Governance and citizenship

Romano Prodi launched in Brussels, on 10 May 2004, the new 'structured dialogue" at political level with the Commission, the national associations of local and regional government, as well as with the Committee of the Regions. This dialogue, first proposed by CEMR prior to the White Paper on European Governance three years ago, was agreed late last year by the Commission.

 

Speaking on behalf of CEMR and the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), Heinrich Hoffschulte said this needs to be complemented by a more effective consultation with the European and national associations, in line with the draft European Constitution. He emphasized the need for meetings with key Commissioners on specific policy issues of concern to local and regional government.

 

Draw on the sensitivity of local and regional elected politicians

 

The aim of this new dialogue, said Romano Prodi, is to draw on the political sensitivity of Europe's local and regional elected politicians. This will ensure that their views are heard 'at the highest level", before specific measures are put forward, in order to improve the quality of legislation. 'We need you to be a bridge between Europe's citizens and the European institutions", Prodi declared. 'Without your co-operation, we cannot obtain our goals."

 

On behalf of the Committee of the Regions, President Peter Straub declared that the CoR was keen to play its full role in the new dialogue. In an enlarged Europe, citizens need to understand the issues and to be more actively involved.

 

Limited dialogue to truly representative associations of authorities

 

Amongst other speakers from the national and European associations, Anders Knape (Sweden) called for the dialogue to be limited to associations that are truly representative of all or most authorities, to ensure that meetings are meaningful and efficient. Oldrich Vlasak, President of the Czech Towns Association, was one of several speakers from the new member states. He recalled the assistance given by CEMR in preparations for accession, and expressed a commitment to be 'active members of the EU".

 

Regional Policy Commissioners Jacques Barrot and Peter Balazs also spoke, confirming their commitment to this new territorial dialogue.