Salvador Illa Calls for Unity in Europe Amid Regional Leadership Transition
The president of Generalitat emphasizes the importance of defending the European Union during the handover of the presidency of the Eurorregion Pirineos Mediterrànea.
Salvador Illa, the president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, has called for a collective effort to defend Europe beyond individual ideologies and beliefs, emphasizing that the union of the 27 member states represents the most ambitious and successful political, economic, and social project in history.
This statement was made during the official transition of the presidency of the Eurorregion Pirineos Mediterrànea, an interregional association that includes Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Occitania.
Marga Prohens, the Balearic government leader, did not attend the event due to health reasons and was represented by Antònia Maria Estarellas, the Balearic Minister of the Presidency and Public Administrations.
Illa highlighted the role of the Eurorregion, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, in benefiting the approximately 15 million citizens residing in these regions and contributing to the construction of Europe during challenging times.
He referred to the shared cause of these territories within Europe as a unifying factor that appeals to all involved.
In his remarks, Illa stated, "I call upon all citizens of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Occitania, and the broader regions of Spain, France, and the European Union to defend Europe over ideologies and beliefs, as Europe guarantees our diversity of ideas, beliefs, and identities." He expressed the hope that individuals will someday proclaim their European identity with the same pride they possess for their regional identities.
Illa underscored the significance of the Eurorregion as an example of a responsible and optimistic political approach focused on improving the lives of people, despite geographical barriers such as the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
He identified several challenges for the Eurorregion, including the need for greater influence of the regions in the formulation of social, economic, and environmental policies within the EU, advancing the Mediterranean Corridor, and seeking enhanced transboundary policy cooperation from states.
Estarellas acknowledged Illa's contributions, stating that the collaboration between the two neighboring communities, which had been nonexistent for years, has now been restored, allowing for mutual respect and cooperative work within the framework of the Eurorregion.
She emphasized the importance of focusing on Mediterranean issues during their presidency of the regional association.
Carole Delga, the president of Occitania, met with Illa prior to the official event and highlighted Europe’s critical juncture.
She stressed the need for the continent to ensure its own security and defense, noting the impact of rising populism.
Delga pointed out that upcoming budgetary decisions will significantly affect EU cohesion policies, amid rising challenges.
Jaume Duch, the Conseller of External Action, provided an overview of Catalonia's achievements during its two-year presidency, indicating that the region has met its objectives, including the implementation of a roadmap aimed at enhancing socio-economic impact within the Eurorregion by 2030. He noted the strengthening of alliances among territories and the collective pursuit of measurable goals.
Duch reiterated the progress still needed in areas such as the euromediterranean railway corridor, cross-border energy connections, responsible tourism, and fostering an innovative ecosystem in southern Europe.
This statement was made during the official transition of the presidency of the Eurorregion Pirineos Mediterrànea, an interregional association that includes Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Occitania.
Marga Prohens, the Balearic government leader, did not attend the event due to health reasons and was represented by Antònia Maria Estarellas, the Balearic Minister of the Presidency and Public Administrations.
Illa highlighted the role of the Eurorregion, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, in benefiting the approximately 15 million citizens residing in these regions and contributing to the construction of Europe during challenging times.
He referred to the shared cause of these territories within Europe as a unifying factor that appeals to all involved.
In his remarks, Illa stated, "I call upon all citizens of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Occitania, and the broader regions of Spain, France, and the European Union to defend Europe over ideologies and beliefs, as Europe guarantees our diversity of ideas, beliefs, and identities." He expressed the hope that individuals will someday proclaim their European identity with the same pride they possess for their regional identities.
Illa underscored the significance of the Eurorregion as an example of a responsible and optimistic political approach focused on improving the lives of people, despite geographical barriers such as the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
He identified several challenges for the Eurorregion, including the need for greater influence of the regions in the formulation of social, economic, and environmental policies within the EU, advancing the Mediterranean Corridor, and seeking enhanced transboundary policy cooperation from states.
Estarellas acknowledged Illa's contributions, stating that the collaboration between the two neighboring communities, which had been nonexistent for years, has now been restored, allowing for mutual respect and cooperative work within the framework of the Eurorregion.
She emphasized the importance of focusing on Mediterranean issues during their presidency of the regional association.
Carole Delga, the president of Occitania, met with Illa prior to the official event and highlighted Europe’s critical juncture.
She stressed the need for the continent to ensure its own security and defense, noting the impact of rising populism.
Delga pointed out that upcoming budgetary decisions will significantly affect EU cohesion policies, amid rising challenges.
Jaume Duch, the Conseller of External Action, provided an overview of Catalonia's achievements during its two-year presidency, indicating that the region has met its objectives, including the implementation of a roadmap aimed at enhancing socio-economic impact within the Eurorregion by 2030. He noted the strengthening of alliances among territories and the collective pursuit of measurable goals.
Duch reiterated the progress still needed in areas such as the euromediterranean railway corridor, cross-border energy connections, responsible tourism, and fostering an innovative ecosystem in southern Europe.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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