The EU’s first Regional and Local Barometer gives an overview of the state of regions and cities during this COVID-19 crisis, as they have been on the frontlines of dealing with this unprecedented crisis. The evidence-based report, produced by the European Committee of the Regions, shows how they are key to the economic recovery, and highlights the impact and measures taken

The first edition of the Barometer of Cities and Regions gives EU decision-makers, national governments, regions, cities and stakeholders a clear understanding of what this crisis means on the ground, and what its consequences are for our communities. The Barometer, which will be annual report, also aims to help guide policy choices for recovery.

It highlights some successful measures taken by some CoR members in their regions, who were confronted with health, economic, social, environmental and local democracy and governance impacts,  including these Renew Europe members: 

• • Province of South-Holland     Jeannette Baljeu

In cooperation with other private and public institutions such as The Hague or Rotterdam, has launched a platform called “Resilient Society” where innovative companies can provide solutions for COVID-related challenges.

• Region of Île-de-France     Frank Cecconi

Île-de-France established emergency equipment fund of EUR 10 million to purchase equipment for healthcare professionals. It has financed a digital platform (COVIDom) for the home monitoring of COVID-19 patients and arranged for the provision of accommodation in high schools (9 200 beds and 45 individual rooms) for health professionals as well for non-COVID-19 hospitalised people to relieve hospitals. EUR 50 million will be made available for the health sector, including measures to boost telemedicine in the region and financial support for healthcare volunteers and students who provided valuable assistance during the crisis.

• City of Zwolle     René De Heer

A temporary “brigade” made up of members of public administrations and private stakeholders has been created in order to support employers in the continuity of their businesses. The brigade has been proactively in contact with entrepreneurs through online and offline channels and has implemented a joint communication and monitoring strategy on the national and regional aid actions. All these initiatives, the existing aid support schemes and other useful links have been included on a new dedicated website, which employers can use as a platform to share experiences and tips.

• Istria     Valter Drandric

• In Istria the education system has been giving a hand to the health sector. Primary and high school students from Istria county, along with their teachers, principals and other school staff, helped to produce protective visors for medical staff using the 3D printers at the schools’ disposal.

• Basque Country     Maria Elorza

• Basque Country launched a set of measures for EUR 586 million at the end of March, including an emergency credit line of EUR 25 million at zero cost, a EUR 500 million line of working capital guaranteed by the region at zero cost, refinancing and adaptation of the conditions on repayable advances, and funding for the development of technology and telework in small and medium-sized companies (EUR 45 million)

For more info on local and regional action(s) taken by our members at the start of the pandemic and still ongoing, visit our COVID-19 updates page.

The Barometer will help regions and cities make their voice heard in the EU decision-making process, backing their claims with evidence and data.