Policy Committee

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

POLICY COMMITTEE

Reykjavik, 5 May 2008

MEETING FILE

2 1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

MODIFIED POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica: Sudurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland 9 for decision for information DRAFT AGENDA

Documents No 9 h 15 Opening of the Policy Committee meeting

Welcome by Halldor Halldorsson, President of the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, Mayor of Isafjordur municipality

1. Adoption of the draft agenda ...... 1

2. Approval of the draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee meeting (4-5 December 2007) ...... 2.1 • For information, list of decisions of the meeting of the Secretaries General and Directors of Ljubljana (19 March 2008) ...... 2.2

3. Political debate on the draft Charter of Regional Democracy of the Congress of the Council of Europe ...... 3 *

4. Major European Issues 4.1. Ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon ...... 4.1 4.2. Priorities of the forthcoming French Presidency of the Union

CEMR affairs

5. Applications for membership: 5.2. Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) ...... 5.1 5.1. Association of Cities and Municipalities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina ...... 5.2

6. Malmö General Assembly (22-24 April 2009) ...... 6

7. Twinning ...... 7 * • Election of the new Chair of the CEMR twinning network

13 h 00 Lunch

8. Debate: Strengthening the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR ...... 8

9. Towards the European Parliament elections (2009): proposal to create a manifesto for local and regional government ...... 9

CEMR Work Programme

10. Overview report on CEMR’s policy work ...... 10 10.1. CEMR responses to consultations, including: ...... 10.1 - CEMR's response to the consultation on the financial perspectives of the EU ...... 10.1 annex - CEMR's response to the Green Paper on adaptation to climate change ...... * - CEMR's response to the Green Paper on urban mobility ...... * - Public Consultation on the Active Inclusion of People Furthest from the Labour Market ...... * - CEMR's response to the consultation on the future of EU cohesion policy ...... *

11. European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life ...... 11 * • Report on Final Conference (Pisa, 20-21 February 2008) • Future support actions

12. Initiatives in south-east Europe ...... 12 • Vienna conference (6-7 November) • Opening dialogue with the Union of Municipalities of Turkey

13. Other upcoming conferences: ...... 13 • City Diplomacy Conference, The Hague (11-13 June) • Mediterranean Forum, Marseille (22-23 June) • World Water Congress, Vienna (7-12 September) • Conference on governance with the European Parliament’s Intergroup Urban- housing, Reims (15 September) • European Information Society Conference (EISCO), Naples (25-27 September) • Conference on changes in local and regional government structures, with Danish associations, Copenhagen (1 October) • Poznan climate change conference, with Polish associations (December)

14. Other Council of Europe Affairs ...... 14

International affairs

15. Project proposal for a co-ordination platform for international co-operation ...... 15

16. UCLG affairs ...... 16, 16.1

17. World Affairs Committee

Other

18. Calendar of meetings ...... 18.1, 18.2

19. Other urgent business

17 h 30 Closing of the Policy Committee meeting

* Additional elements relating to points that are followed by an4 asterisk are provided in the accompanying documents file 2.1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

STUTTGART POLICY COMMITTEE (4-5 December 2007) Draft list of decisions and update on statutory positions

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Approve the draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart meeting including the final declarations adopted by the Policy Committee; ª Confirm the election of the nominee of the FEMP for the remaining post of Honorary Auditor, as set out in annex 4 to this report; ª Take note of nominations to the Policy Committee received since the Stuttgart meeting; ª Elect remaining members of the Executive Bureau, if relevant nominations are received in time for the meeting.

1. The draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee of 4th and 5th December 2007 is enclosed for approval (annex 1).

2. On the occasion of this meeting, two declarations were adopted. The first declaration followed up on the political debate of the meeting, organised on the theme of sustainable mobility (annex 2). The second declaration concerns the Treaty of Lisbon (annex 3), which was due to be formally signed by the Heads of State and Government of the European Union in the days following the meeting. The final text of each declaration includes a small number of amendments arising from the proposals made during the Policy Committee discussions, for which there was a consensus view.

The declaration on the Treaty of Lisbon was presented in person by CEMR’s Secretary General to President Barroso on the occasion of the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon, on 7th December, and likewise to the Portuguese Prime Minister Sócrates, as President of the European Council.

3. The elections of CEMR’s statutory bodies were held during the Stuttgart meeting. However, due to particular national circumstances for certain of CEMR’s national associations, their nominations were not able to be presented in December. Information concerning nominations for statutory seats transmitted since the Stuttgart meeting is presented in annex 4, including the nomination for the remaining post of Honorary Auditor which has been put forward by the FEMP (Spain). The Committee will be informed as well of any possible nominations for Vice-Presidents members of the Executive Bureau.

6 2.1 annex 1

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE STUTTGART, 4 AND 5 DECEMBER 2007

9 for decision for information

DRAFT LIST OF DECISIONS

President Häupl opened the meeting.

Dr Wolfgang Schuster, Mayor of Stuttgart and Vice-President of CEMR, welcomed the participants, expressing his satisfaction at hosting in his city delegates from the different national associations of CEMR.

1. SETTING UP THE POLICY COMMITTEE

The President proceeded to the formal establishment of the Policy Committee for the 2008- 2010 mandate, on the basis of nominations received from the national member associations.

The President presented a message from Wim Deetman, Mayor of The Hague and CEMR’s outgoing First Vice-President, who regretted not being able to participate in the Stuttgart Policy Committee.

2. ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT AGENDA

The draft agenda was adopted, taking into account two specific points made by the Danish delegation.

3. APPROVAL OF THE LIST OF DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE POLICY COMMITTEE IN BRUSSELS (13TH JUNE 2007)

The draft list of decisions was approved.

The President invited the Policy Committee to take note of the list of decisions of the Vienna Executive Bureau (16th November), and of the list of decisions of the Bratislava meeting of the Secretaries General and Directors (26-27 September).

7 4. POLITICAL DEBATE: “CAN WE ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY?”

Following the introduction by the President, the Policy Committee heard the video message from European Commissioner Jacques Barrot.

The following speakers then provided their contributions:

• Dr Wolfgang Schuster, CEMR Vice-President, Mayor of Stuttgart, First Vice-President of CEMR’s German section • Karl-Otto Schallaböck, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy • Jacques Auxiette, Président du Conseil Régional des Pays de la Loire, Chair of CEMR’s working group on transport • Stanislaw Szwabski, Chairman of the City Council of Gdynia • Stephan Schlaefli and Dr Konrad Wartenberg, representatives of Porsche AG.

Following exchanges with the floor, the President concluded the debate by presenting the draft Declaration, which was adopted subject to the taking into account of some proposals for amendments. The final version of the Declaration is annexed to this document.

5. APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS AND DISCHARGE FOR 2006

The Chair of the Financial Management Committee, Halvdan Skard, presented the realisation of the 2006 budget.

The members of the Policy Committee decided to carry over the results of the period (a deficit of 3 952.88€) and gave discharge to the President and Secretary General for the year 2006.

6. VOTE OF THE 2008 DRAFT BUDGET

With the President’s agreement, Mr Skard presented the draft 2008 budget which included three options.

Following debate on this matter, option 2 – proposing an overall increase in affiliation fees by 3.3% – was unanimously adopted.

The members of the Policy Committee approved the draft budget.

7. 2007 WORK PROGRAMME

7.1. Report on the implementation

The Secretary General presented the report on the implementation of the 2007 work programme.

The members of the Policy Committee took note with satisfaction of this report.

7.2. CEMR policy statement on energy

The Secretary General presented the CEMR policy statement on energy, which was approved by the Policy Committee.

8 WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER

8. ELECTIONS OF CEMR’S STATUTORY ORGANS AND INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION

8.1. Election of the President

Honorary President Dr Josef Hofmann proposed the candidacy of Dr Häupl.

Dr Häupl’s candidacy was approved by acclamation.

8.2. Election of the First Vice-President

Anders Knape, President of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, member of the City Council of Karlstad, was unanimously elected 1st Vice- President.

8.3. Approval of the Executive Presidents

The appointments as Executive Presidents of Bärbel Dieckmann, Mayor of Bonn, President of CEMR’s German Section, Nikitas Kaklamanis, Mayor of Athens, President of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece, Walter Veltroni, Mayor of Rome, and Oldřich Vlasák, Member of the European Parliament, member of the city council of Hradec Kralové, President of the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic, were unanimously approved.

8.4. European Vice-President of UCLG

The Policy Committee unanimously confirmed Dr Wolfgang Schuster, Mayor of Stuttgart, First Vice-President of CEMR’s German section, as European Vice-President of UCLG.

8.5. Election of the members of the Executive Bureau and Vice-Presidents

• The following were unanimously election as members of the Executive Bureau:

- Ms Mercedes Bresso, President of the AICCRE, President of the Piedmont Region - Ms Annemarie Jorritsma, Mayor of Almere, President of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities - Cllr Gordon Keymer, member of the Tandridge District Council, member of the Committee of the Regions. - Ms Ligia Krajewska, Vice-Chair of Warsaw City Council, member of the Bureau of the Association of Polish Counties - Mr Louis Le Pensec, President of the AFCCRE, Former Minister, Senator, Vice- President of the Conseil Général of Finistère - Mr Mikko Pukkinen, Vice-President of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, Mayor of Turku - Dr Wolfgang Schuster, 1st Vice-President of CEMR’s German Section, Mayor of Stuttgart;

9 The President indicated that additional proposals were still due to be received from the FEMP (Spain) and the Romanian associations, which will be submitted for ratification by the Policy Committee in May.

• Mr Mário de Almeida, President of the National Congress of ANMP, Mayor of Vila do Conde, was unanimously elected Vice-President.

8.6. Election of the Chair, Vice-Chair and members of the Financial Management Committee

President HÄUPL proposed appointing Mr Halvdan Skard Chair of the Financial Management Committee, and Mr Gordon Keymer Vice-Chair of the Financial Management Committee. This proposal was unanimously approved.

The members of the Committee were then elected:

• Dr Stephan Articus • Mr Moreno Bucci • Mr Peter Gorm Hansen • Mr Andrzej Porawski • Mr François Zaragoza.

8.7. Election of the Honorary Auditors

Mr Michele Picciano and Mr Heikki Telakivi were elected Honorary Auditors of CEMR.

An additional nomination is expected to come from the FEMP (Spain).

8.8. Mandate of the Secretary General

The President presented the Executive Bureau’s recommendation and proposed extending the mandate of the Secretary General until the end of the year 2009. This recommendation was approved.

9. OTHER MANDATES AND DELEGATIONS WITHIN CEMR

9.1. Chair of the Committee of women elected representatives of local and regional authorities

After thanking Ms Bosch Palanca for her action as Chair of the Committee for over five years, the President proposed the candidacy of Ms Jocelyne Bougeard. The new Chair would begin her mandate following the Pisa Conference of February 2008.

This proposal was unanimously approved.

9.2. Involvement of elected representatives within CEMR

The Secretary General presented a note concerning the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR.

Once again, the members of the Policy Committee expressed broad agreement on the need to strengthen the role of elected representatives within CEMR. It was agreed that the matter should be studied in depth by the Secretaries General at their meeting in March, in order to put forward proposals to the Policy Committee meeting in Reykjavik.

10 There was then a discussion with several points of view expressed on whether to transform, at this stage, the environment working group into a committee. Finally, it was also agreed that this issue should be submitted to the meeting in Reykjavik.

The President proposed, nevertheless, to begin already to consider the modalities of a possible transformation of this working group into a committee.

These proposals were approved.

10. EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE EU AND THE IMPACT ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES

The Secretary General underlined the importance of the review of the budget and financial perspectives of the Union. He indicated that the national associations will be consulted further, after which the secretariat will draw up a document for debate by the Secretaries General and Directors in Ljubljana in March. Following the debates and any amendments recommended at the Ljubljana meeting, this document will then be circulated to members, prior to being formally presented to the Commission.

11. CEMR AND THE LISBON TREATY

The President underlined the progress achieved by the Lisbon Treaty, which maintains the principal positive points for local and regional governments from the Constitutional Treaty.

He invited the members of the Policy Committee to share their points of view, particularly on the draft Declaration.

Following a long exchange, the President took note of the different proposals for amendments from Mr Hofmann, Mr Le Pensec, Mr Hoffschulte and Mr Di Giovan Paolo, and gave mandate to the Secretary General to finalise the Declaration to reflect these proposals and the points of view expressed during the debate. The final version of the Declaration is annexed to this document.

12. DEBATE AND ADOPTION OF THE 2008 WORK PROGRAMME

The Secretary General presented the outline work programme for 2008.

During the debate that followed, the members of the Policy Committee proposed several additions or modifications, particularly concerning the promotion of Local Democracy Week, the issue of the Charter on Regional Self-Government, supporting local democracy in Eastern Europe and particularly Belarus, the consequences of climate change, and co-operation between CEMR and UCLG.

At the proposal of 1st Vice-President Knape, and subject to these amendments, the members of the Policy Committee approved the outline work programme for 2008.

13. ADOPTION OF CEMR’S RULES OF PROCEDURE

The 1st Vice-President invited the members of the Policy Committee to adopt the draft CEMR Rules of Procedure, which was drawn up by the CEMR working group set up for this purpose.

He recalled the two hypotheses presented in Article 1.2.2 concerning the gender balance within national delegations:

• Hypothesis A: Minimum representation of each sex: - 1 representative of each sex for 3 to 5 seats on the Policy Committee - 2 representatives of each sex for 6 to 8 seats on the Policy Committee.

• Hypothesis B: Minimum representation of each sex: - 1 representative of each sex for 3 or 4 seats on the Policy Committee - 2 representatives of each sex for 5 or 6 seats on the Policy Committee - 3 representatives of each sex for 7 or 8 on the Policy Committee.

After broad debate, hypothesis B was approved with 40 votes for and 18 against; this rule will come into effect at the time of the next renewal of the Policy Committee (2010). The Danish delegation proposed that Part III of the Rules of Procedure be not adopted at this time. This proposal was not agreed by the Policy Committee.

Mr Knape then proposed the adoption of the Rules of Procedure, which, with 6 votes against, was approved.

14. FINAL CONFERENCE OF THE PROJECT “IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN IN LOCAL LIFE” (PISA, 20-21 FEBRUARY 2008)

The Secretary General underlined the importance of the Pisa Conference, and the support provided by AICCRE and the Tuscany region. He requested that the member associations take action to ensure a large participation at the Conference, and to respect the guidelines established in order to ensure a geographically balanced representation.

15. MALMÖ GENERAL ASSEMBLY: CONGRESS THEME

Mr Ola Nord of the city of Malmö presented a progress report on the preparations for the General Assembly.

The members of the Policy Committee approved the title of the 2009 General Assembly "Fit for the Future?”. They also approved the concepts of the proposed sub-themes.

16. SOUTH-EAST EUROPE

The Secretary General presented the different initiatives foreseen by CEMR, particularly in the context of the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union.

The members of the Policy Committee approved in principle to carry out the cross- membership of CEMR and NALAS whereby, in order to further develop relations between the two Organisations, each becomes an associate member of the other.

12 They approved the transition to full CEMR membership for the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities of Serbia, and the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro.

Mr Smith recalled the organisation of the 2nd CEMR seminar on South-East Europe, foreseen in Vienna in autumn 2008, with the support of the Austrian Association of Cities.

17. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

17.1. Results of the Jeju Congress

Vice-President Schuster and UCLG Secretary General presented the results of the Jeju Congress, and particularly the main resolutions.

Mme Gateau also presented different forthcoming UCLG initiatives.

17.2. Euro-Arab Cities Forum (Dubai, 10-11 February 2008)

The Secretary General recalled that this conference will take place in February 2008.

17.3. Decentralised co-operation, including initiatives taken in the framework of the Portuguese Presidency of the Union

The members of the Policy Committee took note of the Secretary General’s report.

18. CALENDAR OF MEETINGS

The members of the Policy Committee approved the calendar of CEMR statutory meetings in 2008.

The 1st Vice-President closed the meeting and expressed his particular gratitude to Dr Schuster, Mayor of Stuttgart, and his team for their excellent hosting of the Policy Committee.

14 2.1 annex 2

DECLARATION OF STUTTGART

ON THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS REGARDING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Policy Committee of CEMR Stuttgart, 4th December 2007

We, mayors and elected representatives of Europe’s local and regional governments, meeting together within the Policy Committee of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions in Stuttgart, Germany, on 4th December 2007,

Aware that the right to mobility is universal to all human beings, and is essential for the effective practical realisation of most other basic human rights;

Recognising that developments in mobility over the past 100 years, and notably the development of the motor car and of advanced public transport systems, have greatly enhanced the freedom and independence of most European citizens, not least those in rural areas, and helped them to lead fuller lives without restrictions due to their geographical situation

Recognising at the same time, however, that the ever-growing demand for mobility, mainly accommodated by an extensive use of private cars, and in particular in urban areas, is posing an increasing threat to the environment and the citizens’ well being since CO2 emissions are directly affecting the global climate change;

Acknowledging that, notwithstanding the various local situations, all towns, cities and regions across Europe face similar traffic problems concerning air pollution, noise exposure, congestion and road accidents;

Affirming that new technologies, which are highly energy-efficient and/or based on renewable energy sources are indispensable if Europe is to achieve a truly sustainable mobility, which meets the economic, social and environmental needs of the present and future generations, and to assist in limiting or mitigating climate change;

Recalling that the organisation of efficient and timely public transport systems in urban, suburban and rural areas, as one key means to meet this challenge, is to a considerable extent subject to the competence of local and regional authorities, and that the principle of local self-government must therefore be fully respected;

Emphasizing the need for effective EU framework for co-ordination to meet the challenge of sustainable mobility, a need which is in part satisfied through the European Commission’s approach adopted in the Green Paper “Towards a new culture for urban mobility”, by putting a stronger focus on the cross-sectoral character of urban mobility;

Conscious that the provision of sustainable mobility requires considerable funding, and that the application of innovative economic instruments may bring additional financial resources, and act as a financial incentive to trigger the essential shift of consciousness among transport users;

15 Declare as follows:

1. We underline the need for urgent action, across our continent and involving all levels of government, of industry and of civil society, to address the future of mobility in Europe, which takes fully into account each of the pillars of sustainability.

