EU Local Councillors from Tuscany meeting with Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Roxana Mînzatu

On 7 May 2026, in Florence, members of the EU Local Councillors network from Tuscany met with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Roxana Mînzatu, alongside the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the European University Institute.

The Vice-President was welcomed by members of the European Committee of the Regions, Luca Menesini, President of the PES Group, and Matteo Bianchi, Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions.

Several councillors shared experiences, projects and the needs of their local territories.

The meeting provided an important opportunity for discussion on the role of local communities and the challenges faced by rural and inner areas, with particular attention to European strategies and funding, especially the European Social Fund, in support of young people, social policies and culture.

The Vice-President highlighted the importance of the Committee of the Regions in the EU legislative process as the voice of locally elected representatives. She also shared reflections with participants on the main political challenges currently facing the European Union, with a particular focus on the need for cohesion policy that fully takes into account the needs of local communities.

Special attention was given to experiences from small municipalities, where the need to tackle depopulation and encourage young people to remain in their territories (the “right to stay”) clearly emerged.

The crucial role of culture, as well as social and integration initiatives, particularly those targeting migrants and women, was also highlighted as key to strengthening social cohesion within local communities.

This was the first meeting between a European Commissioner and members of the EU Local Councillors network, in line with the invitation made by President Ursula von der Leyen in the Commissioners’ mission letters, encouraging them to engage with EU Local Councillors during their visits to Member States.

Audiovisual Service - Visit of Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, to Italy