Secretaries General and Directors meeting of the national ... · The Secretary General informed the participants of Eurocities’ request to sublease some of the meeting rooms for

COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS

EUROPEAN SECTION OF UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Secretaries General and Directors meeting of the national sections and

associate members

Ljubljana, 19 March 2008

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

SECRETARIES GENERAL AND DIRECTORS MEETING OF THE NATIONAL SECTIONS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

LJUBLJANA, 18-19 MARCH 2008

PROGRAMME Tuesday 18th March 17 h 30 – 18 h 30 Guided walking tour of old city center of Ljubljana: meeting place: in front of the Grand Hotel Union (Miklošičeva ulica 1). The tour will be in English. 20 h 00 Welcome reception, hosted by Mr Zoran Jankovic, Mayor of Ljubljana (City Hall, Mestna Občina Ljubljana, Mestni trg 1) Wednesday 19th March 9 h 30 Meeting begins (Grand hotel Union, Miklošičeva, 1000 Ljubljana) 13 h 00 – 14 h 15 Lunch, upon the invitation of the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia (Grand hotel Union, Miklošičeva 9, 1000 Ljubljana) 16 h 45 Meeting ends

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LJUBLJANA, 19 MARCH 2008

Grand Hotel Union, Miklošičeva 1 From 9 h 30 to 16 h 45

__________

for decision for information

DRAFT AGENDA

Document No Wednesday, 19 March 9 h 30 Presentation of the situation of local democracy in Slovenia 1. Adoption of draft agenda .......................................................................................... 1 2. Approval of draft list of decisions of the Bratislava meeting (26-27 September

2007) ........................................................................................................................ 2

2.1. For information, draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee meeting (4-5 December 2007) and declarations .......................................... 2.1

3. Priorities of Slovenian and French Presidencies 4. Current European issues:

4.1. Financial perspectives of the EU .................................................................. 4.1 4.2. Ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon ............................................................... 4.2

CEMR Work Programme 5. Policy issues

5.1. Overview report on CEMR’s policy work ...................................................... 5.1 5.2. CEMR's response to the Green Paper on adaptation to climate change ..... 5.2 5.3. CEMR's response to the Green Paper on urban mobility ............................ 5.3 5.4. CEMR’s response to the Public Consultation on the Active Inclusion of

People Furthest from the Labour Market ..................................................... 5.4 5.5. The declaration of The Hague Conference on the local and regional

dimension of active citizenship and integration (28-29 November 2007) ..... 5.5 5.6. CEMR's response to the consultation on the future of EU cohesion

policy ............................................................................................................ 5.6

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6. South-east Europe – CEMR initiatives ..................................................................... 6

• Vienna conference (autumn 2008) 7. Council of Europe ..................................................................................................... 7

• Draft Charter of Regional Democracy • Draft Protocols to the European Charter of Local Self-Government • Congress elections and renewal of delegations • Local Democracy Week

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

• Report on outcome of the Pisa Conference (20-21 February) • Future support for implementation of the Charter

9. Twinning ................................................................................................................... 9

• Update on twinning issues, in particular new twinning website • Election process for Chair of the Twinning Network

10. Conferences and events, including ........................................................................ 10

• Copenhagen conference on changes in local government structures, with Danish associations (1st October)

• EISCO conference, Naples (25-27 September) • Poznan climate change conference, with Polish associations (December) • International Water Association Congress, Vienna (7-12 September)

13 h 00 – 14 h 15 Lunch Internal CEMR affairs 11. Preparation for the Reykjavik Policy Committee meeting (5 May)

11.1. Draft agenda and programme .................................................................... 11.1 11.2. Application for membership by the Association of Cities and

Municipalities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina ..................... 11.2 11.3. Application for membership by the Association of Municipalities and

Towns of Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) ........................... 11.3 12. Strengthening the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR ............... 12 13. Malmö General Assembly: update on preparations ............................................... 13 International affairs 14. Setting up the European co-ordination platform under the Non-state Actors

and Local Authorities programme ........................................................................... 14 15. UCLG issues .......................................................................................................... 15

• Role of regions in UCLG • Statutory meetings 2008 • Other activities

16. World Affairs Committee 17. Conferences ........................................................................................................... 17

• Report on Euro-Arab Forum, Dubai (10-11 February) • Report on 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 ............................. 18 Other 19. Calendar of meetings ............................................................................................. 19 20. Other urgent business 16 h 45 End of meeting

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BRATISLAVA, 26-27 SEPTEMBER 2007 for decision for information

DRAFT LIST OF DECISIONS Milan Muška, Executive Vice President of the Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia, opened the meeting welcoming the participants. The following speakers then addressed the participants: Miroslav Čiž, Vice President of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Michal Sykora, President of ZMOS, Mayor of Strba Richard Frimmel, First Vice President, Mayor of Nove mesto (city borough of Bratislava) Jan Kirnag, Director of Municipalia (a subsidiary of Dexia and ZMOS)

1. ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT AGENDA

The draft agenda was adopted.

2. APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT LIST OF DECISIONS OF THE PARIS MEETING (14 MARCH 2007) The list of decisions from the Paris meeting was approved, with the provision that a modification be made; this followed the request of Mr Di Giovan Paolo who specified that he had not approved the decision on the name of the House of European Cities, Municipalities and Regions and wished that the decisions reflect his views regarding the lack of a democratic process in this matter.

3. "EUROPE AND CEMR IN 2008" The Secretary General presented the main points of CEMR’s draft 2008 work programme, underlining that the coming year would no doubt be a year for consolidation before the major events of 2009. During the debate, several participants underlined the importance for CEMR of issues regarding the financial perspectives of the EU as well as concerning changes in local and regional structures in Europe. On this second matter, LGDK expressed possible interest in hosting the seminar foreseen in the draft work programme. VNG confirmed its proposal to organise a seminar in Brussels on relations between central governments and local / regional authorities on the implementation of European legislation.

CEMR

The question was raised of the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR committees and working groups, particularly with a view to the forthcoming Stuttgart Policy Committee. Clarification was requested concerning CEMR’s involvement in the networks of cities for children. The need to give priority to initiatives which facilitate close collaboration between the associations and the Secretariat General was underlined, as was the importance of strengthening common initiatives between associations present in the House of European Cities, Municipalities and Regions in Brussels. These suggestions will be included in the draft work programme, the main points of which were approved in preparation for the Stuttgart Policy Committee.

4. FINANCIAL ISSUES 4.1. REALISATION OF THE 2006 BUDGET

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the realisation of the 2006 budget. The Secretary General provided details on the situation of the EU grant we receive.

4.2. 2008 PRE-DRAFT BUDGET The Secretary General and Ms Arrestat presented the main points of the pre-draft 2008 budget that had been considered by the Financial Management Committee at their meeting in Paris on 3 September 2007. They recalled that upon recommendation of the Financial Management Committee, the pre-draft budget for 2008 has been presented with three options. After a broad exchange, the Secretaries General and Directors agreed by quasi-unanimity to option 2, and recommended approval of this budget by the Policy Committee. The views of the associations’ leadership will be sought, however, with a view to the Stuttgart meeting.

4.3. HOUSE OF EUROPEAN CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS

The Secretary General informed the participants of Eurocities’ request to sublease some of the meeting rooms for financial reasons. Ms Arrestat explained what this would imply for CEMR. The Secretaries General and Directors expressed the wish that CEMR adhere to the terms of the sublease that was signed with Eurocities. Mr Smith proposed that this request be considered by the working group of the associations which are present in the House of European Cities, Municipalities and Regions. The Secretary General informed the meeting of a request from the Bulgarian association to give up their share of an office due to an offer to host their Brussels staff in their national representation. It was agreed to contact the Association of Polish Cities, who share the current office, to seek their views on the way forward. Lastly, it was agreed to set up a working group to deal with invoices related to the House of European Cities, Municipalities and Regions.

5. INSTITUTIONAL DEBATE 5.1. INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE 2007, DRAFT REFORM TREATY ON THE UNION

The Secretary General presented the technical note on the progress of the IGC’s work. There was a broad exchange, particularly concerning the issue of services of general economic interest.

5.2. POSSIBLE CEMR INITIATIVES / PORTUGUESE AND SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCIES OF THE UNION • Concerning the Portuguese Presidency, two initiatives are in preparation, together

with the ANMP: − A seminar during the Development Days (7-8 November in Lisbon). Following a

debate, it was proposed to pursue this initiative, which will be open to CEMR’s North/South co-operation network and to the members of CEMR’s world affairs committee.

− A political delegation, together with UCLG, to the EU / Africa Summit in December in Lisbon.

• Concerning the Slovenian Presidency, a meeting of the Secretaries General and

Directors is foreseen in Ljubljana in March 2008. A delegation to meet with the Presidency could be arranged on this occasion.

The Secretaries General and Directors were informed about an initiative that is foreseen around a “troika” of associations of local and regional authorities, in the context of the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies of the Union.

6. PREPARATION OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE (STUTTGART, 4-5 DECEMBER 2007) The Secretary General presented the draft agenda of the Policy Committee. Several participants wished for a point to be included on the issue of the EU’s financial perspectives. Regarding the elections of the statutory organs, the Secretaries General and Directors were informed of the different possible candidacies known to date. As for the position of Secretary General, Mr Smith confirmed his readiness to continue his mandate at least through the Malmö General Assembly. In agreement with the Presidency, two options will be submitted to the Policy Committee regarding the launch of the designation process of the future Secretary General.

7. POLICY WORK

Following a presentation by Ms Poth-Mögele, the Secretaries General and Directors took note of the lobbying activities CEMR has undertaken with the aim of influencing European legislation and policy. They further took note of the report on CEMR’s Brussels based working groups and the development of participation. The policy statement on the EU energy policy was approved with the proposal of the Dutch delegation to amend point 13 and to allow a more flexible approach when setting efficiency standards on light bulbs. Regarding the involvement of elected representatives within the work of CEMR, Mr Lorenzen expressed reserve over the wording of the draft conclusions of the Brussels Policy Committee

debate on this subject. After brief exchange, the Secretary General proposed that a small group of the associations’ representatives be consulted in order to draw up recommendations for the Stuttgart Policy Committee. Mr Smith proposed, for example, that the working groups on transport and the environment become committees.

8. THE REGIONAL DIMENSION WITHIN CEMR The Secretary General presented the report on the meeting of the working group on the regional dimension which took place on 20 June 2007 in Brussels.

9. TWINNING AND ACTIVE EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP The Secretary General and Ms Ceciarini recalled the success of the Rhodes Conference, as well as the initiatives in the field of twinning undertaken by CEMR’s secretariat, and in particular the project for a twinning website.

10. COMMITTEE OF WOMEN ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES The Secretary General presented the progress on the project, “the implementation of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life”, highlighting the Final Conference that is due to take place in Pisa on 20 and 21 February 2008.* Ms Ceciarini referred to the elections of the chair of the Committee that will be carried out during the Stuttgart Policy Committee. In view of this, she indicated that the Committee held an informal meeting in Kuopio on this matter, during which the nomination of Jocelyne Bougeard, Deputy Mayor of Rennes (France), was proposed.

11. COUNCIL OF EUROPE / CONGRESS In the absence of Ms Cagnolati of the Congress, who had been excused on this occasion, debate relating to this issue was postponed. Several participants underlined the importance for CEMR of debating the matter of the strategy for good governance. The Secretary General indicated that he will represent CEMR during the Ministerial Conference in Valencia and invited the participants to take note of the draft declarations.

12. SOUTH-EAST EUROPE The Secretary General welcomed Kelmend Zajazi, Executive Director of NALAS, and invited him to take the floor. The close co-operation between CEMR and NALAS was presented – a partnership which has been pursued since the network’s creation – as well as possibilities for developing joint initiatives. Debate followed regarding the proposal for CEMR to become an associate member of NALAS. Some members preferred that a partnership agreement be signed between the two organisations. The two possibilities will be submitted to the Policy Committee. ___________ * dates modified after the meeting

13. DRAFTING CEMR’S RULES OF PROCEDURE

The Secretaries General and Directors studied the document which was prepared by the working group charged with this task. The different articles were approved with the provision that some modifications be made, particularly regarding the co-operation between CEMR, the Committee of the Regions and the Congress. Concerning the representation of women, the Secretaries General and Directors recommended implementing option B, whereby a fixed number is set according to delegation size.