2. We affirm the need for a holistic approach, which recognizes the role of each of the main forms of transport and of mobility, promoting Europe’s economic well-being, but also taking into account health and a better quality of life of our citizens. A sustainable mobility has to be economy-focused, socially just and environmentally friendly.

3. Local and regional governments have a crucial role to play in the achievement of sustainable mobility, using their powers of urban, rural and regional planning (including spatial and economic planning), as well as in the development of specific integrated mobility and transport planning and systems (including appropriate economic instruments), and in the development of adapted infrastructure for different types of mobility.

4. We therefore consider that the principles of subsidiarity and of local and regional self- government are of particular importance in relation to issues of mobility and transport.

5. The Green Paper “Towards a new culture for urban mobility”, together with the recent regulation on “Public passenger transport services by rail and road”, constitutes a significant step on the European Commission’s way towards a comprehensive and explicit recognition of these principles in the field of urban transport, and sets the basis for an essential debate on the future of urban mobility.

6. We fully acknowledge the need to take full account of the need of all sections of the community in relation to access to appropriate means of mobility as a vital element for fostering social cohesion – in particular people with reduced mobility and higher requirements for safety such as disabled people, elderly people, families with young children, and the young children themselves, and also taking account of the needs of the poor.

7. We are concerned that the increasing prosperity of our citizens should not be achieved through escalating road traffic volumes leading to congestion and pollution in urban areas in particular. We therefore regret that the Green Paper has again diluted one of the essential objectives of the original 2001 White Paper on Transport, i.e. the need to decouple transport growth from economic growth.

8. In order to achieve sustainable mobility, more emphasis has to be put on a balanced modal split between the various forms of transport and mobility, whilst at the same time planning for the necessary interoperability between different transport modes. We draw attention to the importance, in this regard, of other modes of transport, in particular the need to achieve a better use of waterways, and the effective role which ports of different sizes can play.

9. We highlight, furthermore, the importance of providing long-term, integrated public transport, intelligent and innovative usage of cars, cycling and walking solutions at local and regional level in order to provide, where possible, more attractive and practical alternative to individual motor car usage.

10. We also underline the key role of the automobile industry to contribute to the mitigation of climate change impacts by fostering transport energy efficiency through the development of “clean vehicles” and the use of renewable fuels. We furthermore believe that ICT applications within Intelligent Transport Systems are an essential part of the solution to sustainable mobility and should be further developed and applied at all relevant levels.

16 11. However, to embrace the entire scope of urban mobility, it is obvious that a too single-minded focus on technical solutions alone has to be enhanced to a much broader socio-economic view that takes into account the need to develop new thinking patterns, and the urgent need for behavioural change, among transport users. This also applies for the freight transport sector, where, for example, so-called “mega-trucks” may cause disproportionate damage to road infrastructure.

12. We therefore underline the importance of education, training and awareness-raising activities to be offered to our citizens, and the exchange of staff, knowledge and best practices among local and regional governments, as well as transport providers. For this reason we support the activities of international mobility networks like POLIS, CODATU and Cities for Mobility.

13. To facilitate the development of a new culture for urban mobility, we are convinced, that economic incentives and disincentives may also be necessary, by internalising external social and environmental costs through, e.g., road pricing schemes, congestion charges, parking fees, free park and ride facilities, etc. However we strongly urge that those additional funds be exclusively earmarked for investment in public transport and sustainable mobility solutions. Moreover, we call on national governments to guarantee a comprehensive, stable and long term financing basis for public transport investments at all levels.

14. We ask that the structural funds take into account the principles of sustainable mobility and that the European Union mobilises its financial instruments, especially with the help of the European Investment Bank, to support local and regional authorities with their investments in public transport.

15. Being a major investor in public transport, local and regional governments can take an active role by committing themselves to the implementation of “green procurement”. However, mandatory procurement of clean vehicles can, if the resulting costs are excessive, have detrimental effects on public transport budgets. We believe that economic incentives are needed to promote cost-effective, “greener” public transport solutions.

16. We request the Council of European Municipalities and Regions to play an important role in the ongoing debate on sustainable mobility at European level and worldwide via United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and its new Committee on Urban Mobility, and to ensure that regional and local governments’ freedom to plan for the future, and in particular to manage public transport, is supported and maintained.

18 2.1 annex 3

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

POLICY COMMITTEE STUTTGART, 4 AND 5 DECEMBER 2007

DECLARATION ON THE TREATY OF LISBON

We, mayors and elected representatives from across Europe, members of the Policy Committee of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), meeting in Stuttgart on 5th December 2007, hereby declare as follows:

1. We welcome the Treaty of Lisbon, which is due to be formally signed by the Heads of State and Government of the European Union in a few days’ time. It provides important improvements to the Union’s institutional and decision-making processes, and in particular strengthens the role of local and regional government within the EU.

2. These advances for local and regional government include:

• The explicit recognition, for the first time in the European Union and Community Treaties, of local and regional self-government • The extension of the principle of subsidiarity to include local and regional government, as well as (as at present) national governments and the European Union • More effective consultation of local and regional governments, in the Treaty itself and also in the new Protocol on Subsidiarity and Proportionality • More account to be taken of the financial impact of new legislative proposals on local and regional government • The right of the Committee of the Regions to go to the Court of Justice, in particular for breaches of the principle of subsidiarity • The recognition of the principle of territorial cohesion amongst the aims of the Union

3. We express the hope that, through a speedy ratification of the new Treaty, these important new provisions can be speedily brought into effect. We recall that – in relation to the similar provisions then contained in the Constitutional Treaty – this Committee, meeting in Maastricht in December 2004, affirmed that

“this consideration of the local and regional dimension in the Treaty is not a symbolic reference, but has real meaning and legal consequences, including on issues regarding the role and management of our public services.”

19 4. We therefore also welcome the new Protocol on Services of General Interest, which reinforces this conclusion, and we draw special attention to Article 1 of the Protocol which states that:

“the shared values of the Union in respect of services of general economic interest … include in particular the essential role and the wide discretion of national, regional and local authorities in providing, commissioning and organising services of general economic interest as closely as possible to the needs of the users”.

5. We believe that this wide discretion necessarily includes, inter alia, the right of local governments to provide public services through inter-communal and other similar public-public entities or arrangements, wherever this is considered, by local democratic decision, to be the best solution in the interests of the users of our services. We call on the Commission and other institutions to fully respect this principle, and this wide discretion, in practice.

6. Furthermore, we call on the national Parliaments to use their new role to control the application of the principle of subsidiarity provided by the Reform Treaty, in particular to secure respect for the principle of local and regional self-government.

7. Whilst welcoming the new Treaty, which in essence amends previous Treaties, we nonetheless express our concern that the resulting texts are not at all easy to read or understand, and therefore believe that, in the interests of transparency, they need to be codified and, if possible, simplified.

8. We recognize that the “institutional debate” has lasted for some 6 years. We express our thanks to the Convention on the Future of Europe which, under the Presidency of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, CEMR’s former President, brought together all of the European actors – governments, Parliaments, institutions, local and regional governments, civil society – and proposed the positive advances for Europe and its local and regional governments referred to above. And now - although the outcome cannot satisfy all of us – it is time now to concentrate on the big issues facing Europe and its citizens. The Declaration of Berlin (adopted by the Heads of State and Government in March 2007) pointed out that

“there are many goals which we cannot achieve on our own, but only in concert. Tasks are shared between the European Union, the Member States and their regions and local authorities”.

9. We affirm our commitment to play our full part, in partnership with our national governments and the EU, in tackling these tasks and issues, which will include economic competitiveness, regional development, social inclusion and integration, sustainable development, energy and climate change, international co-operation and peace, and many others. In this way we can help to realize the aims of the whole debate on Europe’s future, namely to bring “Europe” closer to its citizens, and to develop a Union that truly works for, and with, its citizens.

20 2.1 annex 4 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

INFORMATION ON STATUTORY SEATS SINCE STUTTGART ELECTIONS

Honorary Auditors

1. During the elections carried out by the Policy Committee in Stuttgart, CEMR’s President indicated that additional proposals were still due to be received from the FEMP (Spain). It was proposed that these could be submitted for ratification by the Policy Committee in Reykjavik. The FEMP has now transmitted a nomination for the remaining member of the group of Honorary Auditors: Mr Gabriel Alvarez Fernandez, Secretary General of the FEMP, who will be represented by Mr Carlos Prieto Martin, Director of the Department of Public Finances of the FEMP.

Members of the Policy Committee

2. CEMR has received updated information concerning membership of the Policy Committee from the following associations, since the renewal of this body in Stuttgart:

• Albanian Association of Municipalities: Full members: - Mr Refik RRUGEJA, Mayor of Kavaja, Chairman of the Albanian Association of Municipalities - Mr Artur KURTI, Mayor of Kucova, Vice Chairman of the Albanian Association of Municipalities - Mr Lorenc LUKA, Mayor of Shkodra, Vice Chairman of the Albanian Association of Municipalities Substitute members: - Mr Vangjush DAKO, Mayor of Durres - Mr Edmond GJOKA, Mayor of Saranda - Mr Viktor TUSHA, Mayor of Lezha

• Austrian Association of Municipalities: One change in full members: - Herr Arnold MARBEK, Mayor of Poggersdorf, Second Vice President of the Austrian Association of Municipalities, Vice-President of the Association of Municipalities of the Kärnten Land, replacing Herr Bernd VÖGERLE One new substitute member - Frau Marianne FÜGL, Deputy Mayor of Traisen, Member of the Board of the Austrian Association of Municipalities

• Union of Local Authorities in Israel: Full members: - Mr Adi ELDAR, Mayor of Karmiel, Chairman of ULAI - Mr Eli LEVY, Mayor of Lehavim, Chairman of ULAI’s International Relations Committee Substitute members: - Mr Avi RABINOVITCH

• Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania: Full members: - Mr Arnoldas ABRAMAVIČIUS, Mayor of Zarasai District Municipality - Mr Gintautas GEGUŽINSKAS, Mayor of Pasvalys District Municipality - Mr Algirdas VRUBLIAUSKAS, Mayor of Alytus District Municipality

• Association of Units of Local Self-Government of Macedonia (ZELS): Full members: - Mr Andrej PETROV, President of ZELS, Mayor of Karpos - Mr Koce TRAJANOVSKI, Vice-President of ZELS, Mayor of Gazi Baba - Mr Nevzat BEJTA, Vice-President of ZELS, Mayor of Gostivar Substitute members: - Mr Zoran ZAEV, Mayor of Strumica - Mr Vladimir TALESKI, Member of ZELS Managing Board, Mayor of Bitola - Mr Rami QERIMI, Member of ZELS Managing Board, Mayor of Tearce

• Association of Ukrainian Cities: Full members: - Mr Ivan KULICHENKO, Mayor of Dnipropetrovsk, President of AUC - Mr Mykola FEDORUK, Mayor of Chernivtsi, Vice-President of AUC - Mr Ivan SYDOROV, Head of Solomyanskyi Rayon Council in Kyiv - Mr Eduard GURVITZ, Mayor of Odessa - Mr Valeriy BARANOV, MP, Board Member of AUC - Mr Myroslav PITTSYK, Executive Vice-President of AUC Substitute members: - Mr Oleksandr LUKIANCHENKO, Mayor of Donetsk, Vice-President of AUC - Mr Andriy SADOVY, Mayor of Lviv, Vice-President of AUC

Additional information received will be provided during the meeting in Reykjavik.

Executive Bureau

3. In Stuttgart, most of the members of the new Executive Bureau were elected, leaving two vacancies. It was anticipated that FEMP from Spain and the Romanian associations in relation to Romania might wish to put forward a nomination. Information on this will be given in the course of the meeting.

22 2.2 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS European Section of United Cities and Local Governments CEMR

SECRETARIES GENERAL AND DIRECTORS MEETING OF THE NATIONAL SECTIONS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Ljubljana, 19 March 2008

9 for decision for information DRAFT LIST OF DECISIONS

The Secretary General of CEMR opened the meeting welcoming the participants and thanking the Slovenian association for hosting the meeting.

The following speakers then addressed the participants: • Tone Peršak, Vice President of the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia, Mayor of Trzin presented the situation of local self-government in Slovenia • Ivo Piry, Head of Unit for International Co-operation, Government Office for Local Self- Government and Regional Policy presented the priorities of the Slovenian EU Presidency and initiatives in the field of regional and cohesion policy.

1. Adoption of the draft agenda

The draft agenda was adopted.

2. Approval of the draft list of decisions of the Bratislava meeting (26-27 September 2007)

The list of decisions from the Bratislava meeting was approved. As a matter arising, Mr Lorenzen (LGDK) recalled that the Secretary General had indicated that a consultation paper on the question of the involvement of elected representatives would be sent out before the Policy Committee meeting, and that the Danish delegation had recently sent a letter to CEMR expressing their views, which was circulated during the meeting.

2.1. Draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee meeting (4-5 December 2007) and declarations

The draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee Meeting (4-5 December) was noted, together with the Declarations on mobility and on the Treaty of Lisbon, which had been finalised, as requested by the Committee, to include a small number of points raised during the debate on which there was a consensus. The Secretaries General and Directors also took note of the proposed amendments to the Declaration on the Lisbon Treaty which AICCRE had transmitted to CEMR after the final version had been circulated.

3. Priorities of Slovenian and French Presidencies

The relevant priorities of the Slovenian Presidency were presented at the opening of the meeting by Mr Piry. Mr Bertrand (AFCCRE) presented the main priorities of the forthcoming French Presidency, including the Treaty of Lisbon, energy, sustainable development and immigration. Mr Chaillou presented the regional and local initiatives which the AFCCRE proposes to (co-) organise during the French Presidency.

4. Current European issues

4.1. Financial perspectives of the EU

CEMR’s draft response to the consultation on the EU budget review was discussed. VNG and SALAR asked that the CEMR response should include more detail on the policy content of the EU budget, and be more specific on future priorities. It was agreed that the secretariat will circulate another draft for consultation taking into account these points.

4.2. Ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the secretariat’s report on the state of play concerning ratification of the Treaty. Mr Porawski (APC) informed the meeting of possible difficulties in relation to the Polish ratification.

5. Policy issues

5.1. Overview report on CEMR’s policy work

Ms Poth-Mögele presented CEMR’s policy work.

The Secretary General informed the meeting that a revised text on CEMR’s draft Charter on Public Services would be circulated, but that this would not be in time for the issue to be debated at the Policy Committee meeting in Reykjavik. In the discussion that followed, Mr Telakivi and Ms Ruga expressed their appreciation for the reports and work of the policy team. In response to a query from Mr Kitt (UK section) on whether CEMR had plans for seeking to influence the policy agenda of the political parties for the European Parliament elections in 2009, the Secretary General indicated that the secretariat would draft a short “manifesto” which would be circulated to members for comments.

5.2. to 5.6. CEMR responses

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of and recommended approval of the respective CEMR responses to consultations on climate change, urban mobility, active inclusion, and future EU cohesion policy. They also took note of the Declaration of The Hague Conference on integration.

6. South-east Europe

The Secretary General informed the meeting on the proposal to hold a conference in Vienna on 6 and 7 November 2008, and proposed that a working group be set up to involve, in addition to Österreichischer Städtebund, representatives of other interested associations. Interested members were invited to contact the secretariat.

Mr Zajazi, Executive Director of NALAS, thanked CEMR for its good collaboration, and informed the meeting that the proposal for ‘cross-associate membership’ of CEMR and NALAS was due to be discussed by NALAS, and appeared to be a positive way to institutionalise this partnership.

The Secretary General presented the proposal to develop relations with Turkish local and regional governments. Ms Ehinger Berling (SALAR) underlined the interest of CEMR’s First Vice President Anders Knape and SALAR in developing contacts with the Union of Turkish Municipalities.

The Association of Ukrainian Cities informed the meeting that they will organise a meeting on twinning on September 1 and 2, involving Turkey and other south-east European countries, and asked for the political support of CEMR.

The Secretary General proposed to bring forward items 11.2 and 11.3 in the agenda, the 2 applications for CEMR membership which had been received from the associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina: • the Association of Cities and Municipalities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina • the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska

The Secretary General underlined that membership of these two associations together would allow CEMR to represent the large majority of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ms Perisic indicated that the Association of Units of Local Self-Governments of Macedonia (ZELS) had played an active role in establishing contacts between CEMR and the two applicant associations, and warmly supported their applications for CEMR membership.

