Representatives of the European Democratic Party and FREIE WÄHLER met in Brussels on 5 May for a political exchange on the future of regional development, support for SMEs and the role of municipalities in Europe. The meeting brought together Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Deputy Minister-President and State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, alongside Bavarian ministers Thorsten Glauber, Fabian Mehring and Anna Stolz, as well as State Secretary Tobias Gotthard. They met with Renew Europe MEPs Engin Eroglu, Executive Vice-President of the EDP, Christine Singer and Joachim Streit.
Discussions focused on the future EU budget, the simplification of financial regulation and the importance of ensuring that local authorities have the resources needed to implement European policies effectively. For the EDP, strengthening regions and municipalities is essential to building a Europe that remains close to citizens while supporting economic growth, social cohesion and democratic accountability.
The exchange also highlighted the need for pragmatic European solutions that help SMEs and rural communities remain competitive without unnecessary administrative burdens. The EDP continues to support a balanced European approach that combines economic dynamism, territorial fairness and stronger cooperation between European institutions and local communities.
