President of the Committee of Regions (CoR), Ramon Luis Valcárcel, called for an agreement on the EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework) to be reached before the summer, in order to ensure adequate planning of regional and local investment for the coming years. He also expressed serious concerns about the positions expressed by some MEPs who suggested that cohesion policy was rooted in the past.

President of the Committee of Regions (CoR), Ramon Luis Valcárcel, presented during the CoR 100th plenary Europe's cities and regions priorities to the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz. Both presidents shared concerns on 2014-2020 budget. The Committee of the Regions formally reacted to the proposals regarding the Multi-Annual Financial Framework in October 2012.

The CoR also raised serious concerns about the positions expressed by some Members of the European Parliament who suggested that cohesion policy was rooted in the past. On the other hand, President Schulz reiterated the importance of providing the European Union with adequate financial means for the next seven years, as well as the urgent need to address the risk of a growing EU structural deficit.

During the debate, it was highlighted the complementarity roles of the European Parliament and Committee of the Regions. Commenting on the raise of anti-EU sentiment, Mr Schulz called on the CoR to fully contribute to save the EU by revitalising its founding values and making clear that Europe does not need to do everything. When things can be better done at local and regional level, they must be brought back to those levels.