The Secretaries General and Directors unanimously recommended that the Policy Committee approve the requests for CEMR membership, as full members, of both associations.

7. Council of Europe

Ms Cagnolati, Director of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe gave an overview on internal developments and key initiatives of the Congress.

Draft Charter of Regional Democracy

The Secretary General summarised the draft charter and presented CEMR’s draft position for debate.

Some members with indirectly elected regions (notably Finland, Estonia and Lithuania) did not support the text’s article 14 on the principle of directly elected regions. Ms Grzibovska informed the meeting that whilst Latvia does not have directly elected regions, the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments supports the present article 14 as the association promotes directly elected regions.

Mr Chaillou indicated some weaknesses in the French translation of CEMR’s draft position and, considering the importance of respect of local autonomy and cooperation between the regional and local level, requested that these points be included in the CEMR position.

The meeting decided that the draft CEMR position (incorporating the AFCCRE drafting improvements) should be put before the next Policy Committee meeting as it stands, without specific recommendation, drawing attention in particular to the specific issues raised at the present meeting.

It was also agreed that the secretariat should propose a small number of amendments to the draft Charter dealing notably with: • the problem of indirectly elected regions and the definition of “region” (article 7 and 14), • article 10 obliging regional governments to support national governments’ objectives, • a proposition to change the term “higher authorities” in article 42 and 44, since the present wording seemed to imply a hierarchical relationship.

It was agreed that a debate on the draft Charter be held during the Policy Committee in Reykjavik, during which amendments could be discussed by the elected representatives.

Draft Protocols to the European Charter of Local Self-Government

The Secretary General informed the meeting that the draft Protocol of the Congress had already been adopted in November. Ms Cagnolati indicated, however, that the rapporteur, Councillor Christopher Newbury, could still propose amendments to the draft and seems to be willing to do so. The CEMR secretariat could submit proposals to the Congress before the next meeting of the working group taking place on 31 March.

Local Democracy Week

The Secretary General informed on the Local Democracy Week, taking place from 13-19 October 2008, and invited the Secretaries General and Directors to participate and promote this initiative.

The AFCCRE proposed that twinning could be a useful framework for organising joint initiatives in this context. Mr Kitt expressed the UK section’s support for the week and encouraged other national associations to participate.

Mr Telakivi proposed to set up a working group on how to improve the work of the Congress and on the cooperation with the Committee of the Regions and CEMR. Members interested in participating were invited to communicate their interest to the CEMR secretariat.

8. European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life

The Secretary General informed the meeting on the outcome of the Pisa Conference which had brought together some 450 participants from 28 countries. He outlined proposals for future CEMR action to support the Charter’s promotion and implementation. The meeting took note of the final Declaration of the conference, and of the secretariat’s proposal to disseminate it widely.

9. Malmö General Assembly

Mr Nord (city of Malmö) informed the Secretaries General and Directors on the preparations for the Malmö General Assembly and asked participants to provide him with information on contact persons and preferences concerning the dissemination of promotional material. The Secretary General informed the meeting on the discussions of the preparatory working group which had met on 18th March, in particular to discuss the outline programme. A new draft programme will be drawn up and included in the First Announcement.

10. UCLG issues

Ms Saiz of the UCLG secretariat provided an update on key UCLG activities. She indicated that at the Quito Executive Bureau, it was foreseen to set up a working group to amend the UCLG Constitution. The World Council in Istanbul is currently foreseen to take place on 8-10 October, but the date is not yet fixed.

The Secretary General informed the meeting that CEMR’s working group on regional affairs supported the strengthening of the role of regions within UCLG. This was underlined by AFCCRE and SALAR. It was agreed that the Secretary General would write to UCLG on CEMR’s position on this issue.

26 11. Strengthening the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR

The Secretary General introduced the report on this item, and referred to the various options set out in the paper. He recalled that one of the main aims of strengthening the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR was to strengthen CEMR’s lobbying activities.

Mr Kitt stated that the UK section strongly supported the initiative as such in order to address the democratic deficit in the work of CEMR itself and in its relation to the European institutions. The UK section supports continuing with working groups, but with elected chairs and vice- chairs. The ordinary members should however continue to be experts at officer level. The model with rapporteurs might be the easiest way to get wide support from CEMR’s members. However it has to be assured that rapporteurs speak on behalf of CEMR and not express their personal opinion.

Mr Leitermann informed the meeting that the German Section of CEMR also supported the general idea. He did not however agree to having both committees and working groups in parallel. The technical work (by experts) should be separated from the political work (by politicians). The German section supports the proposal of political rapporteurs, but is against appointing politicians as chairs of working groups.

Mr Bertrand proposed that the CEMR secretariat could better inform elected representatives by short summaries in the policy papers and by informing them actively and quickly on main European issues.

Mr Hilterman of VNG expressed his support for the rapporteur model.

Ms Ehinger Berling informed that SALAR supported this model as well. The working groups could update interested politicians on current issues on a regular basis.

The Finnish association also supported the rapporteurship model, and expressed its reserves in relation to a committee model.

Ms Erdal informed that the Norwegian association also supported the idea of rapporteurship and of a shortlist of interested politicians.

Mr Chaillou indicated the AFCCRE’s support for the proposal to establish three new committees, in particular the creation of a committee for governance and democracy. He advocated, however, having more than one rapporteur per subject. He suggested that members of the Policy Committee should be involved in the committees or as rapporteurs.

Mr Lorenzen stated that the Danish associations wished to leave working groups as they are. He supported the rapporteur model but felt that there should be more than one rapporteur to ensure a balanced representation. He considered that the Policy Committee meetings should be strengthened by better political discussions, e.g. by inviting Members of the European Parliament.

The Secretaries General and Directors agreed that the Secretary General should draft a proposal for the Policy Committee, taking into account the views expressed to enable the Policy Committee to debate the issues and reach decisions.

12. Twinning

The meeting took note of the resignation of Anders Knape as Chair of the Twinning Network. It was agreed that the election of the new Chair take place at the next Policy Committee meeting, following an invitation to members by the secretariat to nominate candidates. Mr Porawski informed the meeting of the APC’s intention to nominate a Polish mayor as candidate. The UK section indicated that there may be a UK nomination.

13. Conferences and events

The meeting took note of the following conferences and events: • the Copenhagen conference on changes in local and regional government structures, with Danish associations (1st October) • the EISCO conference, Naples (25-27th September) • the local government climate change conference, Poznan (December) (Mr Porawski requested CEMR’s formal support for this event), • International Water Association Congress, Vienna (7-12 September), including a special “local government day” on 9th September.

14. Preparation for the Reykjavik Policy Committee meeting (5 May)

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the draft agenda and programme of this meeting. It was agreed that political debates could be organised on (a) the theme of the Draft Charter of Regional Democracy and (b) strengthening the role of elected representatives within CEMR.

Ms Roussel (VNG) requested that the issue of Municipal Alliance for Peace becoming a UCLG committee could be debated in Reykjavik.

15. Setting up the European co-ordination platform under the Non-state Actors and Local Authorities programme

The Secretary General informed the meeting about the proposal CEMR is preparing to submit to the European Commission for the establishment of a “Platform” of European, national and international associations, and invited confirmation on which associations wished to be co- financing partners of this project. Ms Roussel indicated VNG’s support for this work, and the wish that the Platform’s secretariat be based in Brussels.

16. World Affairs Committee

The Secretary General indicated that the next meeting could take place in Brussels during the week of 12-16 May, and that this could inter alia relate to the consultation with the European Commission concerning a draft European Charter on co-operation in support of local governance in development. The Chair of the Committee, European Vice-President of UCLG and Mayor of Stuttgart Dr Schuster, is being consulted on this possibility and further information will be circulated as soon as possible.

17. Conferences

The meeting took note of the following conferences, on which information was provided: • Euro-Arab Forum, Dubai (10-11 February) • ULAI Jerusalem conference (10-12 March) • City Diplomacy Conference, The Hague (11-13 June)

18. VNG proposal for a global MDG network for young councillors

Ms Roussel presented this VNG proposal.

19. Calendar of meetings

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the calendar of CEMR’s forthcoming activities.

20. Other urgent business

The representatives of the Association of Ukrainian Cities informed the meeting of a troubling recent development in Ukraine concerning the cancellation by the central government of local elections for Kiev. The Association considered this act to be unconstitutional. CEMR’s Secretary General indicated that if the Association would provide additional details, CEMR would be willing to write a letter to the government of Ukraine on the matter.

Ms Fraiss recalled that the Austrian Association of Municipalities supports Euro 2008 for Mayors (football…) taking place from 28 May to 1 June near Salzburg.

The Secretary General closed the meeting, thanking the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia, and particularly Jasmina Vidmar, for their warm welcome and effective collaboration.

30 3

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information Political debate on the draft Charter of Regional Democracy of the Congress of the Council of Europe

Draft Charter of Regional Democracy

Draft decision

The Policy Committee is invited to:

1. Debate the draft Charter of Regional Democracy drawn up by the Congress (set out in full in the accompanying documents file) 2. Approve the CEMR draft position paper annexed to this report, subject to any amendments decided by the Policy Committee, and agree to forward it to the Congress 3. Decide whether to propose to the Congress any amendments to the current text of the draft Charter.

1. In 1997, the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities adopted a European Charter of Regional Self-Government which, after years of discussion, was not accepted by the European ministers responsible for local and regional democracy. In 2006, the Congress’ Chamber of Regions therefore began drafting a new text entitled the “European Charter of Regional Democracy”, which seeks to address some of the concerns raised by national governments in relation to the previous draft Charter, whilst still laying down clear basic principles for regional democracy. It also aims to take into account developments in regional governance over the last decade. After its finalisation and adoption by the Congress in its plenary session in May 2008 (if so agreed), this new text will be submitted to the ministers as the basis of a new legal instrument. The latest version of the draft Charter is being sent in the accompanying documents file.

2. CEMR has in the past supported the principle of a Charter of Regional Self-Government, provided it is truly complementary to the Charter of Local Self-Government.

3. As compared to the previous Charter, the new draft Charter contains: - A new title (“democracy” replacing “self-government”) - A new structure with four chapters: o Part I: providing a common core containing 19 fundamental principles of regionalisation as a common basis for all states who would decide to sign and ratify the charter o Part II: offering three different options for each topic, to take account of different forms of regionalisation in the different states. The aim of this is that both states having regions with legislative powers, and those with “non-legislative” regions should be equally able to sign the charter

31 o Part III: specifying a relatively flexible approach to implementation of regionalisation with the right for signatory States to accept only some two-thirds of the paragraphs (an approach similar to the local self-government charter). Regional tax raising powers are for example only included in part II and III, leaving it up to the state to adhere to this principle or not. o Part IV: containing provisions usual in this kind of international conventions.

4. The draft charter has been submitted for consultation to, amongst others, the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, the Assembly of European Regions and the Committee of the Regions for comments and seeking support. CEMR’s Secretary-General has, in his personal capacity, made some drafting proposals for changes which have partially been integrated in the latest version adopted by the Congress’ reflection group on the Charter which met on 20th February.

5. CEMR’s working group on regional affairs has discussed the draft Charter in its meeting on 28th February. The working group (a) discussed a draft CEMR position paper (based on a draft proposed by Danish Regions) which expresses general support for the Regional Charter, and (b) recommended some drafting changes to the Charter.

6. The draft CEMR position paper was further debated in the recent meeting in Ljubljana of CEMR’s Secretaries-General and Directors. There was in particular no consensus on the issue of whether members of regional authorities must be directly elected – the latest draft of the Charter (Art. 14) asserts that they should be directly elected save in “exceptional, temporary circumstances”, when they may be elected indirectly. Whilst some felt that direct election is essential, others (such as Finland which has long had regional governments made up of indirectly elected members) did not agree.

7. The Policy Committee is invited to adopt the draft position paper, subject to any amendments on this or other points. The draft CEMR position paper has been slightly amended to include two points proposed by the AFCCRE, which are not controversial (a reference to the Charter of local self-government, and to the need for effective partnership working between the different levels of government).

8. As regards the contents of the current draft Charter itself, our working group on regional affairs has highlighted a number of points where amendments or clarification is needed. They concern mainly the following issues:

o Article 10 obliges regional governments to support national governments’ cohesion objectives. The working group proposes an amendment clarifying that the cohesion objectives are not necessarily defined by the central state. o Concerning the definition of “region”, the working group considered that the current definition in Article 7.1 (“regional authorities are entities between central government and local authorities”) requires clarification, notably in the case of countries with several “levels” of government. o The word “explicitly” should be deleted from article 8, which at present provides that there is not explicitly a hierarchical relationship between regional and local authorities o References to “higher authorities” (articles 42,44) should be replaced by another wording which does not imply a hierarchical relationship ( e.g. “central or national government”) o The working group also agreed to the Danish Regions’ proposal that the order of the principles in the first part of the Charter should be changed, in order to put the most important principles near the start of the Charter (e.g. the Articles on the definition of regional authority, the scope of regional self-government, and the constitutional or legal basis of regional self-government).

9. As indicated above, the full Congress is due to debate and, if it agrees, approve the draft Charter on Regional Democracy at the plenary session of the Congress at the end of May 2008, and the views of the Policy Committee will be communicated to the Congress.

32 3 annex

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

CEMR DRAFT POSITION ON THE CONGRESS’ DRAFT CHARTER ON REGIONAL DEMOCRACY

CEMR has continuously supported the adoption of a formal instrument on regional self-government within the Council of Europe, which would complement the existing European Charter on Local Self-Government in order to obtain an efficient set of legal tools to develop and consolidate local and regional democracy in Europe.

CEMR believes that a charter on regional self-government can be an essential asset for the protection of democracy at all levels.

CEMR underlines the increasing importance of the regional level across Europe, especially the regions’ important potential to promote the competitiveness of regional economies, and their increasingly significant role in European politics.

CEMR welcomes the Congress’ initiative to take forward the debate on a charter on regional self- government by the drafting of a new Charter on Regional Democracy. We are also pleased that the Congress has consulted widely on the new draft text with regions, European and national regional associations and European institutions.

CEMR considers that the new draft Charter on Regional Democracy must provide a set of clear principles that can assist in the protection, consolidation and development of regional self- government for existing regions, and which can act as an inspiration and guideline for new regions to be established.

CEMR wishes to emphasize in particular three core principles of regional self-government, i.e. • Democratic assemblies composed of members who have been freely elected by secret ballot on the basis of direct, equal, universal suffrage, • competences allocated in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, and in relation to which regional governments may freely choose and implement their priorities • the right of regional governments to adequate financial resources of their own, of which they may dispose freely within the framework of their powers.

CEMR reaffirms that a new charter also must underline the obligation for regional entities to respect the principle of national sovereignty and local self-government, as defined by the European charter of local self-government.

CEMR stresses moreover the necessity for effective partnership between the different levels of territorial governance, in the service of our citizens.

CEMR encourages the Congress to continue the work for a formal instrument on regional democracy and self-government which is open for signature to all Member States of the Council of Europe, based on the above-mentioned principles, and to this end expresses its support for the draft Charter on Regional Democracy.

34 4.1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for information for decision MAJOR EUROPEAN ISSUES: Ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of the state of play in relation to the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty, and inform the meeting if there are any particular difficulties foreseen in their country.

Signing of the Treaty

1. On December 13 in Lisbon, the EU Heads of state and government officially signed the Reform Treaty (popularly known as the Treaty of Lisbon), bringing to an end a long period of reflection and debate following the non-ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. At their summit in June 2007 they had agreed on a framework for the Treaty and an intergovernmental conference had elaborated the precise text which the heads of states and government had agreed upon on 19 October 2007. On February 20, the European Parliament approved the Treaty by voting strongly in favour of an own initiative report supporting the Treaty.

The ratification process

2. The Reform Treaty amends the current EC and EU Treaties without replacing them. It will come into force on 1 January 2009, provided all 27 members have ratified it.

Most countries will ratify the Treaty of Lisbon by parliamentary vote. It currently appears that only Ireland will put the text to a referendum, in early summer.

Ten countries have already ratified the Treaty:

- Hungary (December 2007) - Malta (January 2008) - Slovenia (January 2008) - Romania (February 2008) - France (February 2008) - Bulgaria (March 2008) - Poland (April 2008) - Austria (April 2008) - Slovakia (April 2008) - Portugal (April 2008)

35 3. On 4 and 5 December, CEMR's Policy Committee adopted a declaration on the Treaty of Lisbon, welcoming in particular the strengthened role it gives to local and regional authorities in the EU.

4. Some major achievements from a local and regional viewpoint are:

- The explicit recognition, for the first time in the European Union and Community Treaties, of local and regional self-government (article 4 in the Treaty). - The extension of the principle of subsidiarity to include local and regional government, not only national governments and the European Union - More effective consultation of local and regional governments, in the Treaty itself and also in the new Protocol on Subsidiarity and Proportionality - More account to be taken of the financial impact of new legislative proposals on local and regional government - The right of the Committee of the Regions to go to the Court of Justice, in particular for breaches of the principle of subsidiarity - The principle of territorial cohesion is recognized as an aims of the EU, alongside with social and economic cohesion - A new protocol on services of general interest underlines the necessity that the EU recognizes the wide discretion of national, regional and local authorities in providing, commissioning and organising services of general economic interest as closely as possible to the needs of users.

