Cities and regions: key allies to modernize Europe’s economy

Today, Vice-President for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič together with the President of the European Committee of the Regions Markku Markkula and economist Jeremy Rifkin participate in a high-level conference in Brussels on coalition-building to promote investment into smart cities and smart regions in Europe. “The transition to an economy that is low-carbon and efficient in the use of energy and resources is underway. Successfully improving the quality of life in urban areas largely depends upon the transformative capacities of cities”, said Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič during his opening remarks at the beginning of the event. “More than ever, it matters for EU politics to connect directly with mayors and urban stakeholders“, added Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Crețu ahead of today’s conference.