Democratic Mayors' Network - 14 - October 2022

Twelve mayors and local leaders from seven countries in Europe discussed on 14 October 2002 in Rome common challenges and shared best practice on sustainability, EU funding, city to city cooperation, citizen participation, refugee crisis and democracy.

Held alongside the European Democratic Party (EDP) Congress, the first Democratic Mayors Summit was convened by François Decoster, Renew Europe President in the Committee of the Regions with Sandro Gozi, a member of the European Parliament and Secretary General of the EDP.

Mayors shared during the mid-afternoon meeting their views on sustainability, EU funding, city-to-city cooperation, citizen participation, the refugee crisis and the state of democracy. In addition, the mayors called for greater cooperation in advancing local and regional agenda and support for smart conditionality when it comes to EU funds. The mayors also agreed to establish a Democratic Mayors Network and start preparations for Europe Day 2023 and the next European elections.

***Attendees***

Twelve mayors and local leaders from seven countries attended, including: François Decoster (Saint-Omer), Jean-Marie Beaupuy (Former Deputy Mayor of Reims), Istvan Serto Radics (Former Mayor of Uszka), Birgit Kreß (Mayor of Markt Erlbach), Helmut Kinkel (Mayor of Groß-Gerau), Juan María Aburto (Mayor of Bilbao), Ander Añibarro (Mayor of Llodio), Maria Ubarrechena (Mayor of Mondragon), Monika Shaw Salajová (Councillor Prague 5), Giuseppe Varacallli (Former Mayor of Gerace), Sergio Ravier Rodriges Fernnades (Mayor of El Paso), Filipe Sousa (Mayor of Santa Cruz).

***Why the summit matters***
The role of city mayors is becoming increasingly important in building the European Union and in helping the EU to successfully manage the challenges of the 21st century.