Catalan vice president wants greater role of sub-state governments in the EU

Brussels (ACN).- Catalan vice president Josep-Lluís Carod-Rovira urged European leaders to recognise the role of sub-state governments in the European Union. In a conference in Belgium, Carod-Rovira said that nations such as Catalonia or Wallonia should have a role in the EU decision-making process if the EU wants to become a truly 'flexible' institution 'adapted to reality'.

“At the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, many discovered that 60% of the policies needed to fight climate change are within the competences of sub-state governments of nations, regions or provinces”, he said in front of a thousand of European politicians. “Europe is not only constructed by states, but also by nations, provinces and regions”, he added. Carod-Rovira urged the EU to “prioritise” the promotion of cooperation among regions and states. The vice president pointed to cooperation between Catalonia and France in the construction and management of the transborder hospital of La Cerdanya as “the best example” of collaboration amongst state and sub-state institutions.

During his trip to Belgium, the Catalan vice president also met the Wallonian president, Rudy Demotte. The two leaders discussed the collaboration between both governments. The Wallonian president expressed desire to cooperate with Catalonia on issues such as foreign affairs, aid and development and innovation.