14. MALMÖ GENERAL ASSEMBLY Ola Nord, representing the city of Malmö, presented the state of the preparations of the 2009 General Assembly. Concerning possible Congress themes, the Secretary General’s proposal was supported whereby one broad theme should be chosen, on the future challenges that local and regional authorities will face. This proposal will be submitted to the Stuttgart Policy Committee. It was further proposed to set up a working group including the national associations wishing to be involved, that will contribute to the drafting of the General Assembly programme. Members would include: AFCCRE, FEMP, RGRE, SALAR, ANMP, KEDKE, AFLRA, VNG.

15. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES 15.1. JEJU CONGRESS

The Secretary General invited the Secretaries General and Directors to take note of the updated Congress programme. He presented different issues concerning the elections of UCLG’s statutory bodies, which will be carried out in Jeju, and particularly the wish of President Delanoë to have a consensus-based proposal.

15.2. NOMINATIONS OF EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVES WITHIN UCLG’S STATUTORY BODIES

Mr Chaillou presented the state of the European nominations and underlined the necessity for the associations to complete their nominations before 5 October. The issues debated by UCLG’s committee on Statutory Issues were discussed, particularly concerning the under-representation of women and regions, and the question of classification of direct member / member association. In addition, the issue was raised regarding the rule whereby nominees must hold a political mandate. VNG indicated that it would comply with this rule.

15.3. WORLD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the draft agenda of this committee’s meeting, which will take place on 10 October 2007 in Paris.

15.4. SETTING UP THE PLATFORM OF LOCAL / REGIONAL AUTHORITIES ON ISSUES OF DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the latest developments in the implementation of the programme “non state actors and local authorities in development cooperation.”

15.5. FORUM OF EU / LATIN AMERICA LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES (PARIS, 29-30 NOVEMBER 2007) The Secretary General of the FEMP presented the organisation of this Forum. An exchange followed, particularly concerning the involvement of CEMR and of the national associations concerned. It was recognised that the organisational conditions of this event have not been simple, but the importance of the event was underlined nonetheless. It was proposed that Vice President Le Pensec could represent CEMR on this occasion.

15.6. EURO-ARAB CITIES FORUM (DUBAI, 10-11 FEBRUARY 2008) The Secretary General presented the most recent developments related to this event, and the main points of the draft programme. He recommended that CEMR remain a partner in this conference, without making any financial or logistic commitments. This proposal was accepted.

15.7 CEMR PARTNERSHIPS ON CAMPAIGNS FOR DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the initiatives presented in this report.

16. CALENDAR OF MEETINGS

The Secretaries General and Directors took note of the calendar of CEMR’s forthcoming activities. The Secretary General indicated that the President proposed that the Executive Bureau meet in Vienna in November, but that no date has been fixed as this would be set depending on the possible availability of First Vice President Deetman. In agreement with the President, the date of the spring Policy Committee was set for 5 and 6 May 2008 in Reykjavik. The AFCCRE confirmed its offer to host the Policy Committee in December 2008, and to promote another event during the French Presidency of the EU. Concerning the invitation of the Union of Local Authorities in Israel for March 2008 in Jerusalem, the proposal of pursuing the possibility of an event on the theme of twinning was approved. The German section indicated that it will constitute a delegation to send for this occasion.

The Secretary General closed the meeting, thanking the Slovak association, its Executive Vice President Mr Muška, as well as Boris Tonhauser, and Zuzana Čupilovà for their effective collaboration.

2.1





STUTTGART POLICY COMMITTEE (4-5 December 2007)

Draft List of Decisions, Declarations 1. CEMR’s Policy Committee met in Stuttgart on 4th and 5th December 2007. The draft list of

decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee is enclosed for the information of the participants (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. Shortly after the secretariat general circulated the final declarations to our membership,

AICCRE sent the secretariat new proposed amendments to the declaration on the Treaty of Lisbon. The proposed amendments are presented in annex 4.

Draft decision The Secretaries General and Directors are invited to:

Take note of the draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart meeting including the final declarations adopted by the Policy Committee.

CEMR

2.1 annex 1 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS


POLICY COMMITTEE STUTTGART, 4 AND 5 DECEMBER 2007


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).

CEMR

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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

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;

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.

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.

2.1 annex 3


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.”

CEMR

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.

2.1 annex 4

Declaration on the Treaty of Lisbon, Proposed amendments of AICCRE

AICCRE proposed the following amendments to the Declaration on the Treaty of Lisbon

(appearing in bold text): To paragraph 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. Although this Treaty may still be inadequate for supporting the European Union to successfully take on the major challenges of peace and development, 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.”

To paragraph 4: “We therefore also welcome the strengthened role of the European Parliament in the

legislative process; the adoption of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; 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 [...]”

After paragraph 7, the following new paragraph is proposed, as 7b: "We are further concerned by regressions with regard to the text of the Treaty

which was drawn up by the European Convention and, in particular, concerning the institutional and decision-making instruments now foreseen, as these will be insufficient and leave the European Union without the adequate and effective means to face the challenges to come.”

4.2




for information for decision

CURRENT EUROPEAN ISSUES: Ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon


Take note of the Treaty, including the gains for local and regional government, and inform the meeting of the state of play in relation to ratification.

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 favor 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.

Five countries have already ratified the Treaty:

- Hungary (December 2007) - Malta (January 2008) - Slovenia (January 2008) - Romania (February 2008) - France (February 2008)

Ten other member states have launched the ratification process.

CEMR

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.

5.1





INFLUENCING EU LEGISLATION AND POLICY

- IMPLEMENTING THE CEMR WORK PROGRAMME -


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

Approve the CEMR

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

Take note of the declaration of The Hague Conference on the local and regional dimension of active citizenship and integration (28-29 November 2007)

General remark 1. CEMR has continued executing the policy activities as proposed in the work programmes 2007

and 2008. This report covers the period since the last meeting of the secretaries general and directors in September 2007 in Bratislava.

CEMR Policy Activities Public services and procurement

2. Following the publication of the Communication end of November 2007 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. We do

CEMR

not share the Commission’s view that the new protocol of the Lisbon Treaty on services of general interest brings the necessary clarity and certainty to EU rules.

3. We disapprove the Commission’s approach, which we consider to be too market focussed and not enough respecting local self-government. We favour 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.

4. In order to express CEMR’s view on local and regional services in the internal market, we have prepared a draft of a Charter on regional and local services of general interest, which was discussed in the working group on 4 March. It will be presented for discussion and possible adoption to the policy committee at its meeting on 5 May 2008 in Reykjavik.

Environment 5. CEMR successfully lobbied the European Parliament on a European framework for soil

protection, emphasising that subsidiarity, flexibility and proportionality need to be ensured in the development of a European soil policy. EU legislation needs to take into account the important variations among Member States. However, the proposal is blocked in the Council of Ministers due to the rejection of several Member States, namely Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

6. Our lobby activities on the ambient air directive were partially successful; we achieved the introduction of a commitment of the European Commission to propose measures to reduce emissions at the source (in addition to measures on emitted emissions). Moreover, future legislative proposals will have to limit potential emissions from the start. The limit values remained unchanged and the implementation forces local authorities to respect them; only under very limited conditions are they allowed to exceed the limit values.

7. We responded to the consultation on the green paper on adapting to climate change (doc 5.2), 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. CEMR members provided concrete examples to showcase the challenges they face due to climate change and how they can be addressed at local and regional level. Support, notably financial, is however needed in order to implement specific measures.

Energy

8. 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.

Transport 9. 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.

10. In the preparation of its response to the green paper on urban mobility, CEMR 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 and discussed the role of the EU.

11. CEMR submitted its response (doc 5.3) to the Commission, stressing that the upcoming Action Plan should not impose further requirements on cities and municipalities, but respect the principle of subsidiarity. The impact of existing legislation on local transport policies (e.g.

technical standards, air quality, noise pollution, etc.) should also be better taken into account. The EU could support the development of a single vision for Green Zones, which should, however, still allow sufficient flexibility for local variations. And the Commission should take an integrated policy approach, including the economic, social, cultural and territorial dimension.

European Social Dialogue in Local and Regional Government 12. In the context of the 2007 European Year of “Equal Opportunities for All”, CEMR and its partner

organisation representing the employees side, EPSU, explored the effective implementation of the existing EU directives on equality and anti-discrimination. A set of guidelines was prepared to help local and regional governments promote gender-based equality within their administration and services.

Employment and Social Policy 13. CEMR was represented by the chairman of SALAR’s Social Affairs Committee, Mr Batljan in

the 6th Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion, organised by the Portuguese Presidency. CEMR called for a more structured and formalised involvement of regional and local authorities in the EU social inclusion process.

14. CEMR responded to the consultation on “Active Inclusion of People furthest from the Labour Market” (doc 5.4), which touches a number of local and regional government responsibilities and competencies. We welcome the integrated approach looking not only on employment related measures, but also recognising the role of public services and the need to ensure sufficient resources for a decent life.

15. In this regard local and regional authorities have already developed inclusion and activation strategies and we appreciate that the Commission recognises the fundamental role of local government in promoting social inclusion. We call for the involvement of all relevant stakeholders when it comes to the definition of principles and standards (as planned by the Commission) and to respect the different social and economic contexts, institutional arrangements and traditions.

16. CEMR was a partner of VNG who organised a conference on ‘Equal Opportunities for All; Citizenship and Human Capital’ in November 2007. The conference explored the different dimensions of the integration of migrants (including housing, employment, political participation, etc.) and showcased good practice examples. The declaration on “The local and regional dimension of active citizenship and integration” (doc 5.5) was adopted with the aim to highlight the importance of promoting active citizenship and providing equal opportunities for all and to raise awareness of the role of local and regional government in this area.

Cohesion and Territorial policy 17. CEMR responded to the Commission’s consultation on the future of the EU cohesion policy

(doc 5.6) launched by the Commission in September 2007. The implementation of the new programmes of 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.

18. 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 for more complementarity between the regional and rural development programmes and wish that the impact of EU sectoral policies is better taken into account in the future.

19. 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.

20. 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 21. 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 will be discussed at the next meeting on 16 April.

22. CEMR is supporting the organisers of the 7th EISCO 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.

* * * * *

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

5.2

Green Paper Adapting to climate change in Europe – options for EU action

COM (2007) 354

CEMR RESPONSE

Brussels, November 2007

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

CEMR’s response to the GREEN PAPER on Adapting to climate change in Europe –

options for EU action COM (2007) 354

KEY POINTS

CEMR:

⇒ Welcomes the Green Paper on Adapting to climate change;

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

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

⇒ Stresses the need to integrate mitigation and adaptation policies to-gether;

⇒ Identifies issues and challenges at the local and regional level;

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

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

GENERAL REMARKS 1. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the

European umbrella organisation of 49 national associations of local and regional authorities in 36 European countries. CEMR is very in-volved with sustainable development and particularly active on issues related to climate change such as environment, energy and transport policy. In a publication published in March 2006 “Save energy, save the climate, save money. Guide for local and regional government1” CEMR proposes guidance to local and regional authorities on how to contrib-ute to the mitigation of climate change.

2. Climate change is now firmly set on the political agenda at the national, European and international levels. However, the success of such poli-cies relies to a great extent on their implementation at local and re-gional level. Local and regional governments can contribute to mitiga-tion policies against global warming (and are already doing so) and they are in the frontline when it comes to measures to adapt to climate change.

3. CEMR generally welcomes the approach of the Green Paper. The document rightly recognises the prominent role of regional and local authorities. It underlines that there is no "one fits all" solution: CEMR indeed believes the principle of subsidiarity is here particularly relevant, as adaptation measures will be intimately connected to the local condi-tions and needs. We therefore support the multi-government-level ap-proach proposed by the European Commission.

4. In our response to the Commission’s Green Paper we would like to ex-plore what are the issues regarding the adaptation to climate change at the local level and what approach and potential actions should be taken. Nevertheless, CEMR would like to insist that an integrated ap-proach to mitigation and adaptation is indispensable. Many measures can contribute to both objectives, and the mitigation agenda should remain among the top priorities.

5. The Green Paper rightly exposes the importance of integrating adapta-tion criteria into all public policies. CEMR would like to stress the need to improve the coherence of EU policy in terms of mitigation. For in-stance, some policies aim to promote sustainable transport and energy savings, while others encourage the construction of motorways and the consumption of energy. Climate change is a challenge that requires EU and national authorities to truly integrate mitigation and adaptation re-quirements together into their public policies.

6. CEMR welcomes the establishment of a European Advisory Group on Adaptation to Climate Change and calls on the European Commission to officially invite representative organisations of local and regional au-thorities. CEMR and its member associations would like to express their willingness to contribute to the further activities and initiatives aim-ing to achieve the objectives.

