Catalonia urges EU to back regional funding reform

Catalan leaders urged the European Union to back regional funding reform at a meeting on Friday between President Salvador Illa, Jaume Duch, Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, and Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions.

Speaking afterwards at the Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, Duch stressed the importance of the EU Council of Ministers approving a funding mechanism that takes Europe's regions into account.

In a similar vein, Tüttő spoke about the future of Europe and the Committee's funding goals, while advocating for the inclusion of sub-state entities in the European project.

She emphasised that regions are "the glue that holds the EU together" and argued that they must be included in EU processes.

Duch stressed that the Committee of the Regions allows Catalonia to have greater influence and visibility in Brussels.

Duch and Tüttő had already met on Thursday at the Department of Foreign Affairs. During that meeting, Duch emphasised Catalonia's desire to take part in discussions on the EU's next long-term budget and to influence cohesion policy.

Catalan engagement in the Committee of the Regions

Strengthening Catalonia's presence and influence in the Committee of the Regions is a "strategic priority" for the Catalan government.

One of the first decisions taken by the Illa administration was to reinstate the direct participation of the Catalan president as a full member of the Committee after more than a decade.

Tüttő’s visit to Barcelona follows earlier visits this year by European Council President António Costa, European Commission Vice-Presidents Teresa Ribera and Roxana Mînzatu, and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.