Governance and citizenship

CEMR welcomes the Commission's new communication, proposing an ongoing political-level dialogue with the European and national associations of local and regional government.
 

'The proposed political dialogue brings to fruition one of our longstanding proposals to the Commission, says CEMR secretary general Jeremy Smith. It is a way of bringing -Europe' closer to the grassroots . It complements the need for effective day-to-day consultation of local and regional government, where there is still room for improving processes. Some 70% of EU legislation is implemented at local and regional level; it is thus essential that the Commission see us as partners".
 

CEMR believes there are still a number of issues that need to be clarified to ensure that the new dialogue will be effective and a genuine two-way exchange, including the suggested role of the Committee of the Regions in proposing associations for the dialogue. 'We aim to work in partnership with the CoR and the Commission, adds Jeremy Smith, to ensure that the dialogue really works."
 

What is in the communication ?

 

The Commission has set out two aims for the dialogue.
 

First, to let local and regional actors express their views on relevant EU policies, before the formal decision-making process starts.
 

Second, to ensure a better understanding of EU policies and law, making the Union more transparent and meaningful to the public.
 

The full text of the communication is available by clicking here.