1 available at: http://www.ccre.org/bases/T_599_34_3524.pdf

IDENTIFYING ISSUES 7. The Green Paper offers a satisfactory concise assessment of the situa-

tion in Europe and of the challenges that we are facing. It rightly stresses that plain areas will be affected too, and not just, as some be-lieve peripheral areas such as coasts, mountains and the far North.

8. In addition to the problems exposed in the Green Paper, CEMR mem-bers have identified the following issues more directly related to the lo-cal and regional levels:

9. Some disturbances caused by extreme weather conditions can be highly problematic for daily municipal services and jeopardize citizens’ welfare and health as the negative aspects can concentrate on those who have the less means to adapt individually (the most vulnerable; the poor, elderly, isolated etc.). In sudden situations of emergency people will likely ask for the help of local authorities, which are closest to citizens. The adaptation and mitigation issues might therefore be-come a significant social question to be solved locally.

10. These extreme weather events, when they affect public property, can represent potential important costs to local and regional authorities. Municipal and regional property consists of infrastructure such as build-ings, parks, buses, roads, electricity or IT networks, water, wastewater and district heating pipelines and utilities.

11. Many European cities are in river basins or estuaries, or prone to storm surges which makes them vulnerable to flooding. As an example, it is estimated that France has about two million households in flood risk areas. CEMR members from many countries report that too many con-struction permits are still given in zones at risk. There is a need for lo-cal and regional authorities in these areas to work together with na-tional governments to ensure plans are in place to provide flood risk management to protect both the cities and surrounding low laying ar-eas.2

12. Some of the threatened regions (e.g. in the Netherlands) fear the nega-tive consequences of possible declining faith and loyalty on the part of industry and civilians.

13. Urban areas are likely to particularly suffer from warmer summers since they experience even higher temperatures and have lower air quality3; but rural areas will be disrupted too. Heat waves and other disasters can also highlight problems of solidarity, healthcare services and social organisation.

14. Water issues: vegetation is stressed by what seems to be increasing variations in rain patterns and by heat waves. Many European coun-tries so far spared from water scarcity problems have had to face this

2 For instance, London authorities have teamed up with the Environment Agency to scope the challenge, and plans for adaptation are well underway 3 For instance, in France, the 2003 heat wave brought about, according to the INSERM Insti-tute, an over mortality of + 60% for the whole of the country (15 000 more deaths for this pe-riod than usual), but the over mortality was 130% in the very urban Ile-de-France region

problem in recent years. Local authorities cooperate with other services (water agencies, national government, police etc.) to introduce and monitor water use restrictions.

15. Climate change can have adverse effects on the building stock (mould growth in dwellings, subsidence and heave, slope instability, damage to the building fabric, particularly cladding, wind-related damage, effects on roof drainage etc.). This directly affects local and regional authori-ties, for their own public buildings and for the well-being and property of their citizens.

16. Climate change is likely to increase the migration pressure from af-fected areas to less affected areas. Local and regional authorities will have to manage this potential new influx of migrants.

17. Changes in touristy patterns can have a huge impact for many local and regional authorities, which rely on tourism as their main source of income and jobs; on the other hand, a warmer weather can develop tourism in other parts.

IDENTIFYING BARRIERS

18. Adaptation to climate change is a new policy issue. There are currently several obstacles for local and regional government to act that need to be overcome:

19. Uncertainty: although the occurrence of climate change is now scien-tifically proven, and recognised politically almost across the board and at all levels, there are still important uncertainties as regards the scale, timing and consequences of the change to come. As a result, it is diffi-cult for public authorities to develop measures in this context.

20. The lack of information, knowledge and expertise at local and regional level and the lack of guidance to the local and regional authorities is, in part, a consequence of the previous point and also hinders policy-making. In this area the EU and national governments can play a cru-cial role, by developing methodologies for assessing the impact and designing cost effective adaptation policies as well as acting as a “clearing house” for information and the exchange of best practices.

21. Political will: given the uncertainty, the novelty and the long-term per-spective of the challenge, tackling climate change requires strong po-litical will. This will is growing but still lacking in many places.

22. Lack of support: the local and regional level is very often singled out as the level where a lot needs to be done – but hardly ever gets extra funding to do so.

23. Another barrier to the implementation of climate change policies at the local level is the barrage of often conflicting programmes, strategies and policies that municipalities and regions face from the EU and na-tional levels.

GENERAL APPROACH TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE 24. CEMR members report that, although many local and regional authori-

ties are eager to tackle climate change, they do not always know what to do or where to start. In terms of mitigation policies, local and regional authorities can encourage (and develop for themselves) policies for us-ing less fossil fuels and for using energy more efficiently. They are al-ready doing so in many places4.

25. Nevertheless, adaptation policies require a different approach. The problem is that future climate is the driver and it is uncertain in its tim-ing, magnitude, frequency and location. Because of the uncertainty a case for action cannot be fully developed and adaptation remains so far largely an academic discipline.

26. To get out of this dead end we tend to expect governments to legis-late/regulate because that is what the mitigation agenda tells us is the right thing to do. But governments operate at national level and are not likely to provide the right solutions for the local and regional level. Local and regional authorities need something to operate at the local level where the impacts are felt and local solutions negotiated with local communities are appropriate. The Green Paper rightly points out the important role local authorities have to play in terms of knowledge on the local natural and human conditions.

Therefore CEMR would like to propose the following:

27. An integrated approach to mitigation and adaptation is indispensable. Many measures can contribute to both objectives, and the mitigation agenda should remain one of the priorities, at all levels of government. Local and regional authorities are responsible for delivering many pub-lic services and for maintaining infrastructure such as roads, energy, water, waste etc. Land use planning done by local and regional authori-ties can greatly influence the preparation to potential extreme weather events. Those same planning elements and policies can lead to energy saving and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions from traffic, housing and buildings for decades ahead.

28. The other start point should be to work on vulnerability. We need to know where we are before we can identify where we want to be. An idea would be to develop the concept of a local “vulnerability map” which identifies not only those areas sensitive to current climate condi-tions (the present climate driver) but the present adaptive capacity of communities, settlements, etc. (the socio-economic driver) and of habi-tats, ecosystems etc. (the environment driver). The map would be based on climate change and risk criteria (increased risks of flood, drought, storm, wind, heat, fire…notably based on existing occurrences and observations).

4 the CEMR Guidebook“Save energy, save the climate, save money. Guide for local and re-gional government, mentioned in paragraph 4, contains many examples of good practice

29. The map could draw from existing sectoral assessments (eg; water situation) but would present the vulnerability picture in an integrated way. The map would create a catalogue/map of locations, communi-ties, ecosystems etc. that are vulnerable to present climate conditions and allow assessing what is being done to protect against current vul-nerabilities. Then actions can be taken to climate proof the vulnerable items against both today's climate and what we might expect in the fu-ture. Indeed, once a vulnerability map is drawn then local and regional authorities know where to prioritise their actions. The aim should be to eliminate vulnerability to current climate and then consider the impact studies to make sure the measures climate–proof the solutions for fu-ture climates.

30. The local vulnerability map would constitute a bottom up rather than top down approach. The map should be developed on a voluntary ba-sis. It would provide evidence to the local and regional authorities to apply for support from the national and EU authorities for the develop-ment of adaptation policies.

31. National adaptation plans have proven (e.g. in the Netherlands) to be a useful tool for a systematic approach towards adaptation to climate change. These may include measures in the fields of water manage-ment, risk management and heat protection in the cities. Furthermore, the experience of some of our members has shown that systems for emergency response to extreme weather can be valuable preemptive measures. CEMR proposes more specific actions in its responses to the questions of the Green Paper, in the annex.

FINANCING In light of the climate change challenge, and as demonstrated in the Green Paper, it is very likely that local and regional authorities, in the near future, will have to develop costly adaptation measures. In this context, specific financial support will be needed, like:

32. Emergency funds to respond to natural disasters: the European Union Solidarity Fund, set up after the disastrous floods in Central Europe in 2002, has already proved its usefulness in recent disasters such as the floods in Bulgaria and forest fires in Portugal. Even though it is quite well funded (1 billion euros a year), in light of the increase in the fre-quency of extreme weather events, it will likely have to be increased.

33. Investments to gradually adapt infrastructures and services to changing climate conditions: here cohesion and structural funds can play an im-portant role; as such CEMR is satisfied by the recognition in the Green Paper that these funds must integrate adaptation needs (mitigation re-quirements must be integrated too). National governments also have, naturally, an essential role in helping to update public infrastructures.

34. A specific funding line for preventive measures would increase the visi-bility of the subject and reduce possible reluctance on the part of re-sponsible authorities.

CONCLUSION

35. Adaptation to climate change constitutes a new challenge, and, as such, requires new approaches, strategies and policies. Currently the making of these strategies is hampered by the uncertainty on the scale, timing and consequences of the change to come.

36. This is why CEMR proposes an approach by which we draw vulnerabil-ity maps and adopt an integrated approach of mitigation and adaptation policies. Thanks to this work public authorities will be then able to iden-tify and prioritise their actions and create the best synergies. At first, such initiatives should be voluntary for local and regional authorities. If national governments, or the EU, decide to take broad actions on ad-aptation, and to ask the local and regional level to assess the problems and needs throughout the territory, and to take actions, adequate fund-ing should be provided to the local and regional authorities for doing so.

37. As for other broad challenges, a strategic vision is needed that must be underpinned, in its implementation, by good coordination and coopera-tion between the different levels of government. The impact of climate change is both global and local. Climate change requires broad policies but also actions at the local and regional level. The impact is global, but a multitude of various local impacts are expected, requiring different solutions. Flexibility at the local level is therefore a prerequisite.

38. By developing a coherent approach to mitigation and adaptation, and actions, local and regional authorities can also benefit in terms of sav-ing energy and money, improving overall environmental performance, enhancing the living conditions of local residents and protecting local people from the threats posed by our changing climate.

* * * * *

Part II: Responses to questions in the Green Paper

Please find below our answers to the questions that we found the most rele-vant for local and regional authorities. 1) What will be the most severe impacts on Europe's natural environment, economy and society? 2) Which of the adverse effects of climate change identified in the Green Paper and its Annex concern you most? 3) Should fur-ther important impacts be added? If yes, which ones? see also § 7 Local and regional authorities and their citizens throughout the EU face an in-creased frequency of extreme weather events (floods, heat waves, storms, droughts) with potential dire social, economic and environmental conse-quences (deaths, diseases, water scarcity, damage to private housing and infrastructure, crop losses, damage to vegetation and biodiversity etc.). Local and regional authorities will have to face the potential social impacts of climate change as the negative aspects can concentrate on those who have the less means to adapt individually (the most vulnerable; the poor, elderly, isolated etc.).

4) Does the green paper place the right urgency and emphasis on the matter of adaptation in Europe? Yes. It is timely and open. It puts the right level of urgency.

5) What should be the different roles of EU, national, regional, local authorities and the private sector? 6) Which economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change should be addressed at EU level as a matter of priority? 9) How do policy priorities need to change for different sectors? Which policy approaches should be taken at national, regional or local level? Where is European action needed? see also § 10 to 13 Whilst EU and national authorities may set strategic targets, local and regional authorities are best placed vehicle for making assessments of which areas and communities are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Measures are needed to require local and regional authorities to include as-sessments of vulnerability in their strategic land use plans so that resources are diverted towards the communities where they may be needed. Local and regional authorities should: - Develop or introduce stringent construction regulation for flood risk ar-

eas5. In some countries or regions, even knowing which areas are likely to flood has not stopped local spatial planners from making development

5 e.g. in Scotland flood risk maps and flood protection programmes must be drawn, and, as part of the regulation on land planning, a flood risk assessment must be done before any new construction is un-dertaken.

plans for major parts of the flood-prone areas. Spatial planning is very important, but in many cases locally performed without the full strategic overview of the situation at hand, more focusing on short term economic gains. There is a necessity to increase the level of awareness and re-sponsibility of politicians and practitioners about land use planning; too many construction permits are still given in zones at risk. The local and regional level climate risk management should be integrated with other municipal or regional existing risk management activities (e.g. flood risk management plans, civil emergency plans, health crisis plans, water management etc.). Indeed it does not matter if the risk is caused by cli-mate change or other reasons: the impact is the same, and the plans should be integrated.

- Behavioural changes are necessary (e.g. shut the windows during heat waves, use less water, grow plants that require less watering, drink more water during heat waves etc.). Local and regional authorities can con-tribute to push citizens to change behaviour. They can run, with the sup-port of national governments or the EU, public information campaigns. Education should play an important role here too.

