Andalusia has taken a definitive step to consolidate itself as one of the most influential regions in Europe, thanks to Protagonism of the Andalusian president, Juanma Moreno, who, in his role as Co-President of the European Committee of the Regions, has positioned the community as respected and heard voice in major European forums. During one intense institutional agenda in Brussels, the Andalusian leader has strengthened strategic alliances with regions of great weight such as Bavaria and Saxony, consolidating the strength of Andalusia in Europe and reaffirming the need for regions to be key players in decision-making that affects the entire European Union.
The meeting between the Andalusian president and the Minister of State for European and International Relations of the Bavarian Government, Eric Beißwenger, symbolizes this new scenario of cooperation where Andalusia is no longer just participating, it is leading. Both regions shared common concerns, such as Water management, agriculture, energy autonomy and industrial policy, stressing that these issues must occupy a central place on the agenda of Europe.
"The regions must play a decisive role in building Europe, because it is from these territories that real solutions to the challenges of the present and the future are articulated," Moreno argued., who has rejected Brussels' centralization of cohesion funds. The Andalusian president insisted that it is essential to strengthen the voice of the regions in EU policies, especially in matters such as water, a sector in which Andalusia is demanding European funds to guarantee water sustainability throughout Europe.
Concerns about drought have already reached northern Europe.
This is a reality that forces us to put the debate on water management and funding front and center.
Y #Andaucia adds allies. pic.twitter.com/pl3qBvWM5G
—Juanma Moreno (@JuanMa_Moreno) May 14, 2025
Andalusia and Bavaria, a strategic alliance in the heart of Europe
Both Bavaria and Andalusia agreed on the need to assert their specific weight within Europe, building a strategic alliance that promotes decentralized policies in key sectors such as water, agriculture, automotive, and energy. In this regard, it was agreed to launch technical meetings between both administrations to prepare for a future meeting in Munich, as well as to sign collaboration agreements and protocols.
The Andalusian president stressed that the union with Bavaria opens a fruitful stage of cooperation between two of the most powerful regions of Europe, highlighting Andalusia's commitment to sustainable industry, energy transition, and innovation.
The importance of Juanma Moreno's leadership in Europe This was again made clear in his meeting with Thomas Schmidt, President of the German Delegation to the European Committee of the Regions and Minister of State of Saxony. Both regions are strengthening ties in the field of renewable energy, with Andalusia contributing its strength in green hydrogen and solar energy, while Saxony is advancing the transition from coal to sustainable models.
This collaboration is part of joint initiatives such as the Solar Industry Region in Europe (SIRE), where Andalusia is already a key player in promoting the European solar photovoltaic industry, further reinforcing the community's leading role in the energy transition of Europe.
Andalusia leads the voice of the regions in European research and innovation
In his speech at the plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions, Juanma Moreno strongly defended the need for the regions to take on a leading role in shaping the European Research Area (ERA), advocating that innovation and science policies should be Europe respond to territorial needs and not just to the priorities set by Brussels.
The Andalusian president called for more support for the work carried out by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Seville and welcomed the announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to allocate €500 million to talent acquisition through the Choose Europe initiative. "This is the way to ensure social cohesion and sustainability for future generations," Moreno said.
The defense that the Andalusian leader made before the Committee underlines Andalusia's commitment to a Europe More cohesive, more innovative, and more sustainable, where regions are key players in the digital transition, industrial decarbonization, health, and climate. Along these lines, he demanded that the future FP10 Framework Programme maintain its current structure and not be constrained by new defense and security priorities, calling for "bridge projects" that bring the most basic science closer to real, practical applications at the regional level.
I have proposed to the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, @EZaharievaEU, that the programs launched by the @EU_Commission can be directed towards priority areas for European regions such as water.
To #Andalusia it's key.
Interesting meeting. pic.twitter.com/OClyCObnPy
—Juanma Moreno (@JuanMa_Moreno) May 14, 2025
Andalusia, a strategic center for European cohesion and development
The active role that Andalusia is playing within the European Committee of the Regions, under the leadership of Juanma Moreno, is allowing Andalusian interests to be placed at the centre of major decisions. Europe. The Andalusian community is demonstrating that it is possible to build a more balanced Europe, where all regions have access to resources and can contribute concrete solutions to common challenges.
The defense of cohesion policy, cooperation in the field of sustainable automotive, the firm commitment to energy transition and innovation, or leadership in water management, are examples of how Andalusia has become a reference in Europe, not only as a recipient of funds, but as a promoter of successful policies and models.
With a packed agenda of strategic meetings and the consolidation of alliances with key regions, Andalusia has gone from being a mere spectator to an essential interlocutor in the architecture of the new Europe.. The Andalusian president's actions in Brussels make it clear that the region now has a stronger voice, more strength, and more influence than ever before.
