Going Local: Europe Wants to Listen to You! Committee of the Regions Backs Dialogue On

EUROPEAN UNION Press Release

Committee of the Regions COR/06/22 Brussels, 15 March 2006

Going local: Europe wants to listen to you! Committee of the Regions backs dialogue on future of EU

What kind of Europe do you want to see in the future? Where should the EU get involved – and where shouldn’t it? Is it doing enough to safeguard jobs and create new ones in our regions and cities? Should it be doing more to combat climate change and improve the environment? Can EU members work better together to protect consumer rights? Is Europe equipped to fight international crime and illegal immigration? These are just some of the questions that members of the public will be debating at town hall meetings and other venues across the UK in the coming weeks and months. The meetings are the centrepiece of the ‘Communicating Europe – Going Local’ initiative backed by the EU Committee of the Regions, the Brussels-based political assembly where UK local councillors, together with counterparts from 24 other EU member countries, meet to have their say on proposed Euro laws across a wide range of policy areas. The debates form part of the European Commission’s ‘Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate’, launched last October to encourage discussion with citizens on the future of Europe, following the ‘no’ votes on the constitution in France and the Netherlands. “Brussels wants to listen to the public and these debates are an opportunity for everyone – school children, parents, grandparents, small businesses, employers, trade unionists – to have their say,” explained Councillor Gordon Keymer, head of the UK delegation of the CoR. “I hope as many people as possible take part – if we want to create a more democratic, less distant Europe, we have to encourage citizen participation at the grassroots. The UK is at the heart of Europe: we need to have a proper discussion about what the EU’s role should be in the modern world,” added Cllr Keymer, who is the leader of Tandridge District Council in Surrey. The Committee of the Regions is teaming up with several partner organisations in support of the dialogue in the UK, including:  the European Commission offices in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland  the offices of the European Parliament in England and Scotland  offices of UK regions and cities

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int EN  the new Europe Direct centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which will open between May and July 2005  the UK Local Government International Bureau  Local Government Group for Europe Details of upcoming Euro-related debates and events at the local level, as well as briefings for regional media, are listed in the attached annex. EU Committee of the Regions The Brussels-based Committee of the Regions (CoR) was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1994 as a consultative body aimed at giving representatives of local and regional government a voice at the heart of the European Union. The European Commission and Council of Ministers are obliged to consult the CoR’s 317 members on proposed EU laws across a wide range of policy areas, including employment, transport and the environment. The assembly can also be consulted by the European Parliament. The UK has 24 members and the same number of alternates (full list in annex). More information about the CoR can be found on its website at http://www.cor.eu.int For more information or details of events taking place near you, please contact:

Dennis ABBOTT Team Leader Communication Task Force Division for Communication, Press and Protocol Committee of the Regions Rue Belliard 101 B-1040 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 282 20 99 Fax. +32 (0)2 282 20 85 E-mail: [email protected]

Dominc BRETT Head of Regional Outreach European Commission Representation in the UK 8 Storey’s Gate London SW1P 3AT Tel: +44 20 7973 1951 Fax. +44 20 7973 1907 Email: [email protected]

Caroline BOYLE Press attaché & Head of Outreach UK Office European Parliament 2, Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H 9AA Tel: 020 7227 4316 Fax: 020 7227 4327 (Press) Email: [email protected]

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int EUROPEAN UNION Press Release

Committee of the Regions

CdR/06/CP 022.en Brussels, 15 March 2006

Communicating Europe – Going Local Where you can join the debate*

When What Where Organiser/contact

Thursday 16 March Public debate: Structural Funds and Town Hall, Llanelli European Commission (EC) the Lisbon Agenda – the EU Link Office in Wales

Thursday 16 March Public debate: European Research Birmingham University European Research Institute Institute

Tuesday 21 March Public debate: Employment and Anglesey Business EC Office in Wales Maritime Policy - Where Does the Centre, Llangefni, EU Fit In?”