- New buildings can be made to take into account climate change, and, where possible and if necessary, old buildings should be retrofitted to adapt (and mitigate). Buildings should retain coolness in summer, be well insulated to retain warmth in the winter, and, generally, reduce the use of energy. National programmes can provide incentives to citizens and local and regional authorities to adapt their buildings.

- Cooperation with the private sector: in some countries (e.g. Sweden) in-surance companies are helping with the planning process in the sense that they will not insure houses / buildings that are built in areas at risk for flooding. Insurance companies can in this case be a positive factor in securing “climate proof” local spatial planning.

- Increase shade in urban areas. More trees, more parks, more green roofs en other forms of shadow in the public areas can contribute to cool the air and improve the climate in the summer.

National governments and the EU should: - Continue and strengthen active mitigation policies (national, EU and in-

ternational emission policies); CEMR encourages the European Com-mission to monitor the implementation of a strong EU emission trading system (with ambitious national allocation plans that will allow Member States to achieve their Kyoto targets) and to continue to lead the interna-tional negotiations on climate protection, notably by making sure the Kyoto Protocol is correctly implemented and by pushing for strong post-2012 measures.

- CEMR also calls on the Commission to develop strong EU emission poli-cies (vehicle emission standards, and, generally, tackling emissions from the transport, energy and industrial sectors); these offer the advantage of also contributing to the objectives of EU legislation on air quality. CEMR also recommends that EU institutions continue to take actions for devel-oping further renewable energies, including biofuels and biomass.

- National governments and the EU should develop action plans and strategies on adaptation to climate change, preferably in a concerted way, and in cooperation with local and regional authorities.

- Governments and the EU should run public information campaigns on climate change and on adaptation, and should support local and regional authorities to also do so.

- The EU should “climate proof” its legislation and policies. The fight against climate change, as well as adaptation, need to be mainstreamed into existing policy frameworks, including trade, external and develop-ment policies.

- The EU should act as a facilitator for better sharing and diffusing knowl-edge and information within the EU about adaptation. A system of ex-changes of information, experience and good practice should be set up. The Commission could play a great role in building adaptive capacity through such actions and through awareness rising and could help to prevent duplication of effort.

- Research on adaptation should be stepped up, notably on the identifica-tion of vulnerability. The dissemination and the application of the results need to ensure a high benefit at the relevant level.

- National governments should make sure that major national infrastruc-ture is climate proofed for the long term (e.g. flood and sea defences, but also transport and energy infrastructures). Generally, they should main-stream climate change into infrastructure planning and development.

- Governments should reinforce civil defense and protection, and disaster relief mechanisms. The EU should strengthen the European Solidarity Fund for disaster relief.

- National governments should regulate the distributional consequences of climate change – making sure that the poor, disadvantaged, uneducated, old, young and infirm do not suffer disproportionately (e.g. the Afro American experience after Katrina).

7) Apart from the main priority areas identified in the four-action approach, are there other areas that have been missed out? If yes, which? see § 7-8

8) Does section 5.1 correctly and comprehensively identify the needs and pol-icy priorities for early adaptation actions that should either be taken or coordi-nated at the EU level? - Climate change is likely to increase migration pressure; this should be

addressed in the Green Paper and in EU policies.

11) How should the EU express its solidarity with regions suffering most heav-ily from the consequences of climate change? - The EU could create a “adaptation fund” within the European Solidarity

Fund in order to help the most vulnerable areas protect against the ef-fects of climate change. Structural funds should be made available for

actions aiming to adapt to climate change where justified. The European Solidarity Fund should also help areas and public authorities struck by di-rect effects of climate change.

14) What will be the consequences of climate change for Member States' po-tential energy mix and for European energy policy? - EU and national energy policies must clearly reflect the mitigation

agenda and priorities. The European Council sent the right signal in March 2007 by adopting, for the first time, binding EU targets on renew-able energies, and a general (indicative) target on energy savings. CEMR welcomes the flexible approach proposed by the European Commission and validated by the Council (nationally differentiated tar-gets according to potential and starting point).

- The EU must renew its effort on energy efficiency. The EU action plan on energy efficiency must deliver its announcements and lead to the adop-tion of strong energy efficiency standards on energy using products. Similarly, energy-efficiency labels must be strengthened and extended to more products. It must also deliver a strong strategy for the promotion of passive houses.

- The Commission should also strongly encourage local revolving funds for energy efficiency schemes, as set out in the plan, and introduce measures to promote the connection of decentralised energy production to the general grids.

- The directive on energy end use efficiency and energy services must be strongly implemented; national governments must adopt meaningful na-tional action plans on energy efficiency, and as far as possible, in the spirit of the directive have their public sector lead by example.

- Prices must reflect the cost of energy use to the environment and the climate, and push the consumers to save. Today, promising lower en-ergy prices is an anachronism and makes the EU policies incoherent. The liberalisation of markets can have some positive effects (notably on the development of energy services and of renewable energies) but it should not be used as a tool to promote lower energy prices. Some so-cial mechanisms can help the lower income groups to cope with higher energy prices. Social housing should be among the priority buildings to be retrofitted in order to use less energy.

16) What are the possible synergies between adaptation and mitigation measures? How can these synergies be strengthened? - All adaptation measures should be “mitigation-proofed” (or carbon-

proofed), at all government levels.

23) Do the listed research areas address the most important knowledge gaps? - Yes

25) How should research results be communicated and made available to de-cision makers and a broader public at local, national, EU-level and interna-tionally? - Research results which are practical (i.e. recommendations and guid-

ance to local decision-makers and citizens on how to adapt) should be made available in all EU languages diffused as broadly as possible

28) Would the establishment of a European Advisory Group on Adaptation be helpful in further exploring an EU response to the effects of climate change? See § 6 If yes, which areas should such an Advisory Group concentrate its work on? - how to integrate mitigation and adaptation policies - how to assess vulnerabilities and prioritise adaptation measures - who does what? Identify the roles of the different levels of government

and study how to ensure a good coordination between the different lev-els and create the best synergies

* * * * *

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

5.3

CEMR response

to the consultation on the

Green Paper on Urban Mobility

Brussels, 7 March 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


22 ’ 10 0

1. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the um-

brella organisation gathering 49 national associations representing local and regional government in 36 countries. CEMR's members represent lo-cal and regional authorities in both urban and rural areas.

2. CEMR has an active working group on transport, which has been working on the issue of sustainable mobility for a long time. In October 2004, CEMR published a “Manifesto on sustainable mobility for Europe’s regions, towns and municipalities”1. As well, CEMR has actively contributed to the making of the Aalborg Commitments and to their promotion, in particular through the Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign. It was also a partner in the NICHES project, of which objectives were to identify and dissemi-nate excellent, transferable examples of innovative urban transport con-cepts. CEMR is currently involved in the ELTIS project whose aim is to provide information and support a practical transfer of knowledge and ex-change of experience in the field of urban and regional transport in Eu-rope.

3. CEMR calls for EU sustainable mobility policies to be placed at the core of European, national, regional and local actions. Sustainable mobility implies a modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport, including pub-lic transport, cycling and walking, as well as the development of clean and energy efficient urban transport.

4. For environmental and health reasons, the decoupling of road transport growth from economic growth should remain a priority of EU transport poli-cies in the future.

5. CEMR believes the EU can bring some added value in policy areas and challenges that are common to EU cities. However, urban transport poli-cies are local by their very nature. A strong level of Subsidiarity must there-fore be respected. Local decision-makers know best the local conditions and needs, and what suits their citizens.

6. At their meeting on 4 and 5 December 2007, the members of CEMR’s Pol-icy Committee engaged in a debate on urban transport and adopted the “Stuttgart Declaration on urban mobility “. Mayors and elected representa-tives emphasised the essential role of European local and regions gov-ernments to address sustainable mobility challenges2.

"Towards a new culture for urban mobility”

7. CEMR welcomes the aim of the Commission’s Green Paper on urban mo-bility: to debate with citizens and all relevant stakeholders at local, re-gional, national and European level what a European policy on urban mo-bility should look like.

8. CEMR welcomes the procedure chosen with a consultation phase, in which it participated actively, leading to a Green Paper, which again

1 CEMR Manifesto on urban mobility (2004): http://www.ccre.org/bases/T_599_21_3524.pdf 2 CEMR Stuttgart Declaration (2007): http://www.ccre.org/docs/stuttgart_urban_mobility_en.pdf

opened this second consultation phase to identify actions that will be in-cluded in an Action Plan on Urban Mobility.

9. We are pleased to find many of our answers to the first consultation in the Green Paper and would welcome further exchange of views with the Euro-pean Commission.

10. CEMR is pleased that the Action Plan on Urban Mobility will propose con-crete actions at all levels, including citizens and economy, with clear re-sponsibilities and tasks and a timetable for action. However, it is crucial that the Action Plan respects the principle of Subsidiarity, thus supporting local and regional authorities in their transport policies, but not imposing solutions on them. The Action Plan should not lead to further EU regula-tions implying obligations and financial burden for local and regional au-thorities. European cities, regions, transport authorities and operators should be closely involved in the drawing of the Action Plan.

11. CEMR believes the EU, when considering further actions related to urban mobility, should take into account the link with existing legislation having a direct or indirect impact on local transport policies (for instance legislation setting technical standards, on air quality, noise pollution, etc.).

12. CEMR welcomes the integrated policy approach promoted by the Green Paper. We are pleased that the problem of urban conglomerations, the ur-ban-rural interface and the trends towards urban sprawl and suburbanisa-tion are addressed, as well as the demand for coordination between au-thorities and the integration of different policy sectors such as urban plan-ning, transport, economic and social affairs. Comprehensive mobility strategies must not only address transport, but also take into consideration the cultural, economic, social and territorial dimension. In this sense, we believe there are also opportunities to better integrate European transport policies into other community policies.

13. CEMR supports the creation of a new culture for urban mobility, both amongst citizens and decision makers. Education and awareness raising are key to this and actions at EU level can have an important impact.

14. CEMR considers that the role of employers should not be omitted in the Action Plan. The EU and public authorities at all levels have a role to play to support employers in launching initiatives to help their employees to move in a sustainable way.

15. CEMR observes that the Green Paper does not refer to air, maritime and fluvial transport. Even if specific EU policies address these issues, they al-so have to be considered in light of inter-urban transport of goods and passengers.

16. CEMR is disappointed by the low profile given to modal shift in the Green Paper. We are convinced that it needs strong measures to achieve a sig-nificant change, and the appropriate level to impose rules on this matter must be the EU.

Subsidiarity in urban transport policies 17. There is a need for a real EU policy on urban transport, not just bench-

marking and exchange of best practices. The European Union has a major role to play in favour of sustainable urban mobility, empowering cities while fully respecting the principles of Subsidiarity and Local Self-Government, in line with the Council of Europe’s Charter on Local Self-Government.

18. CEMR welcomes that the Green Paper honours the Subsidiarity principle and the clear statement that local authorities are in the lead in defining and implementing urban mobility policies, but that the EU can support them, without imposing solutions.

19. However, since the aim of the Green Paper is to offer options for local de-cision makers and not to present solutions, much will depend on the fol-low-up and the announced Action Plan. The latter must take into account the diversity of competence levels and administrative organisation in the Member States. In view of the diversity of local situations throughout Europe, there cannot be “one for all” solutions. Targets should thus, in general, not be mandatory and binding, but indicative.

20. CEMR broadly agrees with the identified obstacles to successful urban mobility and the key issues and main challenges highlighted in the Green Paper. In CEMR’s opinion, the main barriers at local level to improving ur-ban transport and mobility are insufficient funding; insufficient public in-volvement and support; lack of appropriate structures and allocation of re-sponsibilities between local, regional and national level; insufficient inter-connection between transport networks and services; insufficient coordina-tion between neighbouring cities, and insufficient coordination between transport services and the individual and varying transport needs of cus-tomers. Public transport must adapt to the new customer needs.

21. The EU can add value by, for instance :

• providing clear legal frameworks that set common principles while respecting Subsidiarity and Local Self-government

• setting technical standards (e.g. vehicles, equipment, fuels etc.) and ensuring interoperability

• promoting research and the exchange of data and good practice

• support actions aiming at changing mobility behaviour: launching campaigns to raise awareness and promote the implementation of the Aalborg commitments

• integrating urban transport issues into sectoral EU policies and in-tegration within different levels of government

• providing guidance of a non-binding nature to cities on how to de-velop sustainable urban transport plans and how to implement EU legislation that closely relates to urban transport, such as air qual-ity directive

• providing help in transport demand management

• ensuring strong financial frameworks for urban transport (struc-tural funds, EIB loans, dedicated fund, etc.), with priority given to public transport and sustainable modes of transport

• supporting clean vehicles through legislative measures targeted at manufacturers and financial incentives for public bodies.

