Subnational government is responsible for two thirds of public investment in the EU, one third of public expenditure, and one quarter of tax revenue. This subnational level is made up of approximately one million democratically elected politicians who are represented at European level by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). In the past mandate (2015-2020), the CoR developed its capacity to bring to the European level a clearer picture of the situation “on the ground”, in terms of evidence and policy experience.
One example of this is the Regional Hubs initiative which, in its first phase brought together 36 regions for targeted policy consultations, functioning jointly with the European Commission and is now in phase 2, with 45 regions, contributing directly to the Fit for Future Platform. In 2020, the CoR launched the EU Local and Regional Barometer, an evidence-based snapshot of the situation of the Union’s regions, cities and towns, which also includes a series of policy recommendations.
