The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the proposed 'Right to Stay' Strategy, a flagship policy framework designed to ensure that all Europeans can remain and build their future in the place they call home, rather than being forced to relocate due to economic decline or lack of opportunities and essential services.

The aim is to identify the key challenges communities face, and the support they need to grow and succeed. The strategy will:

• showcase EU policies, programmes and initiatives that help ensure the right to stay
• highlight examples of regional and local solutions
• provide suggestions on how to make EU regions and territories more attractive and competitive.

During the launch of the initiative, executive Vice-President Fitto said: “The ‘Right to Stay’ is about people, communities, and territories. It is about giving all Europeans back the freedom to remain, to grow, and to build their future in the place they call home. Leaving should always be a free choice — never a necessity driven by a lack of opportunities. That is why we are working to make every European region more competitive, more connected, and more attractive by investing in services, connectivity, and education. Because when territories grow and develop, people can truly choose to stay, succeed, and belong.”

ERRIN encourages its members to actively engage in this consultation to ensure the regional dimension is fully reflected in the final legislative framework. The call for evidence is open until 5 June.