Podcast on 'A Europe from below': Matteo Bianchi on regional roles
The vice-president of the Committee of the Regions discusses cohesion policies and participatory governance in the EU.
Contesto
In brief - Podcast on EU policies and the role of regions with Matteo Bianchi - Distinction between 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' Europe - Cohesion funds to reduce inequalities ## Key facts - What: Podcast on EU policies and the role of regions - When: 2026 - Where: Not specified - Who: Matteo Bianchi, Massimo Gaudina, Vincenzo Salvatore - Amount: Not specified In the podcast episode “Hands off Europe,” European official Massimo Gaudina, Insubria University professor Vincenzo Salvatore, and Vice President of the Committee of the Regions Matteo Bianchi delved into the role of cohesion policies and the weight of local autonomies in European decisions. The discussion highlighted how Brussels' choices directly impact territories and the daily lives of citizens. At the heart of the debate is the distinction between a 'top-down' Europe and a 'bottom-up' Europe. In the former, decisions come from central institutions with the goal of standardizing territories. In the latter, the process is built from the bottom up, valuing local specificities. 'We need a subsidiary approach that starts from the territories' – emphasized Matteo Bianchi, Vice President of the Committee of the Regions – highlighting the need to overcome an excessively centralist vision. In this perspective, regions and municipalities become key players in bringing needs and priorities to Brussels. ### The role of cohesion funds Ample space is dedicated to cohesion policies, considered one of the main tools of the European Union to reduce economic and social inequalities. Structural funds finance infrastructure, support employment, and accompany territories in development processes. For Italy, these are significant resources that in some regions have a substantial impact on public budgets. Not just economic tran...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for Cross-Border Workers Cohesion policies and participatory governance have a significant impact on cross-border workers who commute to Ticino from Italy. Structural funds can finance infrastructure that improves the quality of life and working conditions, such as more efficient public transport and improved healthcare services. This is particularly relevant for cross-border workers who cross the border daily to reach their workplace. ### Comparison of Governance Models The 'bottom-up' model promoted by Matteo Bianchi could lead to greater attention to the specific needs of cross-border workers. For example, regions could negotiate with the European Commission to obtain funds aimed at improving border infrastructure, such as the Brogeda and Gaggiolo crossings, making the passage between Italy and Switzerland more fluid. This could reduce waiting times and improve the daily experience of cross-border workers. ### Challenges in Managing Funds The ability to spend cohesion funds represents a significant challenge. Differences between Italian regions in managing these funds can lead to inequalities. For cross-border workers, this could mean that some regions benefit from better infrastructure and services than others. It is essential that regions improve their programming and spending capacity to ensure that funds are used effectively and benefit all citizens, including cross-border workers. ### The Role of the Committee of the Regions The Committee of the Regions plays a crucial role in ensuring that European regulations take into account local needs. For cross-border workers, this means that their concerns and needs can be brought to the attention of European institutions. For example, the Committee could express opinions on regulations concerning cro...
Punti chiave
What cross-border workers can do For cross-border workers who wish to benefit from cohesion policies and participatory governance, it's important to stay informed and actively participate in local decision-making processes. Here are some concrete steps: 1. Stay informed about local policies: Keep up-to-date with initiatives and projects funded by cohesion funds in your regions. This can help you better understand how these policies can impact your daily life. 2. Participate in public consultations: Join public consultations organized by local and regional authorities to express your opinions and needs. This is a way to make your voice heard and influence decisions that affect the community. 3. Contact local representatives: Reach out to local and regional representatives to discuss your concerns and suggest improvements. Representatives can bring these concerns to the Committee of the Regions and help formulate more effective policies. 4. Utilize available funds: Take advantage of available cohesion funds to improve local infrastructure and services. This can include participating in local development projects or applying for funding for initiatives that improve quality of life. ### Useful Tools For cross-border workers who want to delve deeper into cohesion policies and participatory governance, there are several useful tools available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. For example, the salary calculator can help you better understand the tax implications of European policies. Additionally, the cost-of-living section provides detailed information on living costs in Ticino and neighboring regions, helping cross-border workers plan their finances better. ### Conclusion Cohesion policies and participatory governance represent an important opportunity to improve the...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the role of regions in the EU's cohesion policies?
- Regions play a crucial role in the EU's cohesion policies, negotiating directly with the European Commission and contributing to policy definition through the Committee of the Regions. This advisory body expresses opinions on regulations that impact territories, ensuring that local needs are taken into account.
- How can cross-border workers benefit from cohesion funds?
- Cross-border workers can benefit from cohesion funds by staying informed about local initiatives, participating in public consultations, and taking advantage of available funds to improve infrastructure and services. This can include participating in local development projects or applying for funding for initiatives that improve quality of life.
- What are the main challenges in managing cohesion funds?
- The main challenges in managing cohesion funds include the ability to effectively plan and spend resources. Differences among Italian regions in managing these funds can lead to inequalities, making it essential to improve programming and spending capacity to ensure that funds are used effectively and benefit all citizens, including cross-border workers.