Brussels – At a press conference held in Brussels on Thursday, Austrian Association of Municipalities President Johannes Pressl emphasized that European municipalities will be “strongly addressed” by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He remarked, “We have received assurances that there will be a greater focus on the municipal level,” indicating that future EU commissioners will be expected to engage more with local governments in their decision-making processes.
Pressl, the mayor of Ardagger in Lower Austria, noted that “Europe needs time to recognize this new focus.” His visit to Brussels coincided with the annual European Day held in collaboration with the German Association of Towns and Municipalities. During this event, the attendees adopted a resolution titled “Going into the Future Together – Municipalities Create Homes!” which highlights the crucial role of municipalities in tackling pressing challenges such as migration and digitalization.
Former deputy member of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) Hejo Höfer pointed out that citizens are feeling anxious amid ongoing crises, turning to local municipalities for support. He stressed the importance of allowing municipalities to manage smaller, local issues to foster a sense of security among residents. He warned that if local stability falters, it could negatively affect the broader European landscape. Höfer criticized the current situation in Germany, referring to it as a “significant deficit for municipalities over the past decades,” arguing that if local governments are tasked with new responsibilities, they must be adequately funded to meet those needs.
Municipalities are currently facing challenges related to migration, according to Pressl, who called for recognition of the “consequential effects on municipalities that host newcomers.” He urged for a clearer understanding of the services provided by local governments in the integration process, which extend beyond the “short-term intake of individuals.” Pressl expressed hopes that Austria’s future EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), will work towards more equitable distribution of migration responsibilities across Europe, as currently a small number of states and municipalities bear an excessive burden, leading to significant challenges.
While there is currently no dedicated EU commissioner for municipal affairs in the upcoming von der Leyen II Commission, which is set to take office on December 1, Pressl and his German counterparts remain optimistic about their demands. “We hope to eventually have our own commissioner,” he stated. Furthermore, the joint resolution emphasizes the need for strong political representation of local interests and concerns within other European institutions, particularly the European Parliament. (22.11.2024)
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