EU regional and local leaders to gather in Mullingar this week

Published: Wed 23 Sep 2026, 9:07 AM

Leading politicians from across the EU are to meet in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday of this week, and to adopt what is to be termed 'The Mullingar Declaration'.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Bureau is the European Union Advisory body representing the voice of local and regional authorities of all 27 members states. The Bureau is its political driving force.

The topic for discussion at the event is "Thriving and sustainable communities – building a Europe that works for all territories."

This meeting of its External Bureau will conclude with the adoption of the Mullingar Declaration – "A Future worth staying for".

The event is part of the official programme of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and is hosted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.

The Mullingar meeting brings together senior European and regional leaders, including Kata Tüttő, Budapest councillor and President of the CoR, Gillian Coughlan, Chair of the Irish Delegation to the CoR, and Juanma Moreno, President of Andalucia (Spain) and First Vice-President of the CoR.

The keynote address will be given by the Minister of State for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, representing the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The meeting will conclude with the adoption of the Mullingar Declaration – "A Future worth staying for", focusing on a strong place-based European strategy that empowers local and regional authorities, strengthens cohesion policy, improves access to jobs, housing and services, supports climate resilience and innovation.

It ensures that people across all territories have a genuine opportunity to thrive in the communities they choose to call home.

The programme also includes a study visit to Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, which recently received support from the EU Just Transition fund, as well a cultural programme showcasing local talent.