From the first stages of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the local authorities have stood by the side of the citizens and especially the vulnerable groups of the population, thus proving the important social work they perform. Several municipalities have even identified various actions related to tax breaks, payment facilities and other social assistance programs to relieve and facilitate their citizens. Recognizing the need to get out of the coronavirus crisis, the members of the European Committee of the Regions also pointed out the need for a bold recovery plan by the Member States, which could be used by local authorities for the benefit of their citizens.
The European Union budget known as the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, as well as the Pandemic Recovery Fund Covid-19, include several provisions, which have been proposed by the European Committee of the Regions, although they do not leave us completely satisfied. Key elements such as security, recovery, resilience of municipalities and communities, improved health care, cohesion policy and rural development are key demands of unsuccessful European local and regional authorities. The same has happened with the support of the tourism industry, the promotion of culture, the strengthening of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and vulnerable populations that have been hit hardest by the effects of the pandemic, with several SMEs facing serious cash flow problems. and survival. In the case of vulnerable groups, enormous efforts are being made by local authorities in cooperation with the central government to provide special assistance to address and prevent the further spread of the disease, especially to the disabled, the elderly, the homeless, third-country nationals, refugees. and immigrants.
Of course, it has been observed that the implementation of restrictive measures has led to a tremendous increase in cases of domestic violence and in the relationship between parents and children. Many children have been deprived for a long time of their school friends and the school environment, a fact that requires the guarantee of the right to education and schooling for all. With the new data in education, both teachers and students should be aware of the use of modern technology, the digitization of education, distance education and e-learning.
Tourism, in turn, which is the main source of income in many areas, has also been affected and emergency measures must be taken to reduce the impact of the crisis and to ensure the protection of both travelers and workers. in the tourism industry and on the other hand the survival of tourism businesses. Understandably, the fields of culture and creation have been hit equally hard, and Member States should therefore seek to strengthen cultural and creative programs through the Creative Europe program.
In any case, the current crisis will show whether solidarity is an obligation of the Member States, as stated in Article 222 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Local authorities have shown that through partnerships they have been able to successfully meet the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, they are unable to cope with the economic impact of supporting cohesion policy, rural development, healthcare and supporting affected companies, because they concern governments and the European Union. At the local level, the pandemic has been shown to be very successful, while at the central and European level, it has become apparent that some countries have been slow to realize the danger of the coronavirus. This is also an additional reason for bottom-up policy.
Andros G. Karagiannis
Mayor of Deryneia