Local Alliance supports European Parliament's position on NRPP
The Local Alliance welcomes the European Parliament (EP) draft report on the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) within the next EU budget for 2028–2034.
The Local Alliance comprises leading European networks, including POLIS, that together represent nearly two thousand cities and regions across Europe. In light of growing concerns regarding the potential weakening of cohesion policy objectives, the marginalisation of regions and cities in delivering EU priorities, and the risk of reduced transparency and accountability in the allocation of EU funds, the Alliance particularly welcomes the proposed improvements outlined in the EP's report.
In fact, the recent joint report from the REGI, BUDG, and AGRI Committees calls for a more significant role for local and regional authorities in designing and implementing the EU funding instruments. The document highlights the importance of territorial innovation and transition plans, such as Territorial Just Transition Plans and Smart Specialisation Strategies, and emphasises the need for dedicated funding for all regions and sustainable urban development. These measures aim to safeguard the principles of cohesion policy and maintain place-based approaches.
In addition, the Local Alliance supports the draft report’s acknowledgement of local climate and energy planning, especially through references to the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans developed under the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. This recognition underscores the crucial role that cities and regions play in translating EU climate and energy objectives into actionable investment priorities.
For a EU budget that reflects real territorial needs
The next steps involve preserving a strong and well-funded cohesion policy as a key element of European integration. Effective governance must maintain a clear territorial dimension to ensure that local and regional authorities are involved and that local needs are addressed. This, in turn, will also promote transparency, accountability, and accessibility in the design and implementation of NRPPs
This draft report is a first step toward the EP's position on how EU funding should be designed and delivered across Europe's regions and cities. As the legislative process for the EU budget progresses, the Local Alliance remains committed to engaging constructively with co-legislators to enhance the role of local and regional authorities, ensuring that the final EU budget strengthens rather than undermines Europe’s territorial cohesion and democratic governance.
Read the Local Alliance press release here.
