Anticipatory governance: CoR leadership exchanges with EP Vice President Negresc

On 3 March 2026, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) convened its Conference of Presidents for an insightful exchange of views with Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, focusing on the essential role of strategic foresight in shaping EU policymaking. Jelena Drenjanin, CoR foresight coordinator, also took part in the discussion. Against the backdrop of rapid changes, Members emphasized the increasing necessity for robust foresight and research capabilities at every level of decision-making.

CoR members highlighted the pivotal position of local and regional authorities in managing global transitions, ranging from climate change and digitalisation to advances in artificial intelligence and shifting demographic trends. They underscored how strategic foresight empowers authorities to move beyond crisis management, enabling them to embrace long-term planning. This approach fosters greater predictability for citizens and strengthens public trust in governance.

EP Vice-President Negrescu presented the work of the EP Bureau Working Group on the Future of the European Parliament, and underlined that tools such as evidence-based studies, horizon scanning, and scenario planning are crucial in supporting political decision-making. These resources not only help anticipate future challenges but also enhance the quality and credibility of EU policies, ensuring that decisions are grounded in thorough analysis and forward-thinking perspectives.

The exchange also reaffirmed the CoR's steadfast commitment to anticipatory governance. Since the adoption of its first opinion on strategic foresight in 2023, the CoR has broadened its activities, actively encouraging the sharing of best practices among cities and regions, and increasingly integrating foresight into its studies and political initiatives. The importance of interinstitutional cooperation-particularly with the European Parliament and within the framework of ESPAS (European Strategy and Policy Analysis System)-was acknowledged as vital for ensuring that local and regional perspectives contribute meaningfully to Europe's long-term strategy.

The CoR appreciates the EP Vice-President's openness to cooperate on foresight and evidence-based gathering, on issues of mutual interest, building on the renewed cooperation agreement between the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions. This collaborative and forward-looking dialogue not only reinforces the value of strategic foresight within the EU but also illustrates the ongoing efforts to build policies that are resilient, credible, and responsive to the evolving needs of European society.