On this last point, CEMR takes note of the recent Commission’s directive pro-posal on clean and energy efficient vehicles and will examine it in detail. Questions from the Green Paper 1. Should a "labelling'" scheme be envisaged to recognise the efforts of pioneer-ing cities to combat congestion and improve living conditions? CEMR supports the idea of recognising the efforts of cities on sustainable mo-bility. A labelling scheme might be a positive contribution to this aim. Neverthe-less, this labelling must take into account the wide variety of local and regional situations throughout Europe and should recognise progresses as compared with the situation of the city at an earlier stage, not a pan-European benchmark-ing between cities where the situation is not comparable. However, the most important point should remain the sharing of experiences, not the recognition of efforts. 2. What measures could be taken to promote walking and cycling as real alter-natives to car? Measures could include attractive, secured and safe zones dedicated to pedes-trians and cyclists, implementation of innovative solutions, awareness raising campaigns and charges on car transport. The intermodality with other transport modes and the integration of walking and cycling should play a major role in Sustainable Urban Transport Plans. The EU can facilitate the exchange of best practice and promote walking and cycling through the upcoming guidance on Sustainable Urban Transport Plans. 3. What could be done to promote a modal shift towards sustainable transport modes in cities? CEMR calls on the European Commission to renew its efforts to better balance the modal split of the transport of passengers and goods in the EU. CEMR is disappointed that the revision of the White Paper on transport in 2006 has weakened this essential objective of the original 2001 White Paper. CEMR considers it is essential to promote both restrictive measures to discour-age the use of cars (e.g. creation of Green Zones, reduction of accessibility to the city centre, etc.) and incentives measures, such as the development of competitive and coordinated alternatives, embracing a diversity of modes (e.g. investment in public transport, car-sharing, car-pooling, etc.). Actions directed at citizens and business should also aim to alter lifestyles, atti-tudes and perceptions so that European society becomes less reliant on car and road use, particularly in cities.

What could be the potential role of the EU? CEMR supports the development of new tools at European level for the inter-nalisation of external costs and warmly welcomes the intention of the Commis-sion to strengthen and support networks related to urban mobility within net-working activities like URBACT and Regions for Economic Change. CEMR suggests the organisation of a European public awareness campaign on activities regarding sustainable urban mobility together with stakeholders active in that field, as well as an annual European conference on “advanced urban transport solutions”. A wide room for manoeuvre should be left to local and regional authorities to favour a balanced modal split, whilst at the same time planning for the interop-erability between different transport modes. Nevertheless, the EU could play a role by offering guidance and financing opportunities to support their efforts. 4. How could the use of clean and energy efficient technologies in urban trans-port be further increased? Economic incentives are needed to promote cost-effective, greener public transport solutions, as well as guidance to cities on how to cut pollution from transport by sharing good examples. The EU should encourage Member States to reform national vehicle taxation regimes so that they support cleaner vehicles. As well, CEMR supports strong EU-wide measures on vehicles emissions, in particular strong EU emission standards on light and heavy vehicles (strong Euro V and VI norms) and legisla-tion on CO2 emissions from cars and trucks. CEMR welcomes that the Commission wants to support the market introduction of clean and energy efficient vehicles by green public procurement. However, the integration of lifetime costs of energy consumption, CO2 and pollutants emissions as award criteria can have detrimental effects on public transport. Budgets are limited and the extra initial costs of vehicle procurement, even though compensated in the long term, should not lead to cuts in public transport services. National and EU authorities should financially support the purchase of clean vehicles by local and regional authorities. While the public sector should set a good example, it is important that the pri-vate economy and citizens are not relieved from their responsibility. 5. How could joint green procurement be promoted? CEMR would welcome a wider application of the Commission’s support for the development of joint green procurement schemes by public authorities through pilot projects. The EU could also promote the exchange of experience by widely disseminating the evaluation of these pilot projects and its handbook on green public procurement. The EU should facilitate the joint procurement of clean vehicles through an ad-aptation of the rules for green public procurement, through the possibility to in-sert external costs criteria in public tenders and through a general principle of prevalence of the environmental criteria over economic criteria where they are in conflict.

6. Should criteria or guidance be set out for the definition of Green Zones and their restriction measures? What is the best way to ensure their compatibility with free circulation? Is there an issue of cross border enforcement of local rules governing Green Zones? In general CEMR welcomes a common approach to Green Zones and supports a single vision for Green Zones which is sufficiently flexible to allow local varia-tions. In this context, it would be useful to develop a uniform traffic sign to mark environmental zones, recognisable in every Member State. We also request the European Commission to support the exchange of best practices, for instance in the area of technologies for visual recognition of vehicles. However, this must not prevent from the possibilities of cities to enforce alterna-tive, stricter or greener rules where appropriate, considering the diversity of situations at local level. Ensuring a free flow of traffic cannot be pursued to the exclusion of managing mobility in a sustainable manner overall. Certain cities experience difficulties to carry out enforcement of local rules gov-erning Green Zones, difficulties increased in case of cross border enforcement (e.g. identification of car owner, recovery of penalties). The EU has a major role to play in order to find a proper solution for decriminalised traffic offences. In particular, it could facilitate exchange of best practice and provide guidance on the practical and legal aspects of this enforcement. 7. How could eco-driving be further promoted? Some cities have developed projects on eco-driving and gathered quite good experiences. The EU could facilitate the dissemination of good examples and organise awareness campaigns by EU citizens on the impacts of driving behav-iours on the environment and quality of life. The EU could also support the use of vehicles coherent with eco-driving, as well as innovation regarding car equipment. CEMR also considers that the EU should encourage Member States to promote eco-driving as part of their national driving test procedures. 8. Should better information services for travellers be developed and pro-

moted? Reliable, attractive and accessible information services are essential to favour urban, rural and regional mobility and intermodality. The integration of informa-tion services related to transport and events of the local life (e.g. cultural or sports events, demonstrations , etc.) can make it easier for travellers to move in a sustainable way. Innovative solutions including different transport modes could be promoted by the EU through its research pilot projects and exchange of information activities. 9. Are further actions needed to ensure standardisation of interfaces and inter-

operability of ITS applications in towns and cities? Which applications should take priority when action is taken?

CEMR supports the use of Intelligent Transport Systems and open standards for interfaces and interoperability (of technology and between transport modes, various functions, areas and countries). Innovative demand management is a good approach. EU should remove barri-ers and ensure such approaches are applied consistently across the EU and at all relevant levels. While ITS can be good tools, they cannot solve the main problems. 10. Regarding ITS, how could the exchange of information and best practices

between all involved parties be improved? The Commission should support a wider dissemination of good practices and data in the field of ITS, as well as a voluntary framework for ITS deployment in EU towns and cities to address the interoperability issue. 11. How can the quality of collective transport in European towns and cities be

increased? CEMR welcomes the new regulation on public passenger transport services by rail and road, which allows local and regional authorities to define public service obligations and the imposition of social tariffs. We are also pleased that public authorities can introduce selection and award criteria with respect to the quality of transport services. The Commission could support the exchange of informa-tion on the implementation of these tools provided by the regulation to improve the quality of transport services. The EU should provide legal certainty for inter-communal cooperation and in-house organisation of public transport. CEMR believes that local elected repre-sentatives are in the best position to choose the economic model which best ensures delivery of high quality public transport that meets the citizens' needs. While increased competition may indeed have positive effects, particularly eco-nomic, we are concerned that such benefits may come at the expense of quality and effective coordination between different transport modes. CEMR agrees with citizens’ demand for high quality, efficient and accessible public transport and that the lack of this can be an obstacle to a modal shift from private to public transport. To resolve this, however, national authorities have to provide the local and regional level with sufficient financial resources. Other-wise, restraint local budgets hinder public transport of high quality. 12. Should the development of dedicated lanes for collective transport be en-

couraged? CEMR is in favour of dedicated lanes for collective transport, provided that local authorities are free to choose in the end the best solution adapted to local cir-cumstances. As this might implicate high costs for cities and the resistance of private car us-ers, the EU and national governments should support measures both financially and through information and behavioural campaigns.

13. Is there a need to introduce a European Charter on rights and obligations for passengers using collective transport?

CEMR sees the danger that such a Charter does not recognize the various situations and needs of the different cities throughout Europe, and the principle of Local Self-government. On the other hand, if the Charter remains on a quite general level, it might not bring any added value. In line with the principle of Subsidiarity, such a Charter should be left to the regional or national level. 14. What measures could be undertaken to better integrate passenger and

freight transport in research and in urban mobility planning? CEMR is pleased that the Green Paper addresses urban freight transport and is interested in further exchange of good practices in this field. CEMR believes this issue should be addressed in the upcoming guidance on Sustainable Urban Transport Plans. Cities and agglomerations could be en-couraged to produce urban mobility plans including both the question of pas-senger and freight transport. The commercial mobility needs should be ad-dressed as well. Research could be promoted by including this theme in European programmes and projects. For instance, the EU could create a collaborative work platform on sustainable mobility dealing both with freight and passenger transport, like the existing platforms for the rail transport (ERRAC) and the road freight transport (ERJRAC). As well, attention has to be paid to the implementation and the ap-plicability of research results. 15. How can better coordination between urban and interurban transport and

land use planning be achieved? What type of organisational structure could be appropriate?

CEMR supports the development of better policy and strategy links between mobility, spatial and economic planning at all levels of governance. In particular, local and regional authorities must cooperate closely to guarantee efficient and coherent transport policies. National governments and the EU should support and encourage this cooperation, set the frame and contribute financially. As governance is the key to sustainable urban transport, the EU should pro-mote the transport competences of local and regional governments. The EU can encourage national governments to improve transport governance and planning, as well as the cooperation among the local, regional and national lev-els (better connecting urban transport with regional and national transport ser-vices, better integration of land use, urban and interurban planning). CEMR wants the issue of land use to be more prominently addressed in the upcoming Action Plan which will follow the consultation on the Green Paper. CEMR welcomes that the Green Paper also addresses the issue of agglomera-tions, not just cities. However, the focus on agglomerations and related issues, such as the question of commuters, should be even stronger in the Action Plan. 16. What further actions should be undertaken to help cities and towns meet

their road safety and personal security challenges in urban transport?

CEMR welcomes the proposed more intensive and structured dialogue with lo-cal and regional stakeholders and Member States on new technologies for in-creasing safety. Concerning the problems of safety and security in urban transport, the EU has a relevant role to play. The EU level can promote campaigns on behavioural change and exchange of practices, legislate on vehicle and infrastructure safety standards, support the introduction of safety technologies, encourage the im-provement of alarm systems and emergency planning procedures and give guidance to local and regional authorities to enforce traffic rules. 17. How can operators and citizens be better informed on the potential of ad-

vanced infrastructure management and vehicle technologies for safety? European information campaigns adapted to local circumstances and guidance to local operators might be a good way to go. 18. Should automatic radar devices adapted to the urban environment be de-

veloped and should their use be promoted? 19. Is video surveillance a good tool for safety and security in urban transport? While automatic radar devices and video surveillance surely can be meaningful in some circumstances and to some aim, they cannot solve all safety and secu-rity problems. It is also important to consider the question of data protection in this context. It should be up to national authorities in cooperation with local and regional authorities to answer these questions. 20. Should all stakeholders work together in developing a new mobility culture in

Europe? Based on the model of the European Road Safety Observatory, could a European Observatory on Urban Mobility be a useful initiative to support this cooperation?

Without all stakeholders working together, a new mobility culture in Europe will never become reality. Mobility is one of the policy issues presupposing an ac-tive cooperation between public authorities at all levels, as well as citizens, business and other relevant actors. CEMR supports the proposal of European data collection on urban mobility sta-tistics, which should be easily accessible to local authorities. This would clarify the challenges related to urban mobility, enrich the Eurostat database and make comparisons possible. CEMR also considers that the creation of a European Observatory on Urban Mobility should be explored, provided this does not imply additional administra-tive burden. Further details and information have to be provided, in order to as-sess the opportunity to set up such an Observatory. 21. How could existing financial instruments such as structural and cohesion funds be better used in a coherent way to support integrated and sustainable urban transport?