36 5.1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

APPLICATION FOR CEMR MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES OF THE FEDERATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

1. In February 2008, the CEMR Secretariat received applications for membership from the two associations of local authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina – the association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the association of the Republic Srpska.

2. The following report presents the information submitted by the Secretary General of the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Approve the request for CEMR membership, as a full member, of the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

3. The Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was founded in 2002.

Members

4. Membership of the Association is open to municipalities and cities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Association represents 78 municipalities and 2 cities, corresponding to 99% of the total number of local authorities in the Federation, and about 50% of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

5. The Association has provided CEMR with information confirming their respect for democratic principles:

All members of the organisation are democratically elected local authorities. The association is open to all local authorities concerned. The association’s governing bodies are set up with respect for pluralism.

37 Goals and Activities

6. The main activities of the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are as follows: - Lobbying for laws that are of interest to municipalities and cities; - Representing municipalities and cities at all levels of government; - Offering legal advice to municipalities and cities; - Organising conferences, round tables and other meetings with topics of interest for local self government; - Organising training sessions and seminars; - Cooperation with domestic and international partners; - Creating a platform for the exchange of information.

The Association’s current annual budget is of some 150 000 euro.

The Association is recognised as the legal representative of local self government units in the Federation, in accordance with the Law on Principles of Local Self Government.

However, it is not currently consulted on questions related to policy.

The Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is represented within the national delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe.

Statutory Bodies

7. The Association’s Assembly elects the leadership including the President of the Association and other bodies. The Association organises its work through the following structures: its Presidency (currently 13 members, all Mayors of local authorities), a Committee for International Relations, an Election Committee, an Urban Development Committee, a Committee on Local Self Government, a Committee for Legislative Issues and a Committee for Local Economic Development

The current President of the Association is Ljubo BESLIC, Mayor of the City of Mostar. The current Secretary General is Vesna TRAVLJANIN. The person responsible for communication with CEMR is Sejla HASIC, Project Manager.

CEMR membership in Bosnia and Herzegovina

8. Under the federal government level of Bosnia and Herzegovina there are two main administrative divisions: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers some 51% of Bosnia and Herzegovina's total area, and Republika Srpska covers around 49%. CEMR has also received a request for membership from the Association of Towns and Municipalities of the Republic of Srpska. Membership of these two associations would allow CEMR to largely represent the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina (see separate report on the membership application received from the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Republic of Srpska).

9. On the basis of this information, at their meeting in Ljubljana in March 2008, the Secretaries General and Directors recommended full CEMR membership for both associations.

38 5.2 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

APPLICATION FOR CEMR MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES AND TOWNS OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)

2. The following report presents the information submitted by the Secretary General of the Application for membership by the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Approve the request for CEMR membership, as a full member, of the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska.

3. The Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska was founded in 1998.

Members

4. Membership of the Association is open is to all categories of local governments. The Association represents 63 local self-government units, corresponding to 100% of the total number of local authorities, and the whole population, of the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

5. The Association has provided CEMR with information confirming their respect for democratic principles:

Goals and Activities

6. The main activities of the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska are as follows: - Activities related to development, protection and improvement of local self-government; - Networking and cooperation of towns and municipalities aimed at realisation of common interests; - Lobbying towards central authorities aimed at improvement and democratisation of local self-government; - Initiation of amendments to regulations, as well as creation of new proposals, aimed at improving the functioning of local self-government; - Activities related to improvement of public services in local self-government sphere; - Providing of professional assistance to all self-government units.

The Association’s current annual budget is of some 100 000 euro.

The Association is a recognised entity. They have signed a Memorandum on cooperation with the Government, and are consulted on policy issues.

The Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska is represented within the national delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe.

Statutory Bodies

7. The Association’s Assembly democratically elects its President, as well as the governing body – the Association’s Presidency – which is made up of 17 members.

The current President of the Association is Radomir KEZUNOVIC. The current Secretary General, and the person responsible for communication with CEMR, is Brano JOVICIC.

CEMR membership in Bosnia and Herzegovina

8. Under the federal government level of Bosnia and Herzegovina there are two main administrative divisions: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers some 51% of Bosnia and Herzegovina's total area, and Republika Srpska covers around 49%. CEMR has also received a request for membership from the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Membership of these two associations would allow CEMR to largely represent the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina (see separate report on the membership application received from the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina).

9. On the basis of this information, at their meeting in Ljubljana in March 2008, the Secretaries General and Directors recommended full CEMR membership for both associations.

40 6 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information “FIT FOR THE FUTURE?” CEMR’S XXIVTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MALMÖ 22-24 APRIL 2009

1. The 24th General Assembly of European Municipalities and Regions will take place in Malmö on 22-24 April 2009.

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to take note of:

ª Information on the preparations for the General Assembly; ª Outline pre-draft programme; ª Proposed deadline for candidacies for the host city or region of CEMR’s 25th General Assembly (due to take place in 2012).

2. Preparations for the Malmö General Assembly are now well underway. The preparatory committee (CEMR secretariat, SALAR, city of Malmö) will have its next meeting on 28-29 April and updated information will be provided in Reykjavik.

3. During the Stuttgart Policy Committee meeting (4-5 December 2007), the title of the Assembly was approved – “Fit for the Future?”, as were the broad concepts of different themes that may be included in the programme. The subtitle will be “how Europe’s local and regional governments are preparing.”

4. The outline pre-draft programme of the Congress is enclosed. The working group on the programme met in Ljubljana on 18th March, and the outcome of this discussion was presented during the Secretaries General and Directors meeting of 19th March.

As a result of these exchanges, it is foreseen to organise on the first day of the General Assembly, 22nd April, a round table on “Facing the future – the international and European challenges”, which should include contributions from high-profile speakers from the international, European, national, regional and local spheres.

The second day of the Congress will propose parallel working sessions on some key issues relating to how our local and regional authorities are getting fit for the future: democracy and governance, quality services and demographic change, bridging the urban-rural divide and building stability and co-operation across Europe and with its neighbours.

Special sessions are due to be organised on the theme of twinning and active citizenship, most likely in close co-operation with the European Commission, as well as on climate change. 41 The secretariat will be consulting member associations concerning possible speakers for the different sessions. It will be important to ensure a good gender balance within the programme.

5. The Congress preparatory committee has studied the practical elements concerning participation in the Malmö General Assembly. The registration fees are as follows:

Group A: early registration (by 15th February 2009) 500 € Group A: late registration (after 15th February 2009) 600 €

Group B: early registration (by 15th February 2009) 350 € Group B: late registration (after 15th February 2009) 450 €

It is proposed that “Group B” include countries that are at or under 65% of the EU GDP average, for countries covered by Eurostat, and any country not in the “high income” category of the World Bank classifications for others.*

6. A programme will be proposed for accompanying persons (at 250€-300€, to be determined), including possibilities of different visits, and participation in the Congress reception, gala evening, lunches and dinners. Post-conference visits will be proposed to all participants and accompanying persons, at additional cost.

7. It is foreseen that simultaneous interpretation will be provided in the following 6 languages throughout the Congress programme: Swedish, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Additional languages may be considered as well, depending on registrations and budgetary possibilities (for example, Portuguese was added in Innsbruck due to the large number of delegates from Portugal).

A more flexible approach will be adopted for the parallel sessions, which will each have at least 3 interpretation languages, with an additional 1 or 2 depending on registrations received.

8. The Congress first announcement will be available at the meeting in Reykjavik. A second announcement with registration information is planned for autumn 2008.

9. An important launch event for the promotion of our General Assembly, including its website, is due to take place at a reception organised on the occasion of the Congress of the Council of Europe’s Plenary Session, in Strasbourg on 27th May 2008.

10. It can be noted at this stage that the Policy Committee will be asked to select the host city or region of the 25th General Assembly (due to take place in 2012) during the Committee meeting on 22nd April 2009 in Malmö, prior to the opening of the General Assembly. The secretariat general proposes establishing the deadline of Friday, 30th January 2009 for receiving applications from interested local and regional authorities.

______* Proposed list of “Group B” countries in which CEMR has membership: Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine

42 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

24th General Assembly of European Municipalities and Regions Malmö, 22-24 April 2009

Congress Theme: FIT FOR THE FUTURE? how Europe’s local and regional governments are preparing ______

OUTLINE PRE-DRAFT PROGRAMME

WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL

10 h 30 – 12 h 30 CEMR Policy Committee meeting

12 h 30 Lunch for members of the Policy Committee

15 h 00 FORMAL OPENING SESSION

¾ Film on Malmö ¾ Opening by the Mayor of Malmö ¾ Mayor of Innsbruck ¾ Mr Anders Knape, CEMR 1st Vice-President, President SALAR ¾ Representative of Skåne Region

15 h 30 Intermission, with possible projection of a film (to be confirmed)

15 h 45 Round table: Facing the future – the international and European challenges

¾ Swedish Prime Minister ¾ President of CEMR ¾ Representative of the European Parliament & Commission ¾ 2 or 3 European Mayors / President of Regions ¾ Representative of an NGO / international organisation

18 h 00 Reception (Congress Centre)

THURSDAY 23RD APRIL

8 h 30 – 9 h 30 Meetings of national delegations

9 h 30 – 11 h 00 Series 1 parallel sessions: - “democracy and governance” session 1: participation and inclusion - “quality services and demographic change” session 1: adapting our services and workforces to change

11 h 30 – 13 h 00 Series 2 parallel sessions: - “democracy and governance” session 2: changing structures and competences - “quality services and demographic change” session 2: improving and evaluating service quality

13 h 00 – 14 h 30 Lunch

14 h 30 – 16 h 00 Series 3 parallel sessions: - “New cohesion policy: bridging the urban-rural divide” - “Building stability and co-operation across Europe and with its neighbours”

16 h 15 – 17 h 15 SPECIAL SESSION: Twinning and active citizenship

Parallel workshop: Decentralised co-operation – new roles for local and regional government

17 h 30 – 19 h 00 Resolution committee

19 h 30 Gala evening (Malmö Opera House)

FRIDAY 24TH APRIL

9 h 15 – 11 h 15 Plenary session: Climate change

11 h 40 – 13 h 15 CLOSING CEREMONY

ADOPTION OF FINAL DECLARATION

Potential key-note speakers: ¾ representatives from the CoR & Congress (CoE) ¾ President of CEMR ¾ Mayor of Malmö

13 h 15 Lunch

SATURDAY 25TH APRIL

Post-congress visits

44 7 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information TWINNING

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Elect the new Chair of CEMR’s twinning network; ª Take note of the progress concerning the creation of CEMR’s twinning website; ª Take note of CEMR’s twinning seminar, foreseen on 22nd June in Marseille.

1. The elections of CEMR’s statutory bodies took place in Stuttgart in December 2007, during which the Chair of CEMR’s working group on twinning, Anders Knape, was elected First Vice- President of CEMR. Mr Knape, as a result, has indicated that he will not seek to continue in his role as chair of the working group.

The members of the Policy Committee are asked to elect the new Chair of the twinning network during the Reykjavik meeting.

In circular letter n°5 sent on 3rd April 2008, the national associations were informed and invited to propose possible candidates to the Policy Committee. The secretariat has received the candidacy of Mr Janusz Marszałek, Mayor of Oświęcim, who has been nominated by the Association of Polish Cities.

2. As announced following the Rhodes conference (May 2007), CEMR is currently setting up a website to facilitate contacts for local authorities seeking to create new twinning links, via CEMR’s national associations. A first version of the site was presented and debated during the meeting of the twinning co- ordinators which took place in The Hague in November 2007. Work on the site is now underway, and the launch of the site is foreseen in the coming months. The website will not only serve as a twinning market for local authorities seeking to set up new links, but will also serve as a source of information and best practice between twinning practitioners in the different countries of Europe.

In future, CEMR proposes to consider extending the site to partnership actions with local authorities beyond Europe.

3. The next meeting of the twinning network is due to be held in Marseille on 22nd June, upon the invitation of the French Association of CEMR and the city of Marseille. The meeting will take place immediately before the opening of the Forum of Mediterranean local and regional authorities (taking place on 22 and 23 June). The meeting is due to take the form of an enlarged seminar open to Euro-Mediterranean elected representatives (some 50-60 participants). The seminar is foreseen to focus on twinning’s role in intercultural dialogue, as 2008 is the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

46 8 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

for information 9 for decision

STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES WITHIN CEMR

Draft decision

The Policy Committee is invited to:

ª Debate the best means of strengthening the role of elected representatives within CEMR; ª Decide on which option or options to adopt for this purpose.

Introduction

1. The Policy Committee has twice discussed the issue of how to strengthen the role of elected representatives within CEMR. The first was in Brussels in June 2007, the second in Stuttgart last December.

2. On both occasions, a substantial number of speakers expressed their support for the aim of strengthening the role of the elected representatives, but no firm decisions have yet been taken. The CEMR Secretariat was asked to put forward more detailed ideas for consultation and discussion, prior to decisions being made by the Policy Committee in Reykjavik. This consultation has taken place, with a debate at the recent meeting of Secretaries-General and Directors.

The problem

3. Within CEMR, the role and contribution of both elected members and of officers from across Europe has always been essential. But – as was stated in the report to the Policy Committee in June 2007, “the specific role of elected politicians within CEMR is currently quite limited.”

4. This is because, whilst the Policy Committee continues to meet twice a year, in recent times the meetings of our Executive Bureau have not been well-attended, and the current involvement of elected members in our committees and working groups is quite limited. We appreciate the support of many individual local / regional politicians who represent CEMR at individual events, but this is done on a very ad hoc basis.

47 5. This creates a structural weakness. Much of CEMR’s policy work, and in particular our work on influencing the European decision-making process, is seen to be of a high standard; for example, our work – with our members – in drafting and supporting amendments to EU legislation.

6. Yet there is an important gap which weakens the effect of our lobbying and “representation” work. If we need to see a Commissioner on a specific issue, or a Member of the European Parliament, they will most often wish or prefer to meet with at least one politician who represents CEMR. Under CEMR’s current structure, there is no clarity as to who can or should represent us at political level on thematic issues. The President or First Vice- President, and our Executive Presidents, of course may represent CEMR at important conferences etc., but usually not on specific policy issues. The EU policy work is, in effect, cut off from elected members’ effective oversight, save for their consideration of some policy positions at the Policy Committee – usually at a very late stage in the overall process.

7. The position has if anything got worse over the last 5 years. With a view to enhancing the role of elected members, some years ago it was agreed to establish three Policy Forums: on sustainable development; on cohesion and territorial policies; and on employment, social affairs and information society. These were intended to be meetings of relevant elected representatives from our national associations. In practice, however, these Forums never met. Following two unsuccessful attempts to organise meetings, and taking into account feedback from our members, it became clear that there was not sufficient practical support to continue to try to organise them.

8. However, in the meantime, the decision to concentrate on more technical work in working groups – and to change previous committees (environment, transport) into working groups – has meant that the participation of elected representatives in the thematic policy work has also gone down further (though in most areas, the membership of our committees and working groups had already mainly consisted of officers).

9. The exception to this has been the Committee of Women Elected Representatives of Local and Regional Authorities which has continued its work. The Employers Platform (which is the basis of our membership of the Social Dialogue Committee on local and regional government) includes officers and elected representatives – it is normal practice that the Chair be an elected representative.

10. The Twinning Network has a different model, since – whilst most of the members of the Network are officers – the Chair is an elected representative. This has proved very positive in terms of CEMR’s relations with the European Commission, and provides a possible model to follow in other work areas.

11. The current ongoing CEMR working groups (environment, energy, transport, employment and social affairs, public services and procurement, information society, cohesion and territorial policy) are currently chaired by officers from national associations, though in the case of the transport working group, the Chair remained an elected representative (who was already the Chair when it was still defined as a Committee).

Possible solutions – the story so far

12. Three possible ways forward were put forward to the June 2007 Policy Committee. The Policy Committee could, for example,

(a) elect an elected representative as Chair of each of the standing working groups, or (b) elect one or a small number of political representatives or “spokespersons” to follow each of the main areas, acting as the Policy Committee’s political delegates on each thematic area. The working group would then need to consult these political representatives on all significant policy issues before CEMR policy positions are finalized.

48 (c) appoint elected “rapporteurs” for important specific CEMR policy reports, who would then be our spokesperson with the European institutions on that issue, and report on it to the Policy Committee.

13. At its meeting in Stuttgart in December 2007, the Policy Committee received a further proposal, namely that – in the light of significant interest on the part of elected members from a number of countries – the Environment Working Group should become a Committee again. This would mean having a Chair and Vice-Chair(s) elected by the Policy Committee. After an animated debate, it was agreed to defer this issue also to the Reykjavik Policy Committee.

Options for the Future

14. At the recent meeting of Secretaries-General and Directors, several possible ways forward were discussed.

Option A: Creation of three Committees, with elected Chair/Vice-Chairs, alongside technical working groups

The Secretary-General and Director of Policy put forward this new proposal, which in their view would combine the need for more involvement by elected representatives, whilst maintaining a strong technical capacity on policy work.

