The CoR's opinion on an EU communication on "Migration on the Central Mediterranean route – Managing flows, saving lives" emphasises the need to strengthen local authorities, said the CoR's rapporteur, Hans Janssen (NL/EPP), mayor of the town of Oisterwijk. Mr Janssen's recommendations call for the EU to boost Libyan cities' ability to meet "basic needs and services", to develop youth policies, and to promote "alternative livelihoods", as well as for the EU to give its political support so that, "as a minimum", local governments are given "the authority and resources to respond appropriately to the needs of migrants in the communities under their jurisdiction".
Leonello Gabrici, head of the division for migration and human security in the European External Action Service (EEAS), said: "we need to rebuild this country [Libya] starting with local communities" and to accept that the EU's support will need to go "beyond classic development aid".
The second set of recommendations approved by the CoR's Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX), on "European action for sustainability", is intended to ensure that the EU and its cities and regions respond fully and effectively to the UN's SDGs, a 15-year plan of action – in the UN's words – "for people, planet and prosperity".
(Source: EU)