Financing for public transport should be considered as a one of the priorities of the regional development policy. The more broad and solid basis for financing

urban and collective transport under the current programming period is wel-comed as well as the new reference to integrated strategies for clean transport in the ERDF and Cohesion Fund regulations. However, potential project beneficiaries may not be aware of the extent to which Structural funds can be used to transport initiatives outside of "convergence ar-eas", so that information on funding should be improved. The mid-term review of the Operational Programmes could also be the opportunity to consider better support to urban transport. CEMR welcomes the numerous EU programmes and projects that investigate innovative transport policies and organise exchanges of good practices. How-ever, CEMR regrets that the European Commission does not offer financing to help cities and regions to develop strong alternatives to car use. CEMR would have welcomed, as part of the Thematic Strategy on Urban Environment, offers to finance the implementation of sustainable mobility plans in selected EU cities. CEMR considers the CIVITAS programme as most useful and is looking for-ward to seeing the suggested development based on the CIVITAS approach for a dedicated EU support programme for financing clean urban transport activities outside the research framework. 22. How could economic instruments, in particular market-based instruments, support clean and energy efficient urban transport? CEMR supports the idea that all stakeholders at all levels, including users, must contribute to financing urban mobility. National governments must guarantee important, stable and long term financing for public transport investments at local, regional and national level. Market-based instruments can support sustainable urban transport, but not replace public funding. CEMR supports the promotion of new funding tools that can be implemented by local authorities. Road pricing schemes, environmental taxes, taxes on energy, taxes on CO2 and urban congestion charges can provide additional resources for sustainable transport modes. But these innovative economic instruments can also act as a financial incentive to trigger the shift of consciousness towards an increased use of public transport or clean and energy efficient modes of transport. CEMR stresses that those additional resources should be used in priority for investment in public transport and sustainable mobility solutions. 23. How could targeted research activities help more in integrating urban con-straints and urban traffic development? The EU should conduct further studies involving more partners on a wider transport infrastructure system. CEMR underlines how essential it is to ensure a wide dissemination of the re-sults of these research activities and to provide the information in several lan-guages. Local decision makers should be aware of the existence of this infor-mation and be able to access it easily. In order to be effective, it is also impor-tant that the results can be practically used by local decision makers.

24. Should towns and cities be encouraged to use urban charging? Is there a need for a general framework and/or guidance for urban charging? Should the revenues be earmarked to improve collective urban transport? Should external costs be internalised? CEMR welcomes the better taking into account of external costs by the Eurovi-gnette directive and supports the introduction of an urban dimension on the oc-casion of the next revision of the Eurovignette directive, so that road charging applies to all types of vehicles and infrastructures. CEMR considers the EU should promote road pricing schemes. The choice of introducing urban charging should be the responsibility of the local and regional authorities, which have to assess its benefits and impacts. As well, local and regional authorities should be able to decide themselves what the revenues of road charging are to be used for. The EU can help the local decision-makers to overcome the reticence of citizens. For instance, it should organise the ex-change of information and experiences on congestion charging. CEMR supports the internalisation of external costs and the announcement of a common EU methodology for calculating external costs. In parallel, coordinated efforts to reduce the production of external costs (e.g. negative environmental impacts of transport) are crucial. 25. What added value could, in the longer term, targeted European support for financing clean and energy efficient urban transport, bring? Sustainable mobility policies represent a great financial challenge for local au-thorities. In many cases, European support for financing clean and energy effi-cient urban transport is a precondition that local measures can be implemented. In other cases, European support has important impacts on national, regional and local policy and financial priorities. So that CEMR strongly supports the set-ting up of a dedicated and flexible fund for urban transport projects.

* * * * *


CONSEIL DES COMMUNES ET REGIONS D’EUROPE

5.4

CEMR Response

To the Public Consultation on the Active Inclusion of People Furthest

from the Labour Market

Brussels, February 2008



CEMR Response to the Public Consultation on the Active Inclusion of People Furthest from the Labour Market

(COM (2007) 620 final)

Summary

On 17th October 2007, the European Commission launched the 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. The consultation covers a broad and complex issue which is at the heart of local and regional government’s responsibilities and competences. Active inclusion concerns municipalities and regions in their unique role of service providers and planners, promoters of economic development as well as local employers. For this reason, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) have elaborated the present response to express our members’ views on the proposals outlined by the Commission in its Communication. As it regards local and regional authorities as employers, CEMR and its Employers Platform (CEMR-EP) is a recognised partner in the European sectoral social dialogue for local and regional government. In this context, a joint CEMR/EPSU response has been adopted within the framework of the sectoral social dialogue committee on regional and local government, which provides the common views of both employers and unions in the regional and local administration on the issues covered by the consultation. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the umbrella organisation of local and regional authorities federated through 49 national associations of local government in 36 European countries.

General comments

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 market 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 the active inclusion approach 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 involved 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 social inclusion and increasing quality and accessibility of public services at local level.

Introduction

1. CEMR welcomes the debate launched by the present consultation, which stimulates reflexion on the importance and multidimensional nature of active inclusion. Addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups and supporting those who are ‘outsiders’ in the labour market represent a major challenge to all actors involved in the task of creating cohesive and inclusive societies.

2. Regional and local authorities play an essential role in this respect, as main

responsible for a wide range of services aimed to promote active inclusion (welfare services, employment measures, education and training programmes, childcare, etc.). Municipalities and regions are not only responsible for the planning and provision of services but are also main actors in the promotion of economic development, job opportunities and well-being in their communities, working in partnership with other local stakeholders. They are therefore particularly concerned by the current EU debate on supporting the active inclusion of those furthest from the labour market.

3. The ever increasing responsibilities of local and regional authorities in supporting

the most vulnerable groups respond to the recognition that social inclusion measures can be better designed and implemented at the government level closest to the citizens.

4. Vulnerable groups and those at the margins of the labour market suffer in most

cases multiple disadvantage requiring personalised, sustained and intensive support. Their knowledge of local circumstances and their closest contact with the citizens allow municipalities to better address the specific needs of the most disadvantaged.

5. Over the past decades, municipalities and regions have been compelled to respond

to the challenge of an increasingly diverse and changing population. The emergence of new social risks (due to changes in the family models, labour market transformation which has lead to a greater demand for high-skilled workers and have tightened the link between employment and skills/education, the increase in women’s participation in paid work, an ageing population, changing migration patterns, etc.) demands from public authorities at regional and local level to think creative and to find new solutions in order to tackle them.

6. CEMR and its members have expressed on numerous occasions their commitment

to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and to provide them with the support they need. The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in local life1, signed by over 500 local authorities across Europe, and the Declaration of The Hague on the regional and local dimension of citizenship and integration2 are examples of this commitment.

1 Note: The European Charter, which has been elaborated and promoted by CEMR, contains a wide range of commitments to promote gender equality, across the range of services and responsibilities of local authorities. It thus pleads for an integrated approach to gender equality in local life. 2 The Declaration was launched in November 2007 in The Hague on the occasion of the joint CEMR/VNG conference on integration of migrants and active citizenship.

Active inclusion as part of local development and inclusive labour market policies

7. Regional and local authorities act as catalysts of local development, mobilising all resources and actors to promote socio-economic development in their territories. Their initiatives to promote local employment, regeneration or business entrepreneurship with a view to create jobs and growth in their local areas are in many cases targeted at the most disadvantaged who lack the skills or whose personal or family circumstances do not allow them to access the labour market.

8. With their knowledge of the local economy and the socio-economic context of the

area, local authorities are instrumental in matching the skills demanded by the local labour markets with those offered by local residents.

9. In doing so, it is crucial to engage successfully with the business community.

Private companies, alongside public authorities and community organisations, have a responsibility towards the well-being and the development of their communities and therefore should play their role in supporting those who face difficulties in accessing the labour market.

10. A high proportion of the disadvantaged concentrate in deprived areas.

Consequently, measures to support those individuals who are furthest from the labour market cannot be dissociated from action to promote the development of their neighbourhoods and communities, with high levels of social exclusion and deprivation.

11. Together with national and local funding programmes, EU cohesion instruments are

important tools for the economic and social development of those regions and municipalities lagging behind. In our response to the public consultation on the future EU cohesion policy, CEMR has reiterated its support to a continuing and ambitious EU cohesion policy and has called for an increased involvement of Europe’s local and regional authorities in the planning, administration, delivery and monitoring of regional development policies and instruments.

12. In particular, the European Social Fund (ESF) can make a substantial contribution

to help the disadvantaged overcome the barriers to access the labour market. In this respect, CEMR supports the Commission’s intention to promote a more integrated approach in the use of ESF.

Access to quality services as a key instrument for active inclusion

13. CEMR welcomes the Commission’s recognition of the crucial role played by public services in promoting active inclusion. We reiterate our outstanding support to ensuring affordable and quality public services to all citizens, including those with specific needs.

14. Municipalities and regions are engaged in a continued effort to improve the quality

of their services. In doing so, they have already developed and implemented quality frameworks and standards designed both at national and local level. We consider that for quality framework and standards to be effective they need to be based on a bottom-up approach and adapted to the local context.

15. Citizens’ demands as well as financial restraints are leading to a continuing process of modernisation of public services at local and regional level. This process is led by the aim of making services more effective and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

16. The challenge of responsiveness of public services is even more true when it

comes to address and respond to the specific needs of the disadvantaged. The situation of multiple disadvantage most of them experience requires the development of personal action plans and services tailored to their needs. Mainstream services and programmes are not sufficient to provide them with the adequate support.

17. Responsiveness means ability to adapt to different demands. To do so, regional

and local authorities should have the discretion and flexibility to decide on the best way to organise, commission and deliver their services. In this respect, we should note the increasing impact of EU internal market rules on public services.

18. CEMR does not believe that the Commission’s Communication on “services of

general interest, including social services of general interest”, published in November 2007, and the accompanying document with questions and answers, are the right instruments to address and solve the problems at stake.

19. We therefore hope that following the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty the European

Union, in close cooperation with the stakeholders concerned, will develop a solution providing a reasonable framework for local and regional authorities to organise, finance and deliver their services to all citizens.

20. On the other hand, we are most concerned that the responsibility for providing an

increasing range of services for people in most need is often not coupled with additional financial resources, placing greater strain on local finances. In order to allow regional and local authorities to fulfil their role, sufficient financing should be secured to the regional and local government. This should be part of the criteria to define the quality of services.

21. As main providers of welfare services, the responsibility of supporting vulnerable

groups falls to a large extent on the shoulders of municipalities and regions. This is particularly true in countries like Greece where there is not a minimum income scheme. In other countries, the tendency of employment services to focus on those closer to the labour market places additional pressure on welfare services provided by local authorities.

Towards an integrated approach

22. CEMR welcomes the balanced and integrated approach to active inclusion, based on the proposed three pillars. This approach shows that social inclusion does not only concern access to employment but a wider set of measures.

23. We consider this integrated approach should be reflected across the EU policies

and initiatives (lifelong learning, flexicurity debate, etc.). We therefore call for greater synergies between the Lisbon and the EU social inclusion process.

24. At national level, an integrated approach requires taking into account the

interferences and interactions between the different policy measures, mainly employment measures and benefits. In order to make work pay for those who are

furthest from the labour market, local authorities should be given greater discretion over the distribution of benefits with a view to allow for further flexibility and better account of the local circumstances. In this respect, the experiences of Dutch and German local authorities show the way forward.

25. CEMR fully supports the idea that an integrated approach demands strong

partnerships and strengthened cooperation between all actors at all levels. Recent positive developments in some countries (for example, Norway and Finland3) seek to create more integrated approaches by bringing together employment and welfare services, involving both national and local agencies. These represent a challenge in terms of ensuring good coordination, defining common priorities and establishing a clear distribution of responsibilities between central and local administration. Close cooperation and partnership work are therefore essential.

The EU strategy on active inclusion

26. CEMR endorses the proposed common principles on active inclusion, which constitute an adequate framework for active inclusion policies. However, we consider that further work on more detailed principles is to be carried out at national and local level.

27. We agree that the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) is the best tool to take

forward the EU strategy on active inclusion. The OMC has contributed so far to gain a common understanding on social inclusion issues across Europe. It has however lacked greater visibility and impact on the local and regional level.

28. We consider that the OMC needs to reconnect with the regional and local level.

CEMR calls on the Commission to urge Member States to strengthen the dialogue with local and regional authorities on those issues covered by the EU strategy for active inclusion and, more generally, by the EU social inclusion process. This would allow for a better monitoring of progress on active inclusion by reinforcing the mechanisms existing at national level.