Under this proposal, three standing committees of CEMR would be established which would normally meet once or twice a year:

• Committee for sustainable development (covering environment, energy, transport) • Committee for economic, social and territorial development (Lisbon Agenda, regional, urban and rural development, information society) • Committee for governance and democracy (local and regional self-government, quality of services, changes in structures, competences, finances etc.)

The first two cover most of the issues which are dealt with by existing working groups organised from our Brussels office. The third covers an area in which CEMR has long been active, and which grows in importance, but without any standing committee or working group so far. This structure would enable a broad range of issues to be examined, and priorities decided, covering the broad range of themes within each Committee’s terms of reference.

The Committees would have Chairs and Vice-Chairs elected by the Policy Committee for a term of three years, and who would represent CEMR at political level. The other members of the Committee would be either elected representatives or officers, depending on the choice of members in each country. Each country would have a weighted vote (though in reality formal votes are likely to be rare), according to the number of Policy Committee seats it has. If this is agreed, the Chairs and Vice-Chairs could be elected at the December meeting, and the new committees would come into effect at the start of 2009.

Alongside this framework, there would continue to be expert technical working groups on all of the key issues. These could be standing working groups, or task-based ones set up to deal with a specific piece of legislation or a specific issue. These would normally be chaired by officers, chosen as at present from within the working group. The overall aim would be to have more flexibility in the way our working groups operate, depending on the legislative or policy timetable and the degree of priority – this may also help to bring in more experts from our member associations.

Option B: To re-create Environment and Transport Committees

One lesser option would be simply to turn some of the standing working groups into committees without further changes. The obvious examples here are the Environment working group, where we know already that there is significant interest by elected members from some countries to play a fuller role, and the Transport working Group, where we have continued to have an elected chair. The main point of difference in turning working groups into committees is that the Chair and Vice-Chair(s) would be elected by the Policy Committee.

Option C: The appointment of elected rapporteurs

As an alternative, or in addition, to the above options, elected “rapporteurs” could be appointed by the Policy Committee who would either follow a specific legislative proposal, or who could have a more continuing role as rapporteur for a whole policy field. The secretariat, in consultation with members, could prepare a list of major policy issues, and associations would be invited to indicate their interest and nominate an elected member for any of the priority dossiers. There could also be two or even more rapporteurs who are nominated for a dossier, in which case there would be co- rapporteurs. The task of the rapporteurs would be to provide political input to our policy development process, and to represent CEMR publicly. The relevant working group would consult with the rapporteur(s) in drafting position papers, responses to consultations etc. The rapporteur(s) would represent CEMR at meetings with Members of the European Parliament, Commissioners etc.

If the "rapporteurs" model is agreed, there will need to be careful attention to ensure that the nominees are not “monopolised” by one or a few countries. In general CEMR is not divided sharply by political group, but this aspect will also need to be monitored. Finally, it may be considered beneficial to the overall coherence of CEMR if rapporteurs nominated were also members of the Policy Committee

The results of our consultation with member associations

15. At the meeting of the Secretaries-General and Directors in March, strong support was expressed for a version of Option C, i.e. for the appointment of rapporteurs who would certainly be elected members, and who would by preference be members of the Policy Committee. The view expressed was to have rapporteurs who would follow a specific policy area (environment, transport, territorial policy etc.) rather than being nominated for a specific piece of legislation. It was suggested that having more than one rapporteur for each policy area could be an advantage. Rapporteurs could also be a[appointed for specific key issues such as climate change for which there is currently no standing working group as such.

16. The cost implications of having rapporteurs would need to be taken into account since the CEMR budget for meetings is already tight. Most liaison work with the rapporteurs could be carried out by e-mail and phone, and where practicable some help from our associations would be appreciated towards specific travel costs e.g. a meeting with a Member of the Parliament who is rapporteur, or Commissioner, in Brussels.

17. There was strong support from the officers of the associations to maintain the technical working groups on thematic policies as they are, with each one choosing its chair.

18. As regards Option A, most of those who responded at the meeting opposed the idea of creating new committees, though there was some support for the creation of a new Committee for Governance and Democracy, which would cover issues and areas that are not currently dealt with by any working group. Option B was not discussed in detail.

Conclusion

19. The Policy Committee is asked to decide on which of the above approaches, or any other approach, should be adopted. Annex A to this report sets out the key questions for consideration. Annex B sets out some examples of issues or themes for some of which rapporteurs might be appointed.

51 ANNEX A

Summary of Options for strengthening the role of elected representatives within CEMR

More details of each option are set out in the report at paragraph 14.

Option A

To establish three standing committees, which would have an elected Chair / Vice-Chairs, to work alongside standing and ad hoc thematic policy working groups.

The three committees would be for (a) sustainable development, (b) economic, social and territorial cohesion, and (c) governance and democracy

Questions: • Do you support this option as a whole? • If not, do you support the creation of a specific new CEMR committee on governance and democracy (a field in which we have no current standing working group)?

Option B

To re-establish an Environment Committee and Transport Committee, for which the Chair / Vice- chairs would be elected representatives appointed by the Policy Committee, alongside the other existing thematic working groups.

Question: • Do you support this option?

Option C

For the Policy Committee to appoint elected representatives as political rapporteurs for specific themes and policy areas, working with and alongside the existing thematic working groups.

Questions: • Do you support this Option? • If so, do you agree that all or most of the rapporteurs should themselves be members of the CEMR Policy Committee? • Do you recommend any specific policy areas for which rapporteurs should initially be appointed? (Annex B lists possible policy areas to select from)

ANNEX B

Some possible policy areas for CEMR elected rapporteurs: 1. Environment One or more rapporteurs could be appointed to cover the whole “environment” field, but in addition, there could be a specific rapporteur for waste issues which remain very important. 2. Climate Change This has become one of the key European issues; there will be a White Paper, and over the next 2 years, there will be a series of important European and international events. 3. Transport In the field of urban transport, the Commission is preparing an action plan, and it is drawing up a legislative package on clean transport which includes legislation on ‘green vehicles’, internalisation of external costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and green procurement. Rapporteurs could be appointed for each or for both of these issues. 4. Energy In this field, there are issues relating to energy efficiency (revision of buildings directive, national action plans), as well as legislation on renewable energy. 5. Employment and Social Policy This again covers a very wide range of issues; there could also be rapporteurs who focus on more specific issues such as a. Demographic change (Commission preparing Communication on meeting the needs of older people) b. Integration of migrants (Commission preparing Green Paper on migration and education) c. Social inclusion (Commission preparing Communication on ‘a renewed commitment to social justice in Europe’) 6. Cohesion and Territorial Policy This area will also be important in the coming period; the debate on the future of the Cohesion Policy is underway, and the Commission is preparing a Green Paper on territorial cohesion.

54 9

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for information for decision TOWARDS THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS: A MANIFESTO FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Approve the proposal to draw up a manifesto for local and regional government for use in relation to the elections to the European Parliament in June 2009.

1. The next elections to the European Parliament take place in June 2009. In recent years, the Parliament has been given an increasing role in the EU legislative and decision-making process. Moreover, the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality, and local and regional self- government, are gaining in importance, and the Treaty of Lisbon strengthens them further. It is therefore necessary for local and regional governments to ensure that Members of the European Parliament, and in particular the political parties, are aware of the key issues of importance to our sector in the European domain.

2. One way of getting our views across would be by the creation of a short CEMR Local and Regional Government Manifesto for the 2009 elections. To have the greatest effect, this should be finalized by the end of this summer, in order to have a chance of being taken into account by the political parties in due time.

3. We drew up a short (two page) Manifesto in preparation for the 2004 elections, but in reality this was done at a relatively late stage. The headings for the last Manifesto in fact are still largely relevant – it covered the European constitution, services of general interest, consultation and partnership, cohesion policy and sustainable development, twinning and European citizenship, and international cooperation. There will also be new headings such as climate change.

4. It is proposed that the CEMR, in consultation with our Presidency and member associations, draw up a new Manifesto, which would be somewhat longer than in 2004, perhaps of 4 – 6 pages, covering the key issues of concern. With a view to launching it in September, it is proposed that the consultation on the topics to be covered, and on the drafting of the text, be carried out electronically. Once a broad consensus is reached, the President and First Vice- President would be asked to approve it for public circulation, in particular to the European political parties. The outcome will be reported to the December Policy Committee.

56 10 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

INFLUENCING EU LEGISLATION AND POLICY - IMPLEMENTING THE CEMR WORK PROGRAMME -

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of CEMR’s activities on influencing EU law and policy

General remark 1. CEMR’s Brussels based working groups are focusing their activities on EU related legislation and policy initiatives. At the moment legislation mainly concentrates on the areas of environment, energy and transport. 2. Policy initiatives, sometimes leading to legislation, are under way in the areas of the internal market (public services and procurement), transport, labour law, cohesion and territorial policy, information society and e-government. 3. By nature employment and social policy (in the framework of the open method of coordination), are areas where the European Union proposes common objectives and leaves it up to the Member States to decide how they want to achieve them. 4. This report covers the period since the last meeting of the policy committee in December 2007. CEMR has responded to a number of consultations in the past months; document 10.1 provides the key points of the individual positions. More information about the work of the Brussels based working groups is provided in the ‘information package’.

Future of the EU budget 5. The European Commission has started to prepare the review of the budget of the European Union. This process had been agreed in May 2006, following up the decision of the European Council in December 2005 on the current financial framework of the EU (2007 – 2013), and aims to lead a broad reflection on the financing and spending of the European Union.

6. In this context, several initiatives were launched in 2007: the “health check” of the Common Agriculture Policy (consultation ended on 15 February 2008), the consultation on the future of the cohesion policy (consultation ended on 31 January 2008) and a consultation on the future EU financial perspectives. The Commission is planning a presentation of the outcome end 2008/ beginning 2009. 7. CEMR prepared a response to the consultation on the budget review (doc 10.2), Since the deadline has been extended to 15 June 2008 the draft response can still be modified following the discussion in the Policy Committee. In our draft response, we emphasise the impact of the EU funds on how citizens experience the European dimension (and thus, for example funding of twinning and active citizenship activities are important). We also express our support for the organisation of an open debate on the income sources and on the policy challenges to which the funding should be allocated, taking into consideration the need for flexibility and careful monitoring of the spending.

Public Services and Procurement 8. The European Commission published in November 2007 a Communication on ‘a single market for 21st century Europe’ and several accompanying documents on services of general interest and related issues. CEMR’s working group on public services and procurement discussed the content with representatives from the different services of the European Commission and exchanged views with representatives of other European organisations, namely CEEP and Eurocities. 9. The working group does not share the Commission’s view that the new protocol to the Lisbon Treaty on services of general interest brings the necessary clarity and certainty to EU rules, and does not support the Commission’s approach, which we consider to be excessively market focussed, and to fail to respect local self-government sufficiently. CEMR favours a more differentiated treatment of local public services in the internal market that takes into account their specificities. CEMR puts a special emphasis on the question of inter-communal cooperation and public-public arrangements, as well as the question of ‘in- house’ provision. 10. In order to express CEMR’s view on local and regional services in the internal market, we are preparing a manifesto or charter on regional and local services of general interest, which could be used to lobby for our position in the coming months. The working group held a first exchange of views on the draft on 4 March and the text will be finalised in cooperation with the member associations in the coming weeks and submitted to the members of the policy committee for approval.

Environment 11. We have also responded to the consultation on the green paper on adapting to climate change , in which we stressed that adaptation measures have clearly a local dimension and that all levels of governance need to cooperate and coordinate their policies. The working group on environment and the network on energy issues meet on 29 April to jointly discuss climate change issues and discuss CEMR’s input to the planned White Paper, currently being prepared by the European Commission. Representatives from UCLG and ICLEI are invited to exchange views and to coordinate future activities, especially in the context of the preparation of the upcoming local/regional government climate change conferences in Poznan (December 2008) and Copenhagen (June 2009). 12. CEMR is currently lobbying the European Parliament in the 2nd reading of the waste framework directive. Our main concerns are on the waste hierarchy, the establishment of targets for reuse and recycling, the re-introduction of the recovery and efficiency criteria (deleted by the Parliament in the 1st reading), the definitions of ‘end of waste’ and ‘by- products’, the treatment of hazardous waste and of biowaste. Our views were reflected in the outcome of the vote in the responsible environment committee and we will continue our lobbying efforts prior to the vote in the plenary, scheduled for June.

13. Further waste issues are on the EU’s environmental policy agenda: in December 2007, the Commission proposed a modification of the directive on industrial emissions (IPPC directive) and on 14 April 2008, it launched a consultation on the review of the directive on waste electronic and electric equipment (WEEE directive). The CEMR working group on environment will prepare a position and propose amendments for the IPPC directive and draft a response to the consultation.

Energy 14. CEMR participated in the preparation of the ‘Covenant of Mayors’, launched in Brussels on 29 January 2008. Ms Bärbel Dieckmann, CEMR’s executive president, represented CEMR and presented the activities of her city. The ‘Covenant of Mayors’ is the response of the most active cities to global warming, and consists in a formal commitment of the adhering cities to reduce their CO2 emissions even beyond the EU 20% objectives. We are considering, together with other relevant stakeholders (Eurocities, Climate Alliance, Energie-Cités, ICLEI) and the European Commission potential further engagement in this initiative. 15. The Network on Energy Issues is preparing a position on the Commission’s proposal for a directive on renewable energy (published in December 2007) and we will lobby the European Parliament in the upcoming 1st reading. We will also prepare for the review of the directive on energy performance of buildings; the Commission may launch a consultation in Spring and present the proposal for the revised directive in November 2008.

Transport 16. The ‘Stuttgart declaration’ on sustainable mobility, adopted at the policy committee meeting on 4 December 2007 was broadly disseminated to relevant persons in the European institutions and organisations. 17. CEMR responded to the Green Paper on Urban Mobility to the Commission, stressing that the upcoming Action Plan should not impose further mandatory requirements on cities and municipalities, but should respect the principle of subsidiarity in this field. CEMR was invited on several occasions to contribute to the discussion on urban mobility (e.g. a seminar of the Committee of the Regions) and organised a debate on 24 January 2008 with the rapporteur of the European Parliament in which local elected representatives from Germany, the Netherlands and Norway participated. 18. The working group on transport will prepare a position on the Commission’s revised proposal for a directive on the promotion of clean and energy efficient road transport vehicles through procurement for public transport services (clean vehicles directive).

Local and Regional Government as Employers 19. CEMR, together with its partner organisation from the trade union side, EPSU, is carrying out a project on changes in the organisation of local public services and the contribution of the social dialogue. This project, financially supported by the European Commission and co-financed by a number of CEMR member associations, consists of a study, identifying key trends in the delivery of public services and examines a more in-depth individual cases. The results of the project will be presented at a conference in Brussels on 3 June 2008. 20. The Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for local/regional government has addressed the issues of “Integration of Migrants and implementing diversity policies in local and regional administration” and how to strengthen social dialogue in general and in the new Member States in particular. Furthermore, we participated in the discussion on “third party violence” in the context of a multi-sectoral initiative, which aims to complement the European framework agreement on harassment and violence at work, adopted by cross-sectoral social partners in April 2007. In this respect, CEMR’s position is that the outcome of the process should not be a binding instrument but rather a joint statement or a set of guidelines.

21. A joint CEMR/EPSU response to the Commission’s consultation on “Active Inclusion of People furthest from the Labour Market” was agreed within the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee.

Employment and Social Policy 22. CEMR responded to the consultation on “Active Inclusion of People furthest from the Labour Market” , which touches upon a number of local and regional government responsibilities and competences. We welcome the integrated approach, looking not only at employment-related measures, but also recognising the role of public services and the need to ensure sufficient resources for a decent life. 23. CEMR and member associations provided input to the Commission’s preparation of a Communication on “Meeting the needs of older people” and explores further potential activities to contribute to the debate on demographic change, including participating in the next European Demographic Forum, to be held in Brussels on 28-29 November 2008. 24. CEMR and member associations have contributed with good practice examples to the EU portal on the integration of migrants, which is currently under preparation and is expected to be running before the end of 2008. With the aim of actively contributing to the EU integration agenda, CEMR has ensured its participation at the first preparatory meeting of the EU Integration Forum and will seek to get involved in the future activities of the Forum. 25. CEMR participated in the second meeting of the EU Forum on the Rights of the Child, held in Brussels on 4 March, and has requested to the European Commission its formal involvement in the Forum, which is aimed to help prepare the announced EU strategy on Children’s Rights (expected by 2009). A thematic session looking at the mainstreaming of children and young people policies at regional and local level will be held during the next meeting of the working group on employment and social policy on 22 May.