Friday 24 March London area regional media briefing UK Office of the UK Office of the European European Parliament, Parliament 2 Queen Anne’s Gate, London

Thursday 30 March European Information Association MIC Centre, Euston, EC Office in London annual conference with local London and UK Office of the European Parliament authority representatives

Tuesday 4 April Lunch discussion with local and European Commission EC Office in London regional government representatives Office, 8 Storey’s Gate from the East of England London SW1H 9AA

Monday 24 April – European Parliament stand Bournemouth Royal College of Nursing Wednesday 26 April at Royal College of Nursing annual conference

Wednesday 26 April European Parliament stand at NEC, Birmingham UK Office of the European Library & Information conference Parliament

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int EN

Thursday 27 April EU community roadshow Armagh European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)

Thursday 27 April ‘Stakeholder’ seminar University of Central EC Office in London Lancashire, Preston

Friday 28 April Federation of Small Businesses’ tbc Federation of Small briefing day Businesses and UK Office of the European Parliament

Friday 28 April Welsh regional media briefing Cardiff UK Office of the European Parliament

Monday 1 May Launch events for new nationwide EC Office in London to Friday 14 July Europe Direct centres

Wednesday 3 May Conference debate Brighton South East branch of the European Public Information centres

Thursday 4 May EU community roadshow Ballymena European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and NIVCA

Sunday 7 May One Voice in Europe. Youth Forum Scottish Parliament Scottish Parliament in - Monday 8 May for pupils and teachers in each of the Edinburgh conjunction with the Scottish eight Scottish regions Executive, British Council, European Parliament and European Commission Offices in Scotland

Tuesday 9 May Europe Day event with students Portsmouth University Portsmouth University

Thursday 11 May EU community roadshow Enniskillen European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and NIVCA

Sunday 14 May Brass band concert and afternoon tea Sage UK Office of the European to celebrate Europe Day Gateshead Parliament

Tuesday 16 May – European Parliament stand Blackpool UK Office of the European Thursday 18 May at Pensioners’ Parliament Parliament

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int Thursday 18 May EU community roadshow Londonderry/Derry European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and NIVCA

Wednesday 31 May European Parliament stand Suffolk showground UK Office of the European at Suffolk Show Parliament

Friday 2 June North East regional media briefing Newcastle-upon-Tyne UK Office of the European Parliament

Friday 2 June Women’s Institute European Lewes UK Office of the European Question Time Parliament

Friday 22 September Scottish European Resources tbc EC and European Parliament Network (SERN) briefing offices in Scotland

Wednesday 8 Scottish European Resources Scottish Executive, Co-ordinated by the European November Network (SERN) annual meeting. Victoria Quay, Commission and European Theme: young people in Europe Edinburgh Parliament Offices in Scotland

* The list of events is being updated constantly. Please contact the CoR or other partners (see full contact details below) for regular updates.

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int The UK delegation to the Committee of the Regions

Members of the Committee of the Regions are appointed for a four-year term. The current term runs from 2006 to 2010. The UK members all hold elected office – and have to stand down from the CoR if they lose their electoral mandate at home. The delegation is nominated by central government, which seeks to ensure a broad political, geographical and gender balance.

The members relay the views of UK local and regional government to and from Europe. They take part in meetings of the CoR’s committees, known by their French name, commissions, as well as the assembly’s five plenary sessions a year in Brussels, where members adopt reports on proposed Euro legislation affecting local and regional government.

The UK delegation consists of 24 full members and the same number of alternates, or substitues. The head of the delegation is Cllr Gordon Keymer, leader of Tandridge District Council in Surrey.

The list of members in full is:

 Ms Jeanette ARNOLD AM, Greater London Assembly  Councillor Joan ASHTON, Boston Borough Council  Councillor Paula BAKER, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council  Councillor Ken BODFISH, Brighton and Hove City Council  Councillor Sir Albert BORE, City of Birmingham Council  Councillor Olive BROWN, Wear Valley District Council  Mrs Rosemary BUTLER AM, National Assembly for Wales  Councillor Andrew R CAMPBELL, Dumfries and Galloway Council  Councillor Flo CLUCAS, City of Liverpool Council  Councillor Ruth COLEMAN, North Wiltshire District Council  Sir Simon DAY, Devon County Council  Councillor Martin HEATLEY, Warwickshire County Council  Councillor Gordon KEYMER, Tandridge District Council  Councillor Corrie McCHORD, Stirling Council  Rt Hon Jack McCONNELL MSP, First Minister, Scottish Parliament  Mr Conor MURPHY MP MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly  Ms Irene OLDFATHER MSP, Scottish Parliament  Councillor Stephen PARNABY, East Riding of Yorkshire Council  Councillor David PARSONS, Leicestershire County Council  Councillor Edwin POOTS MLA, Lisburn City Council  Councillor Dave QUAYLE, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council  Councillor The Lord Graham TOPE, London Borough of Sutton  Councillor Keith WALTERS, Cambridgeshire County Council  Councillor William J WILLIAMS, Isle of Anglesey County Council

