During the Committee of the Regions Plenary session, the debate with European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, and with Andrea Abodi, Italian Minister for Sport and Youth, offered a strong political reflection on the role of culture as a cornerstone of European cohesion and territorial resilience. Speaking on behalf of ECR Group, Pierluigi Biondi, Mayor of L’Aquila and ECR member, emphasised that Europe demonstrates its true added value when policies are built from the ground up, rooted in local communities, traditions and shared memory. Of noteworthy mention is that the city of L'Aquila has been nominated Italian capital of Culture for 2026.

“If there is one field where Europe proves it is more than the sum of its Member States, that field is culture,” Biondi stated. “Culture is born in territories, in cities, in communities, in traditions and shared memory – and that is exactly where it must be defended and nurtured.” 

"The designation of L’Aquila as Italy’s Capital of Culture 2026 is a responsibility and a message to Europe. It means that culture can regenerate historic centres, create jobs, help prevent young people from leaving, and strengthen social cohesion in inland areas. But above all, it means that European identity is not built by erasing differences: it is built by protecting the plurality of local heritages — stone by stone, community by community, history by history."

“By investing in cultural and sport activities, as highlighted by Minister Abodi, we invest in the right to stay of the younger generations. Making our territories, our rural areas and peripherical regions more attractive means giving our youth the opportunity to live and prosper in the places they grew up in", Biondi concluded.