Cohesion and Territorial policy 26. CEMR responded to the Commission’s consultation on the future of the EU cohesion policy launched by the Commission in September 2007. The implementation of the new programmes for the current funding period (2007-2013) has just started and therefore we believe that it is still too early to provide an in-depth analysis of the existing scheme. However, we expressed some key points that we consider relevant in the further discussion. 27. The future cohesion policy should continue to concentrate on the least developed areas, which are lagging behind. But it should also provide support to the other regions and stimulate sustainable growth in all EU localities (Lisbon and Gothenburg Agendas). We advocate more complementarity between the regional and rural development programmes, and that the impact of EU sectoral policies should be better taken into account in the future. 28. The working group on cohesion and territorial policy discussed this topic together with the ‘health check’ of the Common Agricultural Policy and the consultation of the budget review at its meeting in February. It was agreed to prepare a policy paper that covers the relevant questions for local and regional government and to formulate CEMR’s opinion for the upcoming debate. 29. The cooperation with the EU Presidencies on the implementation of the EU Territorial Agenda continued and CEMR participates in the work of the ‘Network of Territorial Cohesion Contact Points’. We are in contact with the German ministry for transport, building and urban affairs and explore the idea to become lead partners for the action line ‘urban-rural relations’.

Information Society and e-government 30. The policy group on information society and e-government is preparing a policy paper on broadband infrastructure, aiming to address this issue from a regional and local perspective. The European Commission launched the initiative to ‘bridge the broadband gap’ last year with a big conference, illustrating how the strategic use of ICT can support regional and local development. With our policy paper we want to contribute to the debate and support regional and local authorities in their planning and decision-making. The draft was discussed at the latest meeting on 16 April. 31. CEMR is supporting the organisers of the 7th EISCO (European Information Society) conference, taking place on 25 – 27 September in Naples. Our main contribution consists in assisting with the programme; looking for speakers and presentations of good practices, and promoting the conference among our members and beyond.

62 10.1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision 9 for information

EU POLICY WORK CEMR RESPONSES TO EU CONSULTATIONS

Draft decision The members of the Policy Committee are invited to: ª Approve CEMR’s Response to the consultation on the budget review Response to the Green Paper on adaptation to climate change Response to the Green Paper on urban mobility Response to the consultation on active inclusion Response to the consultation on the future of EU cohesion policy

General remark 1. Since the last meeting of the Policy Committee in December 2007 in Stuttgart, the CEMR secretariat in cooperation with the relevant working groups and its member associations prepared a number of responses to consultations of the European Commission. 2. Consultations are usually launched by the European Commission in the preparatory phase of a policy initiative and take place in the form of a Communication or a Green Paper. 3. In the Communication, the Commission in general provides relevant background information and addresses the issues in a broader sense, whereas a Green Paper is a very early stage document and mainly opens the debate with a number of concrete questions to which the public is invited to respond. 4. The Commission collects the responses to the consultations and prepares reports about the feedback, which can lead to conclusions and further analysis on the subject. The Commission then expresses its view on how to continue to tackle the issue. 5. The follow-up can be in the form of an Action Plan (e.g. to the Green Paper on Urban Mobility), a White Paper (e.g. to the Green Paper on Adaptation to Climate Change), further discussion papers, or proposals for policy or legislation. 6. CEMR has responded to consultations in policy areas that are relevant for local and regional government. The papers have been presented for discussion at the meeting of the Secretaries General and Directors on 19 March in Ljublijana and have been approved to be submitted to the Policy Committee on 5 May in Reykjavik for adoption. 7. This document provides a list of the key points of the responses; the full version of the papers is available in the separate ‘information package’.

Draft response to the review on the budget Key points of CEMR’s response

1. We welcome the opening of an early and broad debate on the challenges the EU is facing internally and in the global context; 2. We advocate a policy-based approach that takes into account all levels of governance and the role they play in achieving agreed joint objectives; 3. EU funds can have a positive impact on the way European citizens experience the European dimension; 4. Member States and the European institutions should have an open and non-exclusive debate about the income sources; 5. New policy challenges may require new budget lines or the shift within existing lines; 6. A significant part of the EU budget should continue to support territorial actions, addressing all key challenges which impact on territorial development; 7. The EU budget should be a strategic tool for responding to the challenges Europe is facing and will be facing in the future; 8. It may yet be too early to determine all of the priorities for the ‘post 2013’ period; challenges like climate change, energy, demographic developments, a knowledge- based economy, territorial cohesion, social inclusion, migration and security seem, however, to be key issues; 9. Globalisation and its effects also need to be taken into account; funding support for developing countries, including local actors, must continue; 10. Horizontal coordination between the policy programmes can ensure consistency and avoid counter-productive effects; 11. Spending should always be carefully monitored; the European Commission and Parliament should ensure a transparent, efficient and effective monitoring, auditing and reporting to the Member States and the public; 12. The partnership principle with the active participation of local and regional government is a useful tool to ensure the link between EU policies and the territories (regions and localities), helping to bridge the gap between the European Union and the citizens; 13. The future budget period should find an appropriate balance between stability and long- term reliability, and flexibility to react to new challenges. The multi-annual budgeting approach should include provisions for mid-term reviews or other ways allowing the European Union to respond to changing realities and could be more closely aligned with the EU political cycles.

64 CEMR’s response to the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change in Europe – Options for EU action Key points of CEMR’s response

CEMR: 1. Welcomes the Green Paper on Adapting to climate change;

2. Points out that adaptation issues are intimately linked to the local level;

3. Underlines that a multi-level governmental approach and a coordination of policies at all levels is indispensable;

4. Stresses the need to integrate mitigation and adaptation policies together;

5. Identifies issues and challenges at the local and regional level;

6. Emphasizes that local and regional authorities are willing to take their responsibilities but they also need the right support, notably financial;

7. Proposes actions to be taken at local, regional, national and EU level.

65 CEMR’s response to the Green Paper on Urban Mobility Key points of CEMR’s response

CEMR:

1. Welcomes the Green Paper on urban mobility as a means to debate with citizens and all relevant stakeholders at local, regional, national and European level what a European policy on urban mobility should comprise. 2. Recognises that the European Union has a role to play in favour of sustainable urban mobility and can bring some added value in policy areas and challenges that are common to EU cities. 3. Calls for a full respect of the principles of subsidiarity and local self-government. Local authorities are in the lead in defining and implementing urban mobility policies. The EU can support them, without imposing solutions. 4. Stresses that a new culture for urban mobility could only arise if an integrated policy approach is adopted at local, regional, national and European level. A close cooperation between the different levels of governance is a pre-requisite to guarantee efficient and coherent transport policies. 5. Considers that the promotion of modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport should be a cornerstone of any urban transport policy. It is essential to promote both restrictive measures to discourage the use of cars in congested urban areas and incentive measures, such as the development of competitive and coordinated alternatives embracing a diversity of modes. 6. Advocates the setting up of a dedicated and flexible fund for urban transport projects. Information on existing funding opportunities at local level has also to be improved and new funding tools promoted. 7. Underlines that European cities and regions should be closely involved in the drawing up of the Action Plan on urban mobility. The latter should offer options for local decision makers while taking into account the link with existing legislation having a direct or indirect impact on local transport policies.

CEMR Response to the Public Consultation on the Active Inclusion of People Furthest from the Labour Market Key points of CEMR’s response

1. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) regards active inclusion as a key priority to ensure economic, territorial and social cohesion in Europe and therefore welcomes the Commission’s second stage consultation on Modernising social protection for greater social justice and economic cohesion: taking forward the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market. 2. CEMR supports the three pillars approach to active inclusion, proposed by the European Commission, which focuses not only on employment-related measures but also recognises the role of public services and the need to ensure sufficient resources for a decent life. 3. CEMR endorses the proposed common principles on the three aspects of the active inclusion strategy (income support, inclusive labour markets and quality public services), which are in line with the social inclusion and activation strategies already developed by local and regional authorities. 4. We would however like to stress that active inclusion can be effectively achieved only through regional and local-based solutions. Therefore, the definition of more detailed principles and standards should be agreed at regional or local level, taking account of the different social and economic contexts, institutional arrangements and traditions. 5. CEMR particularly welcomes the Commission’s recognition of the fundamental role played by local government in promoting active inclusion. 6. We agree with the Commission’s view that active inclusion requires an integrated approach not only in terms of its components (the three pillars) but also with regards to its implementation through a partnership and inclusive implementation process, which should involve all relevant stakeholders, both public and private. 7. In line with the previous statement, we call on the Commission to ensure Member States establish an adequate and long-term dialogue with local and regional governments on those policies related to active inclusion and, more generally, to the EU social inclusion process. 8. With regards to action at EU level, we consider greater support is needed for the promotion of exchange of experiences and the benchmarking of best local and regional government practices in the areas of promoting active inclusion and increasing quality and accessibility of public services at local level.

67 CEMR response to the Public Consultation on the future of EU Cohesion Policy: Growing Regions, growing Europe Key Points of CEMR’s response

1. The challenges to be faced in the future affect not only the regions lagging behind but all regions in the EU. 2. The future cohesion policy should support all local and regional authorities, in order to foster development and territorial potential of all EU’s localities. 3. Any future EU cohesion policy should be based on the principles of subsidiarity and territorial solidarity and aim to achieve economic, social and territorial cohesion across the whole European Union. 4. The cohesion policy should include at its heart the principal objectives formulated by the Lisbon and Gothenburg agendas as key guidelines. 5. Further thought and discussion is needed on how to allocate the limited resources. 6. A wider set of criteria should be considered beyond the traditional GDP/GNI-based indicators used so far. 7. CEMR welcomes the increased focus on territorial aspects as the third pillar of European convergence together with economic and social issues. 8. Within the future debate, it is necessary to take into account the territorial impact of all EU sectoral policies. 9. We also emphasise the importance of urban development issues and of focusing on the urban-rural interface. 10. It is especially necessary to achieve more complementarity between the regional and the rural development programmes, where, in future, rural development might become an integral part of a coherent territorial cohesion policy. 11. The principle of partnership should be emphasised and more responsibilities could be allocated to local and regional authorities. 12. We would strongly reject any tendencies on a “re-nationalisation” of the cohesion policy to the member states.

68 10.1 annex

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CONSEIL DES COMMUNES ET REGIONS D’EUROPE

DRAFT CEMR Response

To the European Commission’s consultation on the

Financial perspectives of the EU “Reforming the Budget, Changing Europe”

Brussels, 15 April 2008

Conseil des Communes et Régions d'Europe• Council of European Municipalities and Regions 15 Rue de Richelieu F-75 001 Paris 1 square de Meeûs B-1000 Bruxelles tel : + 33 1 44 50 59 59 [email protected] - www.ccre.org Tel : + 32 2 511 74 77 69

Key points of CEMR’s response ¾ We welcome the opening of an early and broad debate on the challenges the EU is facing internally and in the global context; ¾ We advocate a policy-based approach that takes into account all levels of governance and the role they play in achieving agreed joint objectives; ¾ EU funds can have a positive impact on the way European citizens experience the European dimension; ¾ Member States and the European institutions should have an open and non- exclusive debate about the income sources; ¾ New policy challenges may require new budget lines or the shift within existing lines; ¾ A significant part of the EU budget should continue to support territorial actions, addressing all key challenges which impact on territorial development; ¾ The EU budget should be a strategic tool for responding to the challenges Europe is facing and will be facing in the future; ¾ It may yet be too early to determine all of the priorities for the ‘post 2013’ period; challenges like climate change, energy, demographic developments, a knowledge-based economy, territorial cohesion, social inclusion, migration and security seem, however, to be key issues; ¾ Globalisation and its effects also need to be taken into account; funding support for developing countries, including local actors, must continue; ¾ Horizontal coordination between the policy programmes can ensure consistency and avoid counter-productive effects; ¾ Spending should always be carefully monitored; the European Commission and Parliament should ensure a transparent, efficient and effective monitoring, auditing and reporting to the Member States and the public; ¾ The partnership principle with the active participation of local and regional government is a useful tool to ensure the link between EU policies and the territories (regions and localities), helping to bridge the gap between the European Union and the citizens; ¾ The future budget period should find an appropriate balance between stability and long-term reliability, and flexibility to react to new challenges. The multi-annual budgeting approach should include provisions for mid-term reviews or other ways allowing the European Union to respond to changing realities and could be more closely aligned with the EU political cycles.

70 Financial perspectives of the EU “Reforming the Budget, Changing Europe”

Communication from the European Commission SEC(2007) 1188

Introduction

1. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions welcomes the European Union’s initiative to launch a broad debate on the challenges that Europe is facing and what should be the appropriate allocation of the available financial resources. 2. This procedure provides the opportunity to address the challenges the European Union is facing due to major socio-economic changes in Europe. The debate also needs to look into the challenges that the EU has to cope with in the global context and how Europe can play a dynamic and relevant role in the world. 3. The EU budget sould foresee a balanced approach in terms of contribution to the achievement of the objectives defined by the Treaty, in particular the economic and social cohesion objectives and the new challenges that EU has to face in the future. 4. CEMR appreciates the policy-based approach that the Commission is proposing for the future financial choices. As the European umbrella organisation representing local and regional government, we would like to emphasise the importance that these decisions take into account the contribution of all levels of governance and the role they play in implementing common policies and contributing jointly to achieve the agreed European objectives. 5. We would like to encourage the European institutions and the Member States to continue their efforts to strengthen their relationship with the citizens. The allocation of European funds for information campaigns, awareness rising, exchange of experience and further initiatives to promote understanding of the European dimension are therefore very important. 6. CEMR and its member associations have been engaged in relevant actions (e.g. twinning, promoting active citizenship, equal opportunities, etc.) since many years and enjoys financial support from the European Union for related activities. This is crucial for the beneficiaries, which are often small or medium- sized municipalities who would otherwise not be able to organise events allowing thus individual citizens of all age groups to experience the European dimension. 7. Local and regional authorities should also be considered as partners in stimulating innovation and helping to create a knowledge-based society on the one hand and helping to develop high quality and sustainable environments for the citizens.

The financial perspective 8. The question of spending is closely linked with the question of the source of the financial means; therefore, we want to encourage the Member States and the European institutions to have an open debate on this issue, including on the possible income sources to meet the agreed budget. 9. New policy challenges need to be addressed by legislative policy initiatives, but they may also require new budget lines or a shift within existing budget lines. 10. The current main European expenditure categories (e.g. cohesion policy, the common agricultural policy with its pillar for rural development) have a direct impact on cities, municipalities and regions. 11. CEMR has expressed its view on the future of these specific policies in its response to the consultation on the future of the cohesion policy. 12. We believe that a significant part of the EU budget in the future must continue to support territorial actions at regional and local levels addressing all the key challenges which impact on territorial development.

The EU budget to respond to changing needs 13. One may question whether the financial framework of the EU (covering 2007 – 2013) adequately responds to the challenges that Europe is facing and whether it reflects the priorities as agreed in the Lisbon and Gothenburg Agendas, namely basing Europe’s economy on a knowledge based society, promoting sustainability and thus stimulating sustainable growth. 14. It is probably yet too early to determine all of the priorities for the period ‘post 2013’. At the moment the key challenges seem to be climate change, energy, demographic developments, a knowledge-based economy, territorial cohesion, social inclusion, migration and security. 15. It should be secured that the thematic EU funds will help local and regional authorities in the Member States to tackle these challenges. 16. Any policy aiming to support measures related to these challenges should be given priority, e.g.: a. stimulating innovation and the use of ICT (including education and training, e-capacity building, research and development) b. creating environmental friendly solutions (taking into account climate change and all related issues like energy and transport) c. ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion (e.g. reduce the disparities amoung EU regions, fighting social exclusion, addressing demographic changes, regional development, urbanisation, depopulation of rural areas) 17. Globalisation and its effects on Europe also need to be taken into account. The European Union will be ever more challenged by the economic and political development in other continents.

72 18. Europe also needs to continue to support developing countries and funding for relevant activities has to be ensured. EuropeAID and the thematic programmes play an important role in strengthening democracy and economic growth in other parts of the word. 19. CEMR calls on the European Union to ensure that the European Development Fund (EDF) makes the fund accessible to local government actors in the respective developing countries and to clearly promote local government actors. 20. In general, sufficient finances need to be allocated in order to allow the European Union to play an adequate role in the global context and to accompany its economic power with strong political instruments.

Administration 21. The European Union should strengthen the horizontal coordination between the policy programmes. The different budget lines should be better linked in order to ensure consistency and to avoid counter-productive effects. 22. The way European money is spent should always be monitored carefully; the European Commission and Parliament should ensure transparent, efficient and effective monitoring, auditing and reporting not only to the Member States but also to the public. 23. CEMR would like to emphasise the partnership principle in the implementation of funding programmes. Local and regional government play a relevant and often essential role in delivering European policies at local and regional level. 24. The EU and the Member States should, where ever appropriate, support the development of the administrative capacity of local and regional administrations in order to strenghten the partnership at all levels and make it more effecive. 25. Local and regional democratic elected bodies ensure the link between EU policies and the territories, helping to bridge the gap between the EU and the citizens. They should therefore be key actors in defining and delivering funding programmes and they should have enough flexibility to align European funding to local needs. 26. The future budget period should find an appropriate way to provide stability with long-term reliability on the one hand, but also enough flexibility in order to react to new challenges or modifications of circumstances on the other hand. Therefore the multi-annual budgeting approach could include provisions for mid-term reviews or other ways that allow Europe to respond to changing reality. Programming periods could be more closely aligned with the European Commission and European Parliament mandates to increase accountability.

* * * *

74 11 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN IN LOCAL LIFE

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of and ratify the final declaration (in annex) which was adopted at the closing of the Pisa conference.

