Production of a short publication on the relevant provisions of the new Treaty, which could then be used by our national associations

Wide promotion of CEMR publication on consultation procedures

Drafting of a short “charter” of good practice on consultation, at national and European levels, in the light of the CEMR study

organise seminar on developments in local and regional government structures, finances  and competences , in partnership with Danish associations

co-organise seminar on practical uses by local/regional governments of technology-based services from satellites (with the Eurisy network)

Further promotion and dissemination of the European Charter for equality of women and men in local life, getting it translated and printed in more languages as resources permit

To carry out the current project for follow-up of the Charter, including in particular the organisation of the final conference in February in Pisa, also marking the 25th anniversary of CEMR's first conference for women elected members

To decide in Pisa, if possible, on a practicable system of support and exchange of experience for signatories of the Charter

To open discussions with the new Institute for Gender Equality in relation to the follow-up and promotion of the Charter

Development, implementation and continuing updating of new twinning website, including electronic “twinning fair”, ensuring good communication with national associations

Promotion of CEMR handbook on twinning, and of its good practice examples

Close co-operation with Commission (DG Education & Culture and Executive Agency) to ensure that the new programme Europe for Citizens works effectively, giving feedback and contributions from the twinning network, and participation in structured dialogue in relation to the programme

Organise programme of meetings and activities for CEMR's twinning network which takes into account the conclusions of the Rhodes Conference, “Twinning for tomorrow's world” (for example in the fields of dialogue for peace, and cultural diversity – 2008 being the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Organisation of a further seminar in Vienna (autumn) with the national associations of south-east Europe, with the support of the Austrian Association of Cities

Development of cooperation with NALAS and its member associations 

Development of the dialogue with the national associations of Turkey

Work on issues of common interest with the Congress, and as appropriate the CDLR (Committee of Ministers), especially developments in relation to local and regional self-government, and proposals for new Protocols to the European Charter of Local Self-Government, and promote and publicize Local Democracy Week initiative

Contribution to the debate on the draft Charter on Regional Self-Government of the Congress, providing CEMR response to the Congress

Implement the co-operation agreement with the Committee of the Regions, identifying areas of common interest for specific joint actions

Work with SALAR and associations to develop high quality conference programme, publicity etc.

To consider initiatives, in partnership with CEMR members, in relation to the development of local democracy in Belarus.

Full contribution to debate on SGIs in internal market, aiming to exclude non-commercial social public services from internal market regime, and lobbying institutions as appropriate

In particular, respond to and follow up the recent Commission communications on SGIs, institutionalised PPPs, and other initiatives

Exchange experience among CEMR members on transposition of EU laws, their impact and follow-up at national level

Companies owned or controlled by local governments and intercommunal or public/public co-operation – lobby for a definition that excludes these from mandatory tendering under public procurement directives, provided they do not compete externally

Respond to Commission's proposed legislation on concessions

Draft CEMR Charter on local and regional government's role in delivering public services, based on existing policies

Lobby European Parliament on the waste, air and soil directives

Contribute / respond to Commission's White Paper on adaptation to climate change, provide input and participate in further initiatives in this area.

Participate in planning for next Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign conference, and relevant campaign activities

Follow-up and respond to the energy package (directive on renewable energies, revision of the buildings directive, review of the energy taxation directive)

Follow-up and respond to the sustainability package (Communication and action plan on sustainable industrial policy (SIP): extension of the energy-using products directive, voluntary ‘performance standards', and stimulation of smarter consumption, sustainable public procurement)

Follow-up and promote action plan on energy efficiency 

Contribution to other energy-related initiatives of Commission and other institutions, e.g. sustainable energy week, 

Response to Commission's Green Paper on urban transport

Contribute and respond to the Commission's green transport package (internalisation of external costs, clean vehicles directive)

Exchange of experience on transport infrastructure pricing

Contribute to European debate on demographic change, providing input to the Commission's work and Communications (impact of ageing on services and infrastructures), participate if possible in EU Demography Forum

Support child related initiatives (e-g. child-friendly cities networks, and a potential “Cities for Children” award) and provide input to the upcoming green paper on children's rights in the future 

Provision of input to Commission's good practice framework on e-Inclusion; response to Commission's communication on e-Inclusion and follow up related initiatives (inclusion of people furthest from the labour market; better access to quality services)

