Meeting in Bilbao, the representatives of the RLEG (European Regions with Legislative Powers) approved a statement defending a model in which small countries, nations and regions also participate in decisions.
The network of regions of the European Union that have legislative powers (RLEG) met in Bilbao to discuss a greater recognition to these regions and approved the call Declaration of Bilbao, in which they listed a series of intended improvements participation of countries and regions in European decisionsnot only from the Member States.
At the opening of the meeting, the Lehendakari Inigo Urkullu has defended that “it is possible, and more necessary than ever, to multi-tier governance model that benefits democracy.” She has advocated a model that gives voice and decision-making capacity to small countries, nations or regions with legislative capacity. “We are all part of this European project that we believe in. We are needed and we must contribute,” he noted.
According to the Lehendakari, the current governance model will be more effective if it incorporates more actors. He affirms that diversity brings wealth to a Europe “that cannot push aside those who are a little smaller, simply because they are”. “Europe is heterogeneous, diverse and multi-faceted. So should its decision-making bodies be,” he added.
The Declaration of Bilbao adopted today is, in the words of Iñigo Urkullu, a step towards achieving one common goal: have more diverse, open and participatory institutions. “Institutions built by and for European citizens. Institutions that give more space and participation to diversity, which is Europe’s great asset,” he stressed. In this sense, Iñigo Urkullu has demanded that the regions with legislative powers and constitutional nationalities be formally recognized as having a unique role in European governance.
The RLEG Initiative is a network of 17 regional and autonomous governments with legislative powers, many of which represent peoples or nations within their member states. At today’s meeting, the Lehendakari received the presidents and senior political representatives of the Azores, Catalonia, Corsica, Flanders, the Aland Islands, the Balearic Islands, Madeira and Valencia at the Euskalduna Palace in Bilbao.
Source: EITB
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