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int The UK also has 24 alternate, or substitute, members of the CoR:

 Councillor Michael ANGELL, Malvern Hills District Council  Councillor Muriel BARKER, North East Lincolnshire Council  Councillor Robert BRIGHT, Newport City Council  Councillor Katrina BULL, Nottingham City Council  Mrs Janet DAVIES AM, National Assembly for Wales  Councillor Chris FOOTE-WOOD, Wear Valley District Council  Councillor Graham GARVIE, Scottish Borders Council  Councillor The Lady Joan HANHAM, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea  Councillor Gaby KAGAN, London Borough of Brent  Councillor Syeda KHATUN, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council  Richard LOCHHEAD MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament  George LYON MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament  Councillor Iain MALCOLM, South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council  Councillor Mohammad MASOOD, City of Bradford Council  Councillor James McCABE, North Lanarkshire Council  Councillor Peter MOORE, City of Sheffield Council  Councillor Maurice MORROW, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council  Robert NEILL AM, London Assembly  Councillor David SHAKESPEARE, Buckinghamshire County Council  Councillor Bernice SWIFT, Fermanagh District Council  Councillor Sharon TAYLOR, Stevenage Borough Council  Councillor Kay TWITCHEN, Essex County Council  Councillor Sir Ron WATSON, Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council  Councillor Milner WHITEMAN, Bridgnorth District Council

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int Year of Reflection

Following the referenda in France and the Netherlands rejecting the EU Constitutional Treaty during 2005, the Prime Minister and the 24 other EU heads of state and government called for a ‘period of reflection’ to enable a broad debate to take place, at national, regional and loval level, with all stakeholders, citizens, civil society, national and regional parliaments and political parties.

Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate

Taking up a request by the Member States to assist them in the debate, the European Commission adopted a communication entitled “Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate” on 13 October 2005. The full version can be found at: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/commission_barroso/wallstrom/pdf/communication_planD_en.pdf The idea is to inspire citizens to take part in a debate on the future of Europe and to provide ‘Brussels’ with feedback. The Committee of the Regions will present a report in reponse to Plan D and the Commission’s White Paper on communication policy at the CoR’s plenary session on 14-15 June 2006.

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int ‘Communicating Europe – Going Local’

Key contacts

Committee of the Regions

Dennis ABBOTT Team Leader Communication Task Force Division for Communication, Press and Protocol Committee of the Regions Rue Belliard 101 B-1040 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 282 20 99 Fax. +32 (0)2 282 20 85 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cor.eu.int

European Commission in the UK

Dominc BRETT Head of Regional Outreach European Commission Representation in the UK 8 Storey’s Gate London SW1P 3AT Tel: 020 7973 1951 Fax. 020 7973 1907 Email: [email protected]

European Commission in Scotland

Janet WILLIAMSON European Commission Office in Scotland 9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH Tel 0131 225 2058 Fax 0131 226 4105 Email: [email protected]

European Commission in Wales

Andy KLOM European Commission Office in Wales Head of Office 2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way Cardiff CF10 4QQ Tel. 029 2089.5020 Fax. 020 2089.5035 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.cec.org.uk/wales/index.htm

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int European Commission in Northern Ireland

Eddie McVEIGH Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland Windsor House 9/15 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EG Tel: 028 9024 0708 Fax: 028 9024 8241 Email: [email protected]

European Parliament in UK

Caroline BOYLE Press attaché & Head of Outreach UK Office European Parliament 2, Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H 9AA Tel: 020 7227 4316 Fax: 020 7227 4327 (Press) Email: [email protected] E-bulletin: http://www.europarl.org.uk/epnews

European Parliament in Scotland

John EDWARD Head of Office European Parliament Office in Scotland The Tun 4 Jackson's Entry Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8PJ Tel: 0131 557 7866 Fax: 0131 557 4977 Email: [email protected]

Local Government International Bureau

Judith BARTON Assistant Director – Communications Local Government International Bureau Local Government House Smith Square London SW1P 3HZ Tel : 020 7664 3112 Fax : 020 7664 3128 Email: [email protected]

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int Local Government Group for Europe

David CANDLER Hon. Secretary Local Government Group for Europe 6 Foley Rd, Worcester WR2 4LW Tel : 01905 426373 Email : [email protected]

- 101 rue Belliard - B-1040 BRUSSELS - Tel. +32 (0)2/282 21 55 - Fax +32 (0)2/282 20 85 - Internet http://www.cor.eu.int