The Café Europa in March, with the collaboration of the PEMB and its director, Oriol Estela, has explored the role and influence of cities in the European Union under the title "Cities: institution or lobby in the European Union?" .

During the session, it was highlighted how cities can influence European policies, considering the European origin of many of them. However, the lack of a clear political space for the active participation of cities in European construction has been pointed out on several occasions.

The experts, Marta Galceran from CIDOB and Jordi Harrison from the European Committee of the Regions, have highlighted the importance of recognizing cities in the design of European policies and legislation, including issues such as financing and communication channels. The heterogeneity of the Committee of the Regions, with large and small municipalities and regions, and its capacity for influence through various European bodies has been highlighted.

In conclusion, we must strengthen the participation of cities in European political decisions, with a more decisive role for the European Committee of the Regions in coordination with city networks, such as Eurocities, which ensures that cities have influence both at the European level as in its member states to have an effective impact in Europe.

You can retrieve the full program through YouTube and Ivoox.

Likewise, we invite you to the next session of Café Europa, which will take place on April 26 at 9 a.m. via Zoom and is titled “Labor Rights: What are we at stake in the next European elections?” coinciding with May Day.