1. On 20-21 February 2008 in Pisa, CEMR organised the final conference of the project supported by the European Commission on the implementation of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life. In addition to CEMR’s Italian section, the Province of Pisa, as well as the City and Tuscany Region (particularly AICCRE Toscana) supported the organisation of the conference.

This event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CEMR’s activities in the field of gender equality, which were launched in the city of Pisa in 1983 with the first European conference of women elected representatives.

Some 450 participants from 28 countries participated in the conference, which provided the opportunity for an analysis of the first concrete actions that have been undertaken to implement the Charter at local and regional level, and to consider the role played by CEMR’s national associations in this context.

2. The secretariat presented two further draft documents during the Pisa conference. First, a draft guide to assist signatories to drawing up equality action plans. Secondly, a draft framework/table to assist signatories to establish and follow-up performance indicators in relation to the different articles of the Charter. The national associations and their members are invited to share their views on these draft documents (copies available from the secretariat). It is hoped to finalise these documents, following consultation, at the seminar foreseen later in 2008 in France.

3. The Pisa Conference marked the end of the European project which allowed our activities on the Charter to benefit from co-financing. For the moment, there is no EU programme which could support our work now to pursue these activities. The Charter’s success, however, encourages us to continue seeking means to allow us to be able to respond to the interest and expectations which this project has created. It can be recalled that to date, we have been informed of over 700 signatories, and the first action plans for implementing the Charter are now being launched. To-date, the Charter has been translated into 17 languages thanks to our national associations.

Conseil des Communes et Régions d’Europe Council of European Municipalities and Regions

25 Years of Action for Equality: European Conference of Local and Regional Elected Women Representatives

“ACTING LOCALLY FOR EQUALITY”

Pisa, 20-21 February 2008

Final Conference of the project “Implementation of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life”

- FINAL DECLARATION -

25 years ago, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) organised the first European Conference of local and regional elected women representatives on the theme of women and the renewal of the European community, upon the initiative of the President of the Province of Pisa, Fausta Giani Cecchini, and with the support of the European Commission.

Coming together in Pisa on 20th and 21st February 2008, we, representatives of local and regional government from 28 European countries,

Declare as follows:

1. We recognise the essential and positive role played by the European Union in the progress achieved regarding legislation promoting equality of women and men across our continent. However, we cannot forget or ignore the deep-rooted disparity between the de jure situation, and the de facto reality, and underline the enduring need to maintain and strengthen our efforts to combat the discrimination and inequalities which persist in political, social and economic spheres.

2. We underline the major role CEMR has played on behalf of equality of women and men in European local life throughout the last 25 years through numerous initiatives and projects, and in particular the constant work undertaken to promote a balanced representation and participation of women and men within democratic decision-making at local and regional level.

3. We particularly welcome the growing success of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, which, since its launch by CEMR in 2006, has to date received almost 600 signatures from across Europe. We underline, in this context, the vital role played both by CEMR’s national associations, which have greatly contributed to the Charter’s success – particularly by translating the Charter into their languages – and the European Commission, which has provided financial support for the development and follow-up of the Charter, as well as giving much support to past actions for equality.

The Charter aims to encourage local and regional governments to make a formal commitment to the principle of equality of women and men in local life, and to draw up and implement equality action plans in relation to their competences and services, to promote gender equality in all spheres of life, as well as to counter gender-based stereotypes and combat related discrimination and disadvantages.

77 4. This conference in Pisa – the final conference of the project on implementing the Charter – has provided the opportunity to assess and highlight local actions for equality which have been undertaken by many European local and regional authorities.

In the light of these experiences, we emphasize the importance of the Charter as a political and practical instrument for equality, and invite CEMR to continue in its work for equality of women and men in local life, in particular by facilitating the exchange of good practices between signatories and evaluating progress made in the Charter’s implementation.

5. We welcome the proposal to draw up a guide, based on experiences gathered to date, to support signatories in drawing up action plans and to promote a more wide-scale implementation of the issues covered by the Charter. We also note the examples of possible “evaluation indicators” for the implementation of different articles of the Charter, and we underline that it will be important to continue to identify and refine such indicators gathered from practical experience on the ground.

6. We express our satisfaction that the common values of the member States of the Union presented in the reform Treaty adopted in Lisbon, on 13th December 2007, include that of equality between women and men, and with the duty on the Union to promote such equality. We will remain particularly vigilant to see that these provisions are given practical effect, once the Treaty has been ratified – which we hope will be done rapidly – by all the Member States.

7. We therefore call upon the European Union to promote pro-active measures for gender equality and to strengthen the application of empowerment and mainstreaming policies, in order to ensure real progress on the ground. We call upon the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Committee of Regions, the Council of Europe as well as the States and legislative regional governments to support the Charter. We note with regret that the European Commission currently has no specific programme to support the follow-up activity for the implementation of the Charter, and request that adequate means be identified in order to pursue this work in more depth. We welcome in this regard, that the European Commission annual policy strategy for 2009 affirms that standards for equality of women and men need to be effectively applied and evaluated, and express our willingness to co-operate to this end.

8. We express, in this context, our hope that the EU’s new Institute for Gender Equality will become operational as rapidly as possible, and that the Institute co-operate fruitfully with CEMR and its national associations to support the implementation of the Charter, for example with the gathering and analysis of data on evaluation of local actions for equality in the light of the Charter.

9. With a view to the elections of the European Parliament taking place in June 2009, we appeal for the principle of parity to be respected in the candidacy lists so that the Parliament – the expression of European democracy – is constituted with a balanced representation of women and men. We further wish that the Committee on women's rights and gender equality will maintain a key role within the Parliament.

10. Aware of the essential role of local experiences and policies in the context of globalisation, we propose that an evaluation be carried out for local actions for equality in the framework of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Committee (CEDAW) of the United Nations.

11. In solidarity with the citizens of the entire world, we hope that the Charter will play a positive role for equality beyond Europe, for example via the world organisation United Cities and Local Governments, of which CEMR constitutes the European section. Since gender equality is also one of the Millennium Development Goals, we hope that through the Charter, we can also contribute to the work of the Millennium Campaign and UN Habitat’s work, as well as to other relevant international institutions.

78 12 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

INITIATIVES IN SOUTH-EAST EUROPE

1. In 2008, CEMR is undertaking to develop our activities in south-east Europe in different areas.

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of the preparations of the Vienna seminar of 6-7 November 2008; ª Share views on developing dialogue with the Union of Municipalities of Turkey and give mandate to CEMR’s First Vice-President to take steps in this direction.

2. 2nd CEMR seminar on South-East Europe, Vienna, 6-7 November 2008

A key moment for CEMR action in south-east Europe this year will be the seminar on local and regional government due to take place in Vienna on 6th and 7th November, at the invitation of our Austrian association, Österreichischer Städtebund.

The first CEMR seminar on local and regional authorities in south-east Europe took place in Vienna in October 2005. This provided the opportunity to bring together the associations of local and regional governments from the region for a discussion on expectations towards CEMR, and to facilitate an assessment of possible ways of developing the exchange of experiences among associations.

The 2005 seminar moreover provided a positive opportunity for CEMR to develop its good collaboration with partners in this area, in particular the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS) and Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA).

The preparations for the 2008 seminar are now underway. A first preparatory meeting has been held on 16th April with CEMR, our Austrian colleagues and NALAS. After this first exchange, it is foreseen that this event could be organised as a practical meeting providing the opportunity to exchange on key issues in the region such as local finances and negotiating with the central government, the complexities arising around urban planning, as well as on matters of energy and the environment. In addition, this will be the occasion to exchange on how to prepare for future EU membership, including drawing on the experiences of new/recent EU member States, and generally how CEMR and its members can benefit the associations of this region.

3. CEMR relations with NALAS and in the region

During the meeting in Stuttgart, the members of the Policy Committee approved in principle the proposal of cross-membership of CEMR and NALAS whereby, in order to further develop relations between the two Organisations, each becomes an associate member of the other. NALAS has also agreed in principle to such an arrangement. Their governing body which is competent for formally approving this step will next meet on 22nd May. Providing there is a positive formal decision from NALAS, the cross associate membership will be carried out. This will allow, for example, representatives of both associations to participate in the governing bodies and relevant activities of the other, thereby providing opportunities to improve synergies in our work.

Following our representation and contacts established at different events in the region, including the NALAS General Assembly in December 2007, new positive links have developed within the region. The secretariat general received in early February requests for membership from the associations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were presented to the Secretaries General and Directors at their Ljubljana meeting. This matter is addressed under point 5 of the agenda. If these applications are approved, the only countries of the region (apart from Turkey – see below) where CEMR has no membership will be Croatia and Moldova. In particular, since Croatia is an EU candidate country, we hope to include the relevant association(s) amongst our membership in the near future.

4. Relations with Turkish associations

CEMR’s 2008 work programme, approved by the Policy Committee in December 2007, includes the aim of developing dialogue with national associations of Turkey.

Following first exchanges, the secretariat general proposes to pursue contacts with the Union of Municipalities of Turkey (the Turkish association of local government which the Congress of the Council of Europe counts as a partner) to propose the opening of a dialogue.

In the first instance, CEMR could suggest organising small delegations to exchange visits for short meetings in order to discuss future areas for co-operation.

CEMR’s First Vice-President Anders Knape has expressed his particular interest in working with CEMR for the development of links with the Turkish counterparts. As rapporteur on local democracy in Turkey for the Congress of the Council of Europe, Mr Knape has close working relations with Turkish local actors, including members of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey. The Policy Committee is invited to give a mandate to the First Vice-President to pursue contacts at political level on behalf of CEMR, in liaison with the Secretary-General, to promote this dialogue and to report back at the next meeting.

80 13 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

for decision 9 for information UPCOMING CONFERENCES

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of the forthcoming conferences presented in this note.

1. Changes in the organisation of local public services: the role of social dialogue, Brussels 3 June

CEMR is organising in cooperation with EPSU, its union counterpart in the European Social Dialogue, a conference on the implications of changes in services provision and the role of social dialogue in managing the process of change.

Faced with political and financial challenges and pressures, local authorities have to adapt the way their services are organised, which results in modifications and changes which also impact on the workforce. In this context, good change management and the cooperation between the local government and the stakeholders concerned have proven to be crucial for preparing and organising successfully the change process.

The conference on 3rd June 2008 will present the outcomes of a joint CEMR/EPSU research on this issue and will also aim to reflect on the key challenges regional and local government in Europe are facing in changing the organisation of services.

The event will take place in the premises of the Committee of the Regions, in Brussels.

Registrations are now open and all details on the event are available from cristina.sosa@ccre- cemr.org

2. First World Conference on City Diplomacy, The Hague 11-13 June

The City of The Hague is hosting the First World Conference on City Diplomacy on 11-13 June 2008, based on the premise that local governments play a key role in conflict prevention, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. The conference will examine situations where local government mediation has been crucial to creating the necessary conditions for agreements at the central political level, and the potential role of local governments in mediation efforts in on-going conflicts.

The Conference aims to facilitate a better understanding of the factors for success or failure of local government peace-building initiatives. There is now a need for improved policies and practices, discussed with a wider group of local governments and other stakeholders. The conference should lead to proposals for this, with concrete opportunities for those who want to become more active in this field. The UCLG Committee on City Diplomacy will take responsibility for the follow-up of what will be defined as the Agenda for the development of City Diplomacy.

Registrations are now open and the programme as well as practical information of the Conference are available on the official website: www.citydiplomacy.org.

3. Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean 2008, Marseille 22-23 June

The first Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean will be held in Marseille on 22 and 23 June. It will be organised by the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG. CEMR and its French section AFCCRE are among the partners of this event, invited to co-organise two workshops. The Forum is organised as an opportunity to strengthen the engagement of local and regional authorities in the region. It takes place ahead of the Head of Mediterranean and European Union State and Governments summit in Paris on 13th and 14th July, and will give the opportunity to feed any messages into the Heads of State meeting.

In addition, on 22nd June, CEMR will organise a seminar on twinning and its role in intercultural dialogue, in connection with the Forum, in Marseille. Further information on this is presented under point 7 of the agenda.

4. International Water Association (IWA) – 9th September

CEMR will cooperate with the International Water Association (IWA) to organise a “local governments day” during IWA’s World Water Congress in Vienna from 7 to 12 September 2008 (3000 participants expected). IWA is a network of water professionals, mainly academics and experts.

CEMR will participate to the preparation of the programme of the “local governments’ day’”, scheduled for the 9th September 2008. This day is a new initiative of IWA, which aims to stimulate the exchange between experts and local and regional elected representatives.

Three sessions will be organised, with a keynote speech by CEMR’s President, Mr Häupl, at the beginning of the day and a panel discussion with high level representatives to close the day. For each session, it is planned to have five speakers: three representing local and regional government (elected representatives) and two experts provided by IWA (CEOs, academics, water specialists).

The first session will discuss recent trends in organising and financing water services at local and regional level. The second session will address the challenge of urbanisation and urban sprawl, and the last session will consider the impacts of climate change on the local interrelation of water and energy issues.

CEMR has invited its member associations and other international and European organisations (UCLG, ICLEI, OECD, EEA, CEEP) to propose speakers or moderators. They are also asked to disseminate the information on the conference and to encourage participation.

5. Conference on governance with the Intergroup Urban-housing of the European Parliament, 15th September, Reims (France)

The President of the Intergroup on Urban-Housing in the European Parliament, Mr Jean-Marie Beaupuy, has invited CEMR to cooperate in organising a conference on urban / regional governance, which should take place on 15 September in Reims. The Conference aims to address territorial governance issues, and its outcome should provide input to the debate at European level, where this question is addressed in the context of the implementation and monitoring of the operational programmes of the structural funds, the debate about the future of the European cohesion policy and in the implementation of the EU Territorial Agenda. CEMR and its member associations are invited to propose topics and speakers to prepare a draft programme. Around 100 participants are envisaged to attend the conference. The event may be preceded by an official dinner on Sunday 14th September, and a visit to the famous ‘caves’ may also be organised.

6. European Information Society Conference (EISCO), Naples, 25-27 September

On the invitation of the City of Naples, AICCRE, the region Campania and the Province of Naples, the 7th EISCO conference will take place in Naples on 25-27 September 2008. EISCO 2008 is co-organised by ELANET (the European Local Authorities’ Telematic Network, CEMR’s ICT expert network) and the City of Naples. CEMR and other European local and regional networks active on information society and e-government are supporting the organisation of this conference on information society by and for local and regional government.

EISCO 2008 will assess the progress of the Digital Local Agenda (DLA), a strategic plan for good governance and the development of the Information Society in Europe’s municipalities, cities and regions. The conference will look on the DLA’s contribution to innovation, governance and e-Inclusion and aims at showcasing the development of local networks and inter-regional cooperation to foster progress of the Digital Local Agenda.

7. Conference on changes in local and regional government structures, Copenhagen, 1st October

On October 1st 2008, CEMR will organise a conference on changes in local and regional government structures, together with Local Government Denmark and Danish Regions in Copenhagen. The conference will be organised “back to back” with the Secretaries General and Directors’ meeting in Malmö to enable interested members to participate in both meetings without greater inconvenience.

In outline the seminar could deal with the following items and cases: What changes in local and regional government structures have taken place in recent years? How do they respond to the aims of identity, democracy and efficiency, which are often seen as contradictory? Are the changes taking place in different countries going in the same direction?

The seminar will be based on cases from different countries, which have not yet been finally decided. At a first preparatory meeting on April 10th in Brussels, interested members agreed on proposing the following sessions:

A first session could take the recent reforms in Denmark as point of departure. These changes could be compared with reform plans in other northern Europe countries. A second session could be devoted to developments in the United Kingdom compared to France, being countries with a similar population but with circa 500 and 36,000 local authorities respectively. 83 A third session could focus on changes in local government structures in federal or quasi- federal states like Belgium, Germany and Spain, while in a final session an academic specialised in these subjects could give a more comparative and structured view on developments and trends in local government structures.

On June 19th interested members are invited to participate in a second preparatory meeting in Brussels on the seminar.

8. Poznan climate change conference

The Association of Polish Cities is organising, in co-operation with the City of Poznań and ICLEI, a meeting of the World Mayors’ Council on Climate Change in Poznań, in parallel to the Conference of the Parties (COP), 14th session and serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Poznań, 1-12 December 2008).

In addition, to prepare common input to the WMCCC meeting, the APC is foreseeing a European workshop during the 11th International Environmental Congress (late November). The APC has requested CEMR’s support, as honorary patron, for the European workshop.

These events are of great importance for our Polish association, as well as the city of Poznan which has designated 2008 as the city’s “Year of Environment”. CEMR Executive President and Mayor of Bonn Bärbel Dieckmann is Chair of the World Mayors’ Council on Climate Change and is due to contribute to the 11th International Environmental Congress of late November.

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COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Express support for the Congress’s draft Protocol, subject to some proposed drafting changes (see paragraph 2). ª Endorse the existing policy that the Local Charter should deal only with the central-local government relationship, and to inform the European ministers responsible for local and regional government and the Council of Europe’s Congress accordingly. ª Promote and facilitate the participation of their members in the European Local Democracy Week and, where appropriate to coordinate or organise national activities during the week.

Draft Protocols to the European Charter of Local Self-Government

1. There are currently two initiatives under debate concerning protocols (i.e. additional articles) to the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

a) The Institutional Committee has, at the request of the Congress, drafted an Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government (available on the Congress’ website1). It will be proposed for adoption at the next plenary meeting in May.

