ECR Bureau Member and Municipal Councillor, Michael Rosenberg, hosted a successful edition of the ECR Local Dialogues in his own town of Helsingborg in Sweden. The event focused on infrastructure, connectivity, civil preparedness, security and how Swedish regions can use EU funds to further unlock their potential. 

"The region of Skåne demonstrates the importance of infrastructure and connectivity for local and regional communities. We are located just a few kilometres from the coast of Denmark and we serve as a critical gateway to the Baltic Sea. Cohesion funds have proven to be of the utmost importance for the development of our region given its strategic location", said Mr Rosenberg.

The ECR Local Dialogue took place the day before the European Committee of the Regions Bureau meeting in Copenhagen, symbolising the importance of investing in connectivity and preparedness in regions like Skåne. The event saw local experts, elected politicians and members of the public administration debating these important topics divided in two panels.

With the continued discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the importance of a strong Cohesion Policy has emerged evident for regions like Skåne. "As local administrators we know better the needs in terms of investment and infrastructure for our territories, each with its own specificity and characteristics. This is why we need to keep defending a strong Cohesion Policy in the next MFF".