Relevant Institutions in EU

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the oldest and broadest European association of local and regional governments. It is the only organization that brings together the national associations of local and regional governments from 42 European countries and represents, through them, all levels of territories – local, intermediate and regional.

Since its creation in 1951, CEMR promotes the construction of a united, peaceful and democratic Europe founded on local self-government, respect for the principle of subsidiarity and the participation of citizens. Its work is organized around two main pillars:

1. Influencing European policy and legislation in all areas having an impact on municipalities and regions;

2. Providing a forum for debate between local and regional governments via their national representative associations.

CEMR is also the European section of the world organization United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), through which we represent European local and regional government on the international stage.

CEMR’s work focuses on five thematic areas, which affect all aspects of the lives of European citizens as well as the local and regional governments that represent them:

• Governance, democracy and citizenship

• Environment, climate and energy

• International engagement and cooperation

• Economic, social and territorial cohesion

• Local and regional public services management

• CEMR statutory affairs, general CEMR affairs

Detailed information on the CEMR may be accessed via the website at the following address: www.ccre.org

In addition, the website developed by the CEMR specifically for town twinning may be accessed via the following address: www.twinning.org

 

The Committee of the Regions (CoR)

Overview

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR), established in 1994, is an EU advisory body composed of locally and regionally elected representatives coming from all 28 Member States. Through the CoR they are able to share their opinion on EU legislation that directly impact regions and cities. The CoR is based in Brussels (Belgium)

What does the CoR do ?

The CoR gives regions and cities a formal say in EU law-making ensuring that the position and needs of regional and local authorities are respected.

The European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament must consult the CoR when drawing up legislation on matters concerning local and regional government such as health, education, employment, social policy, economic and social cohesion, transport, energy and climate change.

If this is not done, the CoR can bring a case before the Court of Justice.

Once the CoR receives a legislative proposal, it prepares and adopts an opinion and circulates it the relevant EU institutions.

The CoR also issues opinions on its own initiative.

Composition

The CoR members are elected representatives serving in local or regional authorities. Each country nominates members of its choice who are appointed for a renewable five-year terms by the Council of the EU. The number of members per country depends on the size of that country's population.

Members from one country form the National delegation, which reflects the political, geographical, regional and local balance of their country.

Each member can also choose to be part of a political group in the CoR. Currently there are five political groups reflecting a range of political affiliations: European People's Party (EPP), Party of European Socialists (PES), Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), European Alliance Group (EA) and European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR). Members can also choose to not be part of a politically party if they so wish (non-aligned).

The CoR appoints a president from among its members for a two-and-a-half-year term.

How does the CoR work?

The CoR appoints a rapporteur (one of its members) who consults stakeholders and prepares the opinion. The text is discussed and adopted by the CoR commission in charge of the policy area concerned. The opinion is then presented to all members in plenary session who vote to amend and adopt it. Finally, the opinion is shared and communicated to all relevant EU institutions.

There are up to 6 plenary sessions per year, adopting opinions that cover 50 to 80 EU legislative projects.

Detailed information on the CoR may be accessed via the website at the following address: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/institutions-bodies/european-committee-regions_en

 

The United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)

United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) represents and defends the interests of local governments on the world stage, regardless of the size of the communities they serve. Headquartered in Barcelona, the organization’s stated mission is:

“To be the united voice and world advocate of democratic local self-government, promoting its values, objectives and interests, through cooperation between local governments, and within the wider international community.”

UCLG’s work program focuses on:

• Increasing the role and influence of local government and its representative organizations in global governance;

• Becoming the main source of support for democratic, effective, innovative local government close to the citizen;

• Ensuring an effective and democratic global organization.

United Cities and Local Governments supports international cooperation between cities and their associations, and facilitates programs, networks and partnerships to build the capacities of local governments. The organization promotes the role of women in local decision-making, and is a gateway to relevant information on local government across the world.

Detailed information on the UCLG may be accessed via the website at the following address: www.uclg.org