The aim of the Protocol is to strengthen the protections afforded by Charter. It treats, amongst other matters, the following subjects: - local authority property: The right to acquire, use, exploit and freely dispose of municipal property is not protected by the Charter in its current form. - local finances, especially the necessity of adequate and sufficient resources and the principle of connectivity (new competences must be accompanied by the necessary resources) - the involvement of local authorities in decisions affecting them - further provisions on external administrative supervision, and on powers of temporary substitution exercised in regard to local authorities. - Internal organisation of local authorities: the relationship between directly elected mayors, and the assembly or council (which should have the final say in matters of prime importance).

1 https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1199029&Site=Congress&BackColorInternet=e0cee1&BackColorIntranet=e0cee1&B ackColorLogged=FFC679

b) European ministers responsible for local and regional democracy have proposed a new Protocol to the Charter at their Valencia meeting in October 20072. The text would contain the obligation for local authorities to provide (a) means of participation and (b) the right to information for citizens. If this new Protocol dealing with the relationship between the citizen and the local authority (and by implication placing duties on local authorities) goes ahead as foreseen, it would somewhat change the nature of the Local Charter, which until now only deals with the relationship between central and local governments.. CEMR has in recent years reached a consensus that the Charter should continue to deal only with the central- local relationship, and advocates an alternative legal instrument in relation to public participation and other similar issues concerning citizens.

2. In a speech given at the Congress’ Chamber of Local Authorities in November 2007, CEMR’s Secretary-General welcomed most of the points in the Congress’s draft Protocol, while at the same time proposing some drafting changes, including:

o One of the main points is to replace the numerous references to “higher authorities” - which suggest a hierarchical ranking of different tiers of government – by a more neutral wording, e.g. “central or regional authority”. (The term “higher authority” appears only once in the Charter itself). o Article 4 (on public services) could be amended to extend its scope in the light of the new EU Treaty’s Protocol on Services of General Interest. An amended version could read “…Local authorities shall be entitled to determine the best means of providing, commissioning and organising the services they offer, including the appropriate institutional structures for those purposes.” o In article 12 dealing with the suspension or dismissal of local elected representatives, the word “only” might be added, so the representative may be suspended only in case of a serious breach of the constitution or law. o Article 13 permits in extreme cases of failure by local authorities the “higher level authorities” to make a “temporary substitution” (a quite extreme form of intervention) while additional forms of supervision are forbidden. This should be changed to allow rather lesser forms of intervention by the central authorities.

European Local Democracy Week

3. The European Local Democracy Week aims at fostering the knowledge amongst citizens of how local authorities work, how they can participate in local decision making and how crucial participation is for the viability of local democracy. It can also raise local representatives’ and local civil servants’ awareness of democratic participation and provide to them the opportunity to meet citizens in an informal and friendly setting.

4. This annual event took place for the first time in October 2007. The Week is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress) and the European Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR).

2 The Valencia Declaration of the Ministers says : « 2. The European culture of democratic participation of citizens in local public life constitutes an essential feature in our common understanding of and commitment to 21st century democracy in our continent. It therefore deserves to be enshrined in a pan-European legal instrument such as a convention. On this basis, we ask that the preparation of a draft Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government be brought to a successful conclusion with a view to submitting it to the Committee of Ministers for approval and opening for signature and ratification before December 2008. 3. This Protocol should reflect and respect the wealth and diversity of participatory techniques and procedures established in national, regional or local legislation and cover the following topics: - the right to participation in public life at local level; - the right to information from local authorities; - the duties of local authorities to enable the exercise of these rights.” http://www.coe.int/t/e/legal_affairs/local_and_regional_democracy/main_bodies/conference_specialised_ministers/valenc ia_2007/MCL-15(2007)5final_EN.pdf

5. Local authorities from the Council’s member states are invited to organise local activities in the week around 15 October, the day for the opening of the signature of the Charter of Local Self- Government in 1985. In 2008 this will be the week from 13 to 19 October. National associations of local authorities are invited to promote the participation in the Week as well as to support and coordinate activities in their country.

6. The Congress provides an exhaustive website3 with a tool kit, good examples and ideas for activities and much background information. The Week’s logo and other material will be available for (free) download and use.

3 http://www.coe.int/t/congress/demoweek/Default_en.asp

88 15 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 May 2008

for decision 9 for information

PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR A CO-ORDINATION PLATFORM FOR INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of CEMR’s project proposal for a co-ordination platform for international co- operation.

1. Objective 3 of the EU programme “non state actors and local authorities in development” aims at “coordination, cooperation and networking activities in Europe.” Following the call for proposals published by the European Commission in December 2007, CEMR submitted an application with a project proposal to the Commission on 2nd April.

2. Following a series of preparatory meetings and consultations,19 project partners, as well as one associate partner, are contributing to this undertaking together with CEMR. These partners include many CEMR national associations, the main European associations of regions, and international associations active in this field including UCLG, as well as cities that have particularly experience in international co-operation. The Commission is due to inform CEMR whether the project has been approved in early July.

3. Local authorities, and often their national associations, have long been at the origin of numerous international initiatives and projects on development aid. However, the role of local and regional authorities in development co-operation has had little visibility due to the lack of circulation of information and on-the-ground experience, as well as the absence of coordination of their voice at European level.

4. The new thematic programme “non state actors and local authorities in development” recognises the role of local authorities in this field and allows local and regional authorities to demonstrate their potential for development aid. It is in this context that CEMR took the initiative to gather the key European organisations, the national associations active in this field, as well as certain cities with direct experience in international co-operation in an informal platform to give a structured voice to European local and regional authorities concerning development co-operation.

The platform aims to: • facilitate the networking of information, exchange of experiences and best practice between the members, and to prepare common positions concerning the role of local and regional authorities in development aid and the importance of a ‘territorial’ approach to this aid;

89 • facilitate dialogue with the local and regional authorities and the other partners of the programme, including nongovernmental organisations, represented at European level in the Concord network; • provide a co-ordinated voice for local/regional authorities vis-à-vis the institutions and in particular the European Commission, for example in consultation procedures.

5. The 19 project partners who have committed to provide co-financing should the application be accepted are as follows:

National associations and organisations: • FEMP • AFCCRE • KEDKE • AICCRE • VNG • ANMP • Romanian Municipalities Association • LGA • SALAR • Cités Unies France (CUF)

Other European associations: • Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) • Assembly of European Regions (AER) • Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CRPM)

International organisations: • United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) • Association Internationale des Maires Francophones (AIMF)

Cities: • Bucarest (district 2) • Lyon • Paris • Rome

The ACP Local Government Platform would participate as an associate to the project.

In addition, the Committee of the Regions has explicitly indicated its clear and concrete support to the project, in particular by hosting two conferences.

6. The submission for this project proposes a budget of circa Euro 300,000 per year for two years of which the European Commission co-financing would be Euro 225,000 per year. The partners have between them undertaken to provide the 25% co-financing. The main items of expenditure would be seminars and conferences, together with meetings of the Platform and of a smaller co-ordinating committee. The submission foresees a part-time employee who would be employed by CEMR but serve the whole Platform.

7. The Policy Committee is also asked to note that we plan to organise an event during Development Days in Strasbourg (15-17 November), which is a major series of events on international development and is organised by the Commission, together with the French Presidency. The main theme this year is development at local level. The French Presidency is seeking the adoption of a draft European Charter on co-operation in support of local governance in development, for which CEMR is among the consultees, with AFCCRE and CUF.

90 16 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for information for decision UCLG AFFAIRS

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of the information in this report.

Statutory meetings

1. United Cities and Local Governments is due to hold the next meeting of its Executive Bureau in Quito on 10-11 July (the meeting date recently had to be changed following consultations among the members of the Presidency).

During the Executive Bureau meeting, it is foreseen to organise political debates on decentralisation - the relations between national and local governments, as well as on local governments’ role in the Andean crisis. The draft agenda is attached for information to this note.

2. The World Council is due to meet next on 28-30 November in Istanbul.

UCLG-CEMR collaboration and co-operation

3. CEMR has worked with UCLG on a number of issues this past year, and in particular in relation to projects under the new thematic programme on non state actors and local authorities (see document 15). In addition, UCLG took an active role in CEMR’s conference on gender equality in Pisa in February.

4. One major initiative of UCLG this past year has been producing the first Global Observatory on Local Democracy and Decentralisation (GOLD) report on decentralisation and democracy, providing information on local government across the world. This was supported in particular by the Province of Barcelona, whose representatives have asked to give a brief presentation on this report to the CEMR Policy Committee in Reykjavik.

5. CEMR has sought to contribute to UCLG’s debate and proposals on the involvement of regions/provinces within the World Organisation. In particular, CEMR’s working group on regional affairs supported the strengthening of the role of regions within UCLG, including the idea of a “forum” for regions within UCLG which would be supported by the UCLG Secretariat but not have a separate legal status. The members of this “forum” could discuss, for example, and in addition to other relevant issues, the relationship of UCLG with other international associations of regions. At the meeting of the Secretaries General and Directors in Ljubljana, different national associations underlined their agreement with the working group’s position on strengthening the role of regions, and it was decided that CEMR’s Secretary General should write to UCLG emphasising CEMR’s position.

6. Additional information concerning our World Organisation’s initiatives will be provided during the meeting in Reykjavik. 91

UCLG Statutory Meetings 9-11 July 2008 Quito, Ecuador

DRAFT AGENDA

Wednesday 9 July 2008 Venue

14h00 Financial Management Committee Eugenio Espejo ..... Convention Center

16h00 Art Festival – Historical Center Sucre Theater Presentation in the Sucre Theater .....

17h00 Welcome reception

Thursday 10 July 2008

09h30 Preparatory Meetings in parallel (to be defined) Eugenio Espejo ..... Convention Center

12h00 Inaugural Ceremony Iglesia de La ..... Compañía de Jesús

Transfer to Convent of La Merced

13h00 Welcome lunch Convent of La Merced 14h30 Depart for Convention Centre

15h00 Executive Bureau Meeting Eugenio Espejo Political Debate: Convention Centre Decentralization: Relations between National and Local Governments (tbc)

16h30 Break

17h00 Executive Bureau Meeting Eugenio Espejo UCLG Policy Programme Convention Center

1. Adoption of the Agenda

2. Adoption of the list of decisions of the Jeju Executive Bureau

3. Defining the International Local Government Agenda Issues to be discussed will include:

` Local Governments Road Map to the New Climate Agreement ` Millennium Development Goals: Call to Action

4. Institutional Issues .....

Free Dinner

Friday 11 July

10h00 Executive Bureau Meeting Eugenio Espejo Political Debate: Convention Center Local Governments Role in the Andean Crisis (tbc)

11h30 Break

12h00 Executive Bureau Meeting Eugenio Espejo UCLG Statutory Programme Convention Center

5. Financial Management Committee Report

6. Promoting Decentralization Issues to be discussed will include:

` Second Edition of GOLD ` UCLG Global Programmes: risk prevention, capacity building

7. Membership requests

8. Other issues, announcements by members .....

13h00 Lunch El Itchimbía .....

15h00 UCLG Secretariats Meetings: Meeting among the Staff of the Eugenio Espejo World Secretariat and of the UCLG Sections (tbc) Convention Center .....

Possible Meetings in parallel (tbc)

94 17 April 2008 16.1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

for decision 9 for information MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE FOR PEACE

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Support the work of the Municipal Alliance for Peace, in particular in facilitating dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian associations of local authorities; ª Note the proposals to further formalise MAP’s structure by establishing itself as a platform under UCLG auspices, with the creation of a legal entity.

1. The Municipal Alliance for Peace (MAP) network was launched in 2005 at the initiative of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) to support trilateral co-operation with the Union of Local Authorities in Israel and the Palestinian Association of Local Authorities. Through this framework, co-operation between Palestinian, Israeli and international municipalities is facilitated in the aim of promoting peace and mutual understanding as a necessary basis for lasting peace in the region. The network establishes ongoing contacts between ULAI and APLA and municipalities throughout the world, and with international organisations and agencies, including those of the United Nations.

2. The network is now seeking to strengthen its actions by institutionalising MAP’s structure in establishing itself as a platform under UCLG auspices, with the creation of a legal entity. At the request of VNG, CEMR is pleased to diffuse information on this matter to our membership, particularly with a view to UCLG’s Executive Bureau meeting in Quito, 30 June – 1 July (the detailed MAP/VNG proposal is provided in the separate documents pack for information).

3. In September 2007, after discussion between APLA, ULAI, VNG and UNDP/PAPP (Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People), the MAP Secretariat drew up a proposal for the institutionalisation of MAP, with the aim of turning MAP into a more efficient, more effective and self-sustaining organisation. Achievement of MAP objectives has proven difficult as MAP has “lacked the institutional identity and capacity often necessary to convince potential donors and the institutional structure to effectively work toward realising its objectives”.

The plan for institutionalisation has been debated on different occasions including in Jeju, and was presented to the UCLG Executive Bureau. The discussions in Jeju brought agreement on the main elements of the institutionalisation proposal. The document presented for Reykjavik can be considered the final draft, preceding the foreseen official adoption by the MAP International Board in The Hague in June 2008, and the UCLG Executive Bureau.

96 18.1

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CEMR

PROVISIONAL CALENDAR OF CEMR EVENTS

2 0 0 8

April

28 BRUSSELS Network on energy issues

29 a.m. BRUSSELS Joint meeting network on energy issues / working group on environment

29 p.m.-30 BRUSSELS Working group on environment

May

5 REYKJAVIK Policy Committee

20 BRUSSELS Working group on transport

22 BRUSSELS Working group on employment and social policy

27-29 STRASBOURG CLRAE: plenary session (CEMR/Malmö reception announcing the 2009 General Assembly)

June week of 2-6 BRUSSELS World Affairs Committee [def.]

3 BRUSSELS Conference on the role of social dialogue in changes in public service provision (with EPSU)

10, 11 or 24 BRUSSELS Plenary of the sectoral social dialogue committee (CEMR-EPSU)

11-13 THE HAGUE 1st world conference on city diplomacy

22 MARSEILLE CEMR seminar on twinning 22-23 MARSEILLE Forum of Mediterranean local and regional authorities

[def.] BRUSSELS Employers’ platform

[def.] BRUSSELS 2nd workshop on benchmarking performance management

July

1 BRUSSELS Seminar on e-capacity building

10-11 QUITO UCLG Executive Bureau

11 PARIS European seminar on public services (organised by AFCCRE)

97 September

9 VIENNA Local Government’s Day on Water Issues (IWA Congress, 7-12 September 2008)

15 REIMS Conference on governance co-organised with the Intergroup Urban-housing of the European Parliament

25-27 NAPLES EISCO conference (with ELANET, AICCRE, Naples)

29-30 MALMÖ Secretaries General and Directors

October

1 COPENHAGEN Conference on changes in local and regional government structures

1 BERLIN Working group on transport [tbc]

2 BRUSSELS Working group of the sectoral social dialogue committee (CEMR-EPSU)

27 BRUSSELS Employers’ platform

28 BRUSSELS Working group of the sectoral social dialogue committee (CEMR-EPSU)

November

6-7 VIENNA Conference on South-East Europe

13 BRUSSELS Joint workshop with Eurisy on satellite-based services for local and regional government

15-17 STRASBOURG European Development Days

20-21 PARIS Closing seminar of the Senior Competence project [tbc]

28-30 ISTANBUL UCLG World Council

[def.] SYRACUSE 12th conference of Mediterranean twinned towns

December

8-9 PARIS Policy Committee

9-10 BRATISLAVA Plenary meeting of the sectoral social dialogue committee (CEMR-EPSU) [tbc]

2 0 0 9

April

22 MALMÖ Policy Committee

22-24 MALMÖ 24th General Assembly of European Municipalities and Regions

NB: [def.] = to be defined - [tbc] = to be confirmed

98 18.2

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

9 for decision for information

CALENDAR OF THE MAIN CEMR MEETINGS IN 2008 AND 2009

1. The Policy Committee is invited to set the calendar of the statutory meetings for the coming period.

Draft decision

The members of the Policy Committee are invited to:

ª Take note of the calendar of main meetings of 2008 and 2009, and approve the statutory meetings foreseen.

2. The proposals of the President and the Secretariat General, enclosed, reflect invitations from national associations or CEMR member cities/regions.

As you will note, certain dates and locations remain to be determined.

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS CEMR EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

CALENDAR OF THE MAIN CEMR MEETINGS IN 2008 AND 2009

2008

6 5 May Policy Committee Reykjavik

6 27-29 May Congress of the Council of Europe Strasbourg plenary session

6 22-23 June Forum of Mediterranean local and Marseille regional authorities

6 25-27 September European Information Society Conference Naples (EISCO)

6 29-30 September Secretaries General and Directors Malmö

6 1 October Conference on changes in local and regional Copenhagen government structures

6 6-7 November Conference on South-East Europe Vienna

6 8-9 December Policy Committee Paris

2009

6 Spring Secretaries General and Directors (to be defined)

6 22 April Policy Committee Malmö

6 22-24 April 24th General Assembly of European Malmö Municipalities and Regions

6 Autumn Secretaries General and Directors Madrid (to be confirmed)

100