Dear members of the European Committee of the Regions, Dear colleagues, Today, I am writing to you to ask for your support for the Presidency of the European Committee of the Regions. I am the Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, the geographically largest Region in Greece, with two million citizens. For the last 13 years I have been trusted and directly elected by the people. Having served regional politics throughout these years, I am fully convinced that local and regional democracy is one of the main pillars of a strong, fair, accountable and legitimate European construction. My vision stems from my geographical, political and cultural belonging. My hometown is Thessaloniki, my home region is Central Macedonia, my home country is Greece, but I also feel at home in each and every corner of the European Union. My ambition is for us to bring added value to the European Union, by making the best out of our identities coming from our local, regional and national homes. We all agree that the European Union must be at the service of its people and their regions, cities, villages and communities, all across Europe, from North to South, from East to West, from metropolitan to remote areas, from coastal to cross-border regions. We are a bridge between Europe and its people and we need to inspire, lead and move forward. As elected politicians we need to reach the hearts of the people who feel neglected or forgotten, and we must fight for decisions to be taken as close as possible to the citizens. We can make Europe act more effectively in meeting the citizens’ demands and regaining their trust. At the same time, our European democracy must be modernized. We must address and meet the challenges that are ahead of us. Climate change, digital revolution, green transformation, gender equality, demographic challenges, innovation, employment opportunities for the youth, boosting local economies, will be in the top of our agenda. Because, when our regions and cities grow, the whole of Europe grows. The vision that I am proposing to you is reachable, simple and pragmatic, focusing on three main areas: ● Putting the European Union at the service of its people and their places of living in a cohesive, flourishing and inclusive way. ● Understanding and responding to the profound transformations that the current digital and green revolutions entail for our local communities. ● Rethinking how European democracy works today and how it must be modernized giving more strength to regional and local authorities in order for the European Union to answer more efficiently people’s needs. I believe in democracy, cohesion and solidarity as EU fundamental values. I will put all my knowledge, experience and commitment to make the Committee of the Regions the reference point for all European local and regional elected politicians. The Committee is our home. Our unity and cohesiveness are vital for our future and I will push for the modernization of our institution which must finally put members first. Dear colleagues, I am ready to fight for our people, for a stronger Europe. Let’s do this together. Apostolos Tzitzikostas Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece Apostolos Tzitzikostas President-Candidate for the European Committee of the Regions Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece As elected local and regional politicians, our mission is to ensure“ that decisions are taken as close as possible to the citizens to make their lives better. Regional: 2019-today Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, 2nd term. 2014-2019 Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, 1st term. 2010-2014 Vice Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, Head of Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area. Subnational: 2019-today President of the Association of Greek Regions. National: 2007-2009 Member of the Greek Parliament, 1st district of Thessaloniki, Nea Dimokratia Party (EPP). European Union: 2020-2025 Member of the European Committee of the Regions. 2017-2020 Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions. 2015-2020 Member of the European Committee of the Regions..