SHAPING THE PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS OF THE FUTURE: THE FOUR MOTORS FOR EUROPE AT THE #EUREGIONSWEEK 2024

Artificial intelligence, new technologies and future-proof connections were the focus of the conference organised by the Four Motors for Europe, under the Presidency of the Lombardy Region, as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

The event took place on Tuesday 8 October 2024 at the headquarters of the Committee of the Regions. Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Lombardy Region with responsibility for International and European Relations, led the meeting, during which the speakers explored their respective regional strategies on artificial intelligence and shared practical examples of application.

The theme chosen was thought to be closely linked to the 2024-2025 programme of the Four Motors for Europe, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence and the future of mobility.

“The debate allowed us to analyse global issues from a local and territorial perspective - underlined Cattaneo - and we had the opportunity to share how our regional and local authorities are using big data and artificial intelligence to enhance competitiveness in transport, mobility and communications, as well as in developing new proximity services for all citizens.”

Opening remarks were made by Agustí Fernandez de Losada, Secretary of European Union and Foreign Action of Catalonia.

Baden-Württemberg was represented by Bodo Lehman, Head of the Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union.

The floor was then given to: Arnau Serra Pòrtulas, Coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy of Catalonia; Hortense Lutz-Hermellin, representing the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region in Brussels; Matteo Bianchi, Municipal councilor of the city of Varese and Head of Department for Europe at ANCI Lombardia and CoR member.

The meeting offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of ensuring that regions have a voice in the decision-making processes of the European Union: “as the Four Motors for Europe – concluded Cattaneo – we have the right authority and experience to say that the role of sub-national governments should be strengthened in the ascendant phase of the formation of European legislation. That would help a more careful calibration of European directives and policies based on the peculiarities, strengths and needs of European territories”.