The Carpathians Interregional Group held its first meeting via videoconference since the COVID-19 outbreak. The chair of the Carpathians Interregional Group is Władysław Ortyl who also serves as both President of the Podkarpackie region as well as President of the ECR Group in the CoR. The Carpathians Interregional Group includes members of the CoR from the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Mr. Ortyl served as rapporteur for a CoR opinion called “A macro-regional strategy for the Carpathian region," which was adopted in the 137th plenary session of the CoR, and was cited by MEP Tomasz Poręba when he recently directed a question at the European Commission regarding the establishment of the macro-regional strategy and economic growth in the Carpathian region. This action highlights the continued importance of investing in this macro-region.

​The meeting discussed the future objectives the group has in the coming term. These goals include involving regional authorities and communities in the implementation of the macro-regional strategy. Members also discussed how it is crucial to build integrated ties between communities in the Carpathian region and the CoR by underlining mutual goals such as facilitating economic development. The Group also debated how it would like to cooperate with national governments and take the initiative in framing the macro-regional strategy by submitting a formal proposal to the European Council.

The mayor of Cugir, Romania, Adrian Teban, was a prominent speaker during the meeting. He discussed how in March, a delegation from Podkarpackie led by Mr Ortyl came to Brasov and met representatives of the Centru region in Romania. During that meeting, a joint appeal had been signed regarding proposals for the economic development of the Carpathian macro-region. Local authorities from the Centru region sent the signed document to various European institutions, as well as to the Romanian prime minister.

Responding to Mr. Teban, Mr Ortyl said: “The appeal we signed in Brasov is having a huge impact in the Carpathian regions. We received incredibly positive responses from our partners in Slovakia and Ukraine. The Carpathian strategy was one of the main points discussed at the meeting of the Slovakian regional presidents earlier last month. The Slovaks are planning on drawing up a similar appeal to send to Brussels. I encourage other local and regional authorities in the Carpathians to be as proactive."

The meeting concluded fruitfully and was successful in deepening cooperation between members serving the Carpathian region. The Carpathian Interregional Group remains committed to ensuring the region's continued growth and prosperity.