29. Bringing the OMC closer to the regional and local level should also mean greater

possibilities for regions and municipalities to benefit from mutual learning and exchange of experiences. Learning from the good practices and experiences from other regions and municipalities is crucial to ensure future work builds on the lessons learnt and contributes to identify innovative and alternative ways to deal with common challenges.

30. CEMR has initiated work on transnational benchmarking of services with its

members, which is proving to be very useful for local and regional authorities, and will continue this work in the future.

31. The proposal for the establishment of a Network of Local Observatories could

contribute to this mutual learning process among regions and municipalities. In order to avoid duplication, CEMR is of the view that the Network should not lead to

3 In Norway, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation (NAV) was established in July 2006 as a result of the merger of the National Insurance Organisation, the National Employment Service and the local Welfare system. The new system is currently being rolling out. It is expected that by 2009 there will be a local NAV office in each municipality. In Finland, the so-called Labour Force Centres have been established since 2004. They provide multi-professional support bringing together social and health services of local authorities, the national employment administration and the social insurance institution of the country.

the creation of new structures but it should aim to improve the existing mechanisms both at national and EU level. It could constitute a flexible instrument for those interested regions and municipalities to carry out peer reviews, benchmarking exercises and exchange of experiences. As a European platform of regional and local government, CEMR would be pleased to be involved in further dialogue on the practical implementation of a Network of Local Observatories.

* * * *

5.5





DECLARATION OF THE HAGUE

ON THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL DIMENSION OF ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AND INTEGRATION

On the occasion of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007 1. The Conference “Equal Opportunities for All and Citizenship” was organised by VNG, with

support from CEMR, in The Hague on 28th and 29th November 2007. On this occasion, a Declaration was adopted on “the local and regional dimension of active

citizenship and integration”. 2. The Declaration was available at the CEMR Policy Committee meeting in Stuttgart. Upon the

request of VNG, CEMR is pleased to circulate this text for information to our membership.


Take note of The Hague Declaration (enclosed).

CEMR

Declaration of The HagueON THe LOCAL AND ReGIONAL DIMeNSION Of

ACTIVe CITIZeNSHIP AND INTeGRATION

ON THe OCCASION Of THe euROPeAN YeAR Of equAL OPPORTuNITIeS fOR ALL 2007

Declaration of The Hague

ON THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL DIMENSION OF ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

AND INTEGRATION

On the occasion of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007

We, mayors and representatives of Europe’s local and regional

governments, meeting together in the framework of the VNG/CEMR

conference on “Equal Opportunities for All and Citizenship”, held in The

Hague, Netherlands, on 29 November 2007;

Responding to the call made in the CEMR Sevilla “declaration on the role

of European local and regional governments in relation to migration”

(2006) for further exchange of experiences in relation to the integration of

migrants in our communities, in the context of the European Year of Equal

Opportunities;

Recalling that the issue of active citizenship and equal opportunities is

above all a question of empowering human beings and giving them the

opportunity to fully participate in and feel full member of our societies;

Affirming therefore that in all cases the basic principles of human rights

and respect for human dignity, as set out in the European Charter of

Fundamental Rights, must apply;

Knowing that it also essential to recognise the reality of undocumented

migrants and the challenge that their situation may represent for local

governments;

Realising that citizens of Europe, including migrants, are not a

homogenous group – on the contrary, they have very diverse needs and

demands to which regional and local governments need to respond;

Aware that Europe faces major demographic challenges and that inward

migration can to some extend help to compensate negative impacts,

provided that there is a common understanding on essential values and

real intercultural dialogue;

Stressing that regional and local governments are the main providers of

public services to all citizens, including the most vulnerable, and thus play

an essential role in increasing practical equality of opportunity in many

key areas of life;

Considering that promoting equal opportunities and full participation is a

shared responsibility between the host community and the newly arrived

and is essential for cohesion and resilient European societies;

emphasising the need for effective European policies and coordination,

involving all levels of government, in order to promote active citizenship,

integration and social cohesion and aimed at the empowerment of the

individual.

Declare as follows:

Active Citizenship

1. Promoting Active Citizenship and equal opportunities for all is

essential to ensure integration in our societies. A positive approach

towards migration and active citizenship is most important for the

future of our resilient municipalities.

2. Active Citizenship is essentially about the empowerment and active

participation of all residents, for their own benefit as well as for the

benefit of the society and the city, municipality or community in which

they reside. It is therefore a key element to ensure a democratic,

socially and economically sound foundation in our European

municipalities, cities and regions, both for today and for the future.

3. Active Citizenship and Active Inclusion go beyond simply ensuring

access to the labour market. They also comprise:

– Equal access to high quality services, including access to education

and to qualification and training measures for newly arrived but

also of migrants of second and third generation;

– Comprehensive and well-resourced support programmes for mi-

grants, including language courses.

4. Active Citizenship requires equal opportunities for people with

different values, beliefs and coming from different cultures, and

depends on the commitment of citizens from all backgrounds to

contribute to a resilient local community or neighbourhood. It entails

equitable and non-discriminatory treatment for all.

5. Active Citizenship requires and fosters empowerment, developing

the capabilities of individuals to make informed choices and to act on

their own behalf. In order to achieve full participation of all residents

and to ensure a sense of belonging and of a common future, existing

barriers to education and employment opportunities need to be

removed.

6. Active Citizenship is a shared responsibility of public and private

stakeholders as well as residents in their individual capacity, including

both newcomers and long-established residents.

7. Developing Active Citizenship is one of the essential objectives and

tasks of Europe’s local and regional governments, and the success of

participatory planning and decision-making processes depends on

their achievement.

8. We recognize that Active Citizenship involves an active engagement

of women and men from all communities on a basis of equality, and

underline that the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men

in Local Life offers effective policy guidance to local and regional

governments.

9. We welcome the commitment of the European Union to the concept

of Active Citizenship, demonstrated in particular through its

programme “Europe for Citizens” which provides financial support to

transnational activities in this domain.

Governance

10. There is no single preferable governance model of integration, but a

diversity of strategies and approaches may be adopted, according to

the specific characteristics and the regional or local context. Regional

and local authorities should have the freedom to decide which

integration model to use according to their specific realities.

11. Regional and local policies designed to promote active citizenship and

integration need to adopt an integrated approach that involves all

stakeholders at all levels, and involving partnerships which work on

the basis of acknowledged responsibilities and mutual support.

12. Effective European policies on integration, citizenship and equal

opportunities are a vital element to assist local and regional

authorities in implementing effective local policies. However, these

policies must be coupled with a firm commitment for the development

of the countries of origin and assistance to countries of transit.

13. In order to discharge their responsibilities for good local governance,

local governments must have the necessary competences and financial

resources to enable them to carry out their diversity policies and tasks

effectively in relation to the successful integration, based on a real

sense of active citizenship, of migrants and migrant communities

within their localities.

Conclusions

14. We welcome the designation of 2008 as the European Year of

Intercultural Dialogue. Dialogue between cultures is an essential

tool to forge closer links between newcomers and long-established

residents, and more generally between citizens of different cultural

backgrounds. Promoting intercultural dialogue is crucial in making our

societies more inclusive and to reconcile diversity and social cohesion.

15. We invite the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR),

in co-operation with the European Commission and the Congress

of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), to organise

activities in 2008 for the exchange of experience in relation to

promoting Active Citizenship and Community Cohesion, in the context

of the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue.

16. We confirm that the local level plays a key role in facing the

challenges related to integration and therefore we call for a close and

fruitful cooperation between the different levels of government, as

well as for a better involvement of regional and local authorities in

future EU initiatives, such as the creation of the European Forum on

Integration.

DECLARATION OF THE HAGUE

ON THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL DIMENSION OF ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

AND INTEGRATION

On the occasion of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007

November 28 and 29, 2007

The Hague, Netherlands

2007/11-104


CONSEIL DES COMMUNES ET REGIONS D’EUROPE

5.6

CEMR Response

to the Public Consultation on the future of EU Cohesion Policy:

Growing Regions, growing Europe

Brussels, January 2008



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 towards 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. However, we would strongly reject any tendencies on a “re-nationalisation” of the cohesion policy to the member states.

Introduction

1. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomes the European Commission’s public consultation on the future of EU Cohesion Policy, reaffirms its strong support and underlines the need for a continuing, ambitious and comprehensive pan-European cohesion policy.

2. CEMR has already noted with concern in the response to the Commission’s 4th Report on Economic and Social Cohesion1 that despite convergence at national and regional level, large disparities remain not only between individual regions of the EU, but also within the regions itself, where they are hidden behind statistical averaging.

3. CEMR underlines, that any future Cohesion Policy should be based on the principles of subsidiarity and territorial solidarity. The focused care for the development needs of least developed territories and of lagging regions should continue also in the future, towards an economic, social and territorial cohesion of the whole European Union.

4. We recall that the debate on the future shape of the cohesion policy after 2013 has just started and that there is still sufficient time for in-depth analyses and continuous dialogue with all stakeholders, before any final conclusions and decisions shall be made.

5. In line with the previous statement, we would like to contribute to the launch of the debate on the future of EU Cohesion Policy with highlighting several issues and principles important for our members, based on the views and experiences of Europe’s cities, municipalities and regions and loosely structured according to the questions published in the Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion2.

Challenges for the future

6. The 4th Cohesion Report addressed various challenges, which affect our regions throughout the EU’s territory and CEMR agrees, that the future Cohesion Policy should be reformed in view of the new challenges. The potential impact of the various challenges on cohesion should be thoroughly evaluated and incorporated into the strategic guidelines and programming documents for the post-2013 cohesion policy.

1 CEMR Response to the European Commission’s Communication: Growing Regions, Growing Europe. Fourth report on economic and social cohesion. Brussels, September 2007

2 Growing Regions, growing Europe: Fourth report on economic and social cohesion. Communication from the Commission, May 2007.

7. CEMR reiterates that these challenges do not affect only those regions lagging behind but to differing degrees all regions across the European Union. CEMR therefore holds that the future EU cohesion policy should continue to support all local and regional authorities across the EU in the preparation and adaptation in the best possible manner to these challenges which the EU is facing. This implies a shift from a purely redistributive policy focusing on overcoming disadvantages, to a policy of supporting also development opportunities and territorial potential across the diversity of the EU’s localities.

8. Among the key future challenges, which will have to be addressed within the context of a future EU Cohesion Policy, we note the growing importance of the following:

a. environmental issues – global climate change including its causatory agents and resulting effects, disbalanced water cycle and the resulting droughts and flooding, or the decline of biodiversity;

b. demographic issues – patterns of migration between and within countries, ageing population, rising demand for labour with high education and skills levels with a simultaneous reduction in the demand for manual labour;

c. energy issues – increased energy prices, need for environmentally friendly energy sources and improved energy efficiency;

d. territorial issues – interface between urban and rural areas, increased urbanisation in Europe and depopulation of rural areas.

9. Many of these challenges should be assessed in view of the ongoing development efforts in line with the Lisbon agenda3 and the Gothenburg agenda4. The principal objectives contained therein should be maintained as key guidelines for the future, notwithstanding the fact, that these strategic documents are formulated with a perspective until 2010.

Lessons learnt

10. CEMR recalls its standing support to a cohesion policy with a prominent convergence objective. Continuing focus on the least developed regions should improve Europe’s cohesion and integration and is a manifestation of the principle of territorial solidarity.

11. In spite of the fact that for the current programming period of 2007–2013 regional policy is the EU’s second largest budget item,

3 Presidency Conclusions, Lisbon European Council, 23–24 March 2000

4 Presidency Conclusions, Göteborg European Council, 15–16 June 2001

we share the view published in a recent OECD study5, that the available funding is too small to cover all necessary disparities. Therefore it yet remains to be analysed, how the objectives set for the current programming period (2007–2013) achieve the desired targets and results. However, bearing in mind the limited resources available, future priorities have to be defined both thematically and geographically.

12. Another related implication thereof is the necessity to include the discussion on a future of the cohesion policy in a broader discussion on the future EU budget in order to balance the financial allocations with the addressed challenges.

13. Bearing that in mind, further thought and discussion is needed on how to allocate resources and on the best type of support measures for non-convergence regions, taking into account the lessons learnt during the current funding period.

14. We have noted an emerging consensus, that a wider set of criteria may be considered for the allocation of funding, beyond the GDP/GNI indicators used so far. Among the proposed indicators of “regional happiness” are socio-economic indicators (rate and quality of employment, decentralisation and accessibility index, infrastructure and transport provision), socio-cultural (e.g. the U.N. human development index), socio-demographic (rate of births, divorces or suicides, migration patterns) or socio-environmental (environmental comfort index, days of rainfall, air quality, oxygen and carbon dioxide production etc.).