Follow-up and respond to the health package (addressing patient safety and quality of health services) 

Contribute to activities in the context of the European Year of intercultural dialogue 

Continue work on integration of migrants including considering the submission of a CEMR response to the green paper on migration and education as well as supporting  the exchange of experience on successful integration of migrants 

Contribute to debate on Green Paper on universal service obligations for broadband, and on reducing the broadband gap (including availability of wireless connect ability)

Assistance with the organisation of, and participation in, the 7th EISCO (information society) conference in Naples, Italy (September), promoting local digital agenda

Contribution to the Commission's aim to strengthen social dialogue in new member states

Promotion of participation in the social dialogue among CEMR members

Contribution to the further debate with the European social partners on measures to achieve a better reconciliation of work and family life

Undertake work on third party violence within the framework of the cross-sectoral agreement on such violence 

Follow-up the launch of the new cycle of the Lisbon agenda

Implementation of project on the employment consequences  resulting from changes in forms of service delivery

Preparation of CEMR input to review of the EU's regional policy (as agreed by December 2005 European Council), including first reflections towards future European cohesion policy and rural development framework  by responding to the consultation on the future of the EU cohesion policy and the follow-up of the ‘health check' of the Common Agricultural Policy)  

Active participation in the implementation of the EU Territorial Agenda

Co-operation with European Parliament's Urban and Housing Intergroup 

Monitor important developments in relation to the implementation of the new Structural Funds operational programmes and policies

Organisation of the CEMR World Affairs Committee, and effective co-ordination with UCLG's commissions and working groups

European contribution to relevant policy dossiers of UCLG (e.g. CEMR's Equality Charter, international co-operation and UN Guidelines on decentralisation)

Active co-operation with UCLG world organisation and its relevant regional sections in relation to the new EU programmes and development of EU development policy to enhance local government role

To contribute to UCLG debate and proposals on the involvement of regions / provinces within UCLG

Closer concertation between CEMR / UCLG, including joint team meeting and follow-up

Organise work of platform of European and international associations for coordination and dialogue with EU institutions, seeking financial resources if appropriate

Continuation of lobbying EU institutions to recognise more fully the role of local / regional government in international development, in particular as actors in EU international development actions and programmes

Continuation of lobbying for financial resources available for local governments' actions in international development (north and south)

Development of better relations with European NGO networks and other actors in this field

Organisation of exchanges of good practice in north-south co-operation, with closer co-ordination with UCLG

Actions to promote the MDGs via local governments, in cooperation with Millennium campaign

Co-organisation of the Euro-Arab Cities Forum in Dubai, February

Promotion/participation in city diplomacy conference (The Hague)

Support relevant initiatives on the Mediterranean space, including the Marseilles “summit”

Participation in relevant activities of COPPEM and other relevant networks

Organise and take part in climate change actions of CEMR and member associations (e.g. Poznan conference 2008, preparation for Danish conference 2009)

Work with UCLG, ICLEI and other European / international associations to achieve stronger role for local / regional governments in post-Kyoto framework

Work with occupants of the building (including Eurocities and G4) to ensure that practical questions are dealt with, and looking for financial and work-related synergies

Improve website home page, 

Implement and improve the use of the extranet; encouraging members and CEMR staff to use it as an active communication tool

Develop and implement twinning website

Assist members on communication issues

Promote the Malmö 2009 General Assembly

Publish new information brochure on CEMR in several languages

Develop new electronic newsletter for members, providing short updates on CEMR activities

Ensure that statutory and formal meetings, with new Presidency and office-holders, are well organised

Decide on possible ways of achieving stronger political oversight and role within CEMR

Implement new rules of procedure

CEMR organises a significant number and wide range of working groups, committees, seminars etc. during the year; these are not all listed in the work programme above, but are considered as part of the means of delivering the work programme.  Written feedback will be sought from participants and the results used to help in future planning.

CEMR's finances and systems (especially membership fees) are reviewed on an annual basis by our professional auditors, honorary auditors and Financial Management Committee, and any recommendations for improvements are put before the governing bodies.

CEMR is nominated to receive a significant operating grant from the European Commission in 2008 under the Citizens for Europe programme (support to town twinning)

Opportunities for partnerships with relevant institutions / commercial organisations to be followed up.