The regions and local authorities are important actors in the formulation of citizen-based policies in the EU. In the provisions on implementing the subsidiarity principle, the Constitutional Treaty recognises this important role for the first time by making specific reference to government sub-levels as well (taking Austria as an example: federal level, Länder, towns, municipalities) and giving the Committee of the Regions (CoR), which is composed of regional and local authorities, a significant role.
The period of reflection following the referendums in France and the Netherlands should be viewed by the regions and local authorities as an opportunity for active debate on the principle of subsidiarity. The existing treaties already make provision for institutional and operative improvements in the form of greater integration of the regions and local authorities. One aspect of these reflections is to put local and regional actors in a better position to influence specific Commission legislative proposals by providing information in good time. Furthermore, the local and regional authorities in the individual Member States increasingly have the possibility to form networks – also across borders – and in this way ensure that their voice is heard at European level.
The acceptance and hence also the success of European integration will depend in no small way on regional identities and cultures being preserved. Citizens must feel at home in Europe.
Substantive work on content:
Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE)
Email Service
Accreditation
Hotel Reservation
Route Planner
Weather