Growth and jobs in the new context

15. CEMR welcomes the increased focus on territorial aspects as the third pillar of European convergence, together with economic and social issues. Within the Network of Territorial Cohesion Contact Points we actively participate in the implementation process of the European Territorial Agenda as exemplified by the ongoing work within the framework of the 1st Action Programme. We also closely follow the intergovernmental process following the adoption of the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities.

16. Progressive urbanisation of Europe's territory allows for the formation of secondary poles of growth, yet inherently results in disbalance of the regional development. CEMR therefore emphasises the importance of targeting towards the urban-rural interface and the need for further strengthening of the link between rural and urban areas in the future, as well as increased focus on integrated urban development.

17. Within the debate on a future Cohesion Policy we deem necessary to take into account the territorial impact of all sectoral policies and

5 OECD Policy Brief: Economic Survey of the European Union, September 2007

their role in fostering economic, social and territorial cohesion. A closer synchronization of the cohesion policy is necessary with both the Europe-wide strategic objectives and programmes as well as with development strategies at regional and local levels.

18. CEMR sees noteworthy in this respect, that many of the urgent challenges addressed by the ongoing review of the Common Agricultural Policy are of the same or very similar nature as those addressed by the regional policy, whereby the solution proposed by the CAP review to tackle these issues is through the Rural Development policy6. CEMR would see a need for more complementarity between regional development instruments and rural development instruments, where in the future rural development might become an integral part of a coherent policy of territorial cohesion. In this respect, we remind, that farming enterprises in agriculture and forestry can only be successful in a vital rural context.

Policy management

19. The implementation of the 2007–2013 programmes started only recently and we yet have to follow and evaluate the whole process. The experience of Europe’s cities, municipalities and regions with the programming and preparation of National Strategic Reference Framework documents as well as Operational Programmes can be summarised as follows:

20. On behalf of the stakeholders CEMR calls for increased emphasis on the principle of subsidiarity. Europe’s local and regional authorities would welcome the allocation of more responsibilities in order to increase their involvement in the planning, administration, delivery and monitoring of regional development policies and instruments.

21. In this context, however, we would strongly reject any tendencies on a “re-nationalisation” of the cohesion policy to the member states.

22. Also the principle of partnership should be maintained and manifested within a multilevel approach to governance of a post-2013 cohesion policy. To this end, we would envisage a process of early dialogue with the relevant local and regional actors and the inclusion of local and regional aspects into national programming documents.

*****

6 Communication from the Commission: Preparing for the 'Health Check' of the CAP reform, 20 November 2007 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

6





SOUTH-EAST EUROPE – CEMR INITIATIVES

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


Take note of the proposed dates of 6-7 November for the Vienna seminar; Give views on the setting up of a working group to prepare the seminar, and indicate

possible interest in participating in this work; Share views on steps for developing dialogue with national associations of Turkey.

2. 2nd CEMR seminar on South-East Europe, Vienna, autumn 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 next autumn, 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 NALAS and ALDA. The preparations of the 2008 seminar are now getting underway. After preliminary exchanges with the partners in Vienna and NALAS, the 6th and 7th November are proposed as possible dates, subject to confirmation. It is further proposed that a working group could be set up to involve, in addition to Österreichischer Städtebund, representatives of associations that are interested in contributing to the preparations of the Vienna seminar’s programme, and which could work in close co-operation with the other partners involved such as NALAS and ALDA.

CEMR

3. CEMR relations in the region

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. The secretariat general received in early February requests for membership from the associations of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This matter is addressed under point 11 of the agenda.

4. Relations with Turkish associations CEMR’s 2008 work programme includes the aim of developing dialogue with national associations of Turkey. Following first exchanges, the secretariat general proposes to contact the Union of Turkish Municipalities 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. It can further be noted that 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.

7





Council of Europe

1. Draft Charter of Regional Democracy 2. Draft Protocols to the European Charter of Local Self-Government 3. Congress elections and renewal of delegations 4. Local Democracy Week

Draft Charter of Regional Democracy


Recommend that the Policy Committee support the Charter and the changes proposed by the working group.

1. In 1997, the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities adopted a

European Charter of Regional Self-Government which was not accepted by the European ministers responsible for local and regional democracy. In 2006, the Congress’ Chamber of Regions began thus drafting a new text entitled “European Charter of Regional Democracy”, which seeks to address some of the concerns raised in relation to the previous draft Charter. After its finalisation and adoption by the Congress in its plenary session in May 2008, this new text will be submitted to the ministers as the basis of a new legal instrument.

2. The new text takes account of the changes in Europe in the last decade concerning regions

(regionalisation, governance, changing roles and expectations of citizens etc.). The draft tries to reconcile the principle of local self-government with assuring regional cohesion of local policies. It stresses both rights and obligations of regions. The charter aims to provide a tool flexible enough to deal with a level of government more in change and less homogenous than the local tier.

3. Innovation as compared to the previous Charter contains:

- A new title (“democracy” replacing “self-government”) - A new structure with four chapters:

CEMR

o Part I: A common core containing 19 fundamental principles of regionalisation as a common basis for all acceding states

o Part II offering three different options for each topic, to take account of different forms of regionalisation in the different states. Both states with regions with legislative and only administrative powers can thus sign the charter

o Part III specifying a more flexible approach to implementation of regionalisation with the right for signatory States to accept only some two-thirds of the paragraphs. 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. 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 February 20th.

CEMR’s working group on regional affairs met on February 28th to discuss the draft Charter. It adopted a short draft position paper (doc 7.1) supporting the charter, and also recommended some drafting changes concerning mainly the following:

o Article 10 obliges regional governments to support national government’s cohesion

objectives. Therefore the working group proposes an amendment clarifying that the objectives are not necessarily defined by the central state.

o Article 14 concerning the definition of “region”; the working group raised the question of intermediary levels in countries with several “levels”, and where one level – e.g. the Spanish provinces – may not be directly elected.

o References to “higher authorities” in article 42 and 44 should be replaced by another wording which does not imply a hierarchical relationship ( e.g. “central or national government”)

Draft Protocols to the European Charter of Local Self-Government


Discuss the Protocol and proposed changes Recommend that the Policy Committee support the Congress’s draft Protocol, subject to

some proposals for changes. Recommend that the Policy Committee 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.

1. There are currently two initiatives under debate concerning protocols 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 up for adoption at the next plenary meeting in May.

The aim of the Protocol is to strengthen the Charter. It treats 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

- Relations between different levels of government: the participation of local authorities in decision making at regional, national and European level on the one hand and the supervision and powers of substitution exercised in regard to local authorities on the other.

- Internal organisation of local authorities, referring to the direct election of mayors, the responsibility of the executive before the local assembly, the competences of the latter and procedures for resolution of conflicts between the executive and the local assembly.

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 participatory means and 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 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.”

1 https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1199029&Site=Congress&BackColorInternet=e0cee1&BackColorIntranet=e0cee1&BackColorLogged=FFC679 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/valencia_2007/MCL-15(2007)5final_EN.pdf

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.

Congress elections and renewal of delegations 1. At the next plenary meeting in May, the Congress will hold elections and renew the

delegations. Participants are invited to provide information from their country on this subject.

European Local Democracy Week


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.

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. The Congress provides an exhaustive website3 with a tool kit, good examples and ideas for

activities and lots of 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

7.1


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. 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.

CEMR

8





EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR EQUALITY OF

WOMEN AND MEN IN LOCAL LIFE 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.

2. This event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CEMR’s activities in the field of women/men

equality, which were launched in the city of Pisa in 1983 with the first European conference of women elected representatives.

3. Some 450 participants of 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.


Take note of, and diffuse, the final declaration that was adopted at the closing of the Pisa conference.

4. During the session on CEMR’s future action to support the Charter’s implementation, the

secretariat presented a draft guide for signatories of the Charter, and a draft table to establish indicators on the Charter, on which the national associations and their members are invited to share their views. The documents can then be completed with a view to the seminar foreseen in autumn 2008 in France.

5. 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 some 650 signatories, and the first action plans for implementing the Charter are now being launched.

CEMR

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.

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.

9





TWINNING

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 election of the new working group Chair is due to take place during the Reykjavik Policy

Committee, on 5th May. The CEMR secretariat has already received expressions of interest with regard to this,

including from Poland.


Take note of the situation and indicate possible interest of local elected representatives.

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.

3. 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. Following a call for tenders launched to several webmasters, and the consideration of different

proposals received, the secretariat is now working on the site with the company which was selected. 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. The website could be finalised for the next meeting of the twinning co-ordinators. CEMR would

in any event wish to consult the national associations further, particularly the twinning co-ordinators, at a later stage in the process before launching the site.

CEMR

4. The next meeting of the twinning co-ordinators is foreseen to be held in Marseille on 22nd June,

prior to the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean. This date will be confirmed depending on the organisation of the Forum. The meeting would take the form of an enlarged seminar with 50-60 participants, and focus on twinning’s role in intercultural dialogue, as 2008 is the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

10




for information for decision

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Copenhagen conference on changes in local government structures 1. On Wednesday October 1st 2008, the CEMR will organise a conference on changes in local

and regional government structures, competences and finances, 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 (on the Monday and Tuesday) to facilitate interested members to participate in both meetings without greater inconvenience.

2. In outline, the seminar could deal with the following items and cases: What changes in local government structures have taken place in recent years, or are being

planned or debated? How do they respond to the widely discussed (and sometimes considered as conflicting) aims of more democracy and enhanced efficiency?

Are the changes taking place in different countries going in the same direction? The seminar will be based on cases from different countries, which are not decided yet, but

following interest announced by members and research on countries which have been or are subject to interesting changes.

A first session could look at changes in Danish and Scandinavian local government structures. This could be followed by a closer look at the developments in Great Britain and France (countries of similar population but contrasting systems). A third session could compare changes in Germany and other federal or near-federal countries, while a final session could be devoted to the developments in some central European countries.

3. On April 10th interested members are invited to participate on a first preparatory meeting in

Brussels on the seminar.

CEMR

European Information Society Conference (EISCO) 4. On the invitation of the City of Naples, AICCRE, the region Campania and the Province of

Naples, the 7th edition of EISCO will take place in Naples on September 25-27th 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.

5. 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.

Poznan climate change conference 6. In late 2008, the Association of Polish Cities, with the city of Poznan, will organise a local

government conference to take place in connection with the UN conference on climate change in Poznan 1-12 December. The Association of Polish Cities has (informally) asked CEMR to support and participate in their local government conference. The Director of the APC is invited to provide fuller information at this meeting.

IWA 7. 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 but also experts.

8. CEMR will participate to the preparation of the program of the “local governments day’”,

scheduled for the 9th September 2008. This day is a new initiative of IWA, which is willing to favour the exchange between experts on water and local and regional elected representatives.

9. Three sessions will be organised, with a keynote speech at the beginning of the day and a

panel discussion at the end. For each session, there will be five speakers: three speakers representing local and regional authorities (elected representatives) and two experts provided by IWA (CEOs, academics, water specialists).

The first session will consider the recent trends in the organisation of water services at local

and regional level. The second session will address the challenge of urbanisation and urban sprawl. The last session will consider the impacts of climate change on the local interrelation of water and energy.

10. Member associations are invited to propose speakers and disseminate the information on the

conference.

11.1


POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica:

Sudurlandsbraut 2, Reykjavik, Iceland 108

PRE-DRAFT AGENDA

Monday 5 May 9 h 15 Opening of the Policy Committee meeting

1. Adoption of the draft agenda

2. Approval of the draft list of decisions of the Stuttgart Policy Committee meeting (4-5 December 2007)

• Update on CEMR statutory organs, positions filled since Stuttgart • For information, list of decisions of the meeting of the Secretaries General and

Directors of Ljubljana (19 March 2008)

3. Political debate … CEMR Work Programme

4. Policy issues …

5. South-east Europe – CEMR initiatives, and in particular: • Vienna conference (November 2008)

6. Twinning 7. European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, future support actions

Internal CEMR affairs

8.1. Application for membership by the Association of Cities and Municipalities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

8.2. Application for membership by the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

9. Strengthening the involvement of elected representatives within CEMR

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10. Malmö General Assembly (22-24 April 2009):

• Pre-draft programme • Update on preparations

International affairs

11. Setting up the European co-ordination platform under the Non-state