by InTrieste
Massimiliano Fedriga, Governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, participated in the inaugural session of the eighth term of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels on Tuesday, underscoring the importance of local territories in shaping European policies.
Fedriga, who attended alongside Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, emphasized the necessity of local community participation in cohesion policies. He stressed that avoiding the centralization of regional funds is crucial for ensuring that local needs are met.
“Participation and shared responsibility from local communities are vital for the success of cohesion policies,” said Fedriga. “It is essential that regional funds be distributed equitably, rather than centralized.”
During the session, Costa also addressed the defense industry, discussing the increasing resources allocated to the sector and the role local regions could play in the process. Costa noted that the goal of this decision is to safeguard the freedoms of European citizens, coordinating efforts within policies that promote balance across all EU territories.
In addition to his committee work, Governor Fedriga met with Federica Favi, Italy’s Ambassador to Belgium. The two discussed potential strategies to boost tourism from Belgium to Friuli Venezia Giulia, particularly through the existing air link between Brussels and Trieste Airport.
Fedriga also used the visit as an opportunity to promote Nova Gorica-Gorizia as the European Capital of Culture for 2025. He highlighted the significance of the event in enhancing the region’s international profile.
“These meetings in Brussels have reaffirmed the active role of our region in European affairs,” Fedriga concluded, emphasizing the need for territorial involvement in the EU’s decision-making processes.
