self-Government, is taken into account in all phases of the EU decision-making process, as this will promote awareness and positive evaluation of European legislation by citizens.
The participation of local governments in the events planned within the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union represents an opportunity for progress and reflection on these policies, competences and general functioning of the European institutions.
We advocate for a united, supportive and peaceful Europe that transforms its territories into territories of opportunity and places its citizens at the heart of public policies.
We share the ideals of democracy, prosperity, social cohesion, equality and justice, although we face new challenges for which once again local governments are
essential, as essential as they have been in the management of the last two major crises.
At FEMP, we believe it is necessary to strengthen the links between the European Union and its cities, and that, given the recent serious crises, this is a more than appropriate moment to give visibility and reinforce the role of Local Governments in the European sphere , also in the legislative sphere, considering that around 70% of EU legislation is applied at the local level of government.
To address one of the conclusions reached by the last Conference on the Future of Europe , namely the need to adopt measures to bring European Institutions closer to the public and make them more accessible, the role that Local Governments can play is relevant, generating spaces for debate and participation that make citizens feel that they are also part of the decisions that are made thousands of kilometers from their homes.
Local governments have been making a fundamental contribution to the development of the European spirit based on local autonomy, actively participating in European Union policies, which has allowed us to advance in strengthening and improving shared values.
Local governments reaffirm their commitment to continue working in favor of the democratic conscience of Europe and the defense of human rights, as pillars of peace and prosperity, the highest representation of European values , in whose defense and survival the future of European citizenship is based.
