Councillors from Tuscany participate in a high-level debate on internal and external security in the EU

On 8 May 2025, the European University Institute hosted a high-level debate on internal and external security in the EU, featuring keynote addresses by António Costa, President of the European Council, and Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions.

President Costa opened the event by underlining the need for strategic unity and resilience in the face of growing geopolitical challenges. In the following session, President Tüttő focused on the role of cities and regions in protecting Europe’s democratic and social fabric.

“We need all levels of leadership—local, regional, national, and European. Cities and regions are not only implementers; they are innovators and protectors of Europe’s resilience,” she stated.

CoR President remarks offered a compelling vision of long-term, inclusive security, grounded in the daily realities and democratic vitality of local communities.

Among the speakers of the session: Antonio Mazzeo, President of the Regional Council of Tuscany and Professor Anton Hemerijck, Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the EUI.

A key feature of the event was the active involvement of the members of the EU Local Councillors Network invited to take part in the debate.

Three EU local Councillors from Tuscany - Irene Falchini, Cristina Giachi, and Andrea Bonfanti - attended in person and contributed directly to the debate, sharing insights from their local contexts on strengthening peace and fostering social cohesion. Their interventions highlighted the network’s critical role as a bridge between EU institutions and citizens, bringing ground-level perspectives into high-level discussions.

Over 250 participants took part in this event. Several other EU Local Councillors from across Member States followed the event online and submitted questions to the speakers. This hybrid engagement underscored the Network’s growing relevance as a platform for democratic participation at the EU level.

The event confirmed the importance of inclusive, multilevel cooperation in responding to Europe’s security challenges—and demonstrated the value of the EU Local Councillors Network as a channel for civic engagement and policy input.

Recordings of both sessions are available here:

• President António Costa addresses Europe’s security amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty
• President Kata Tütto on internal and external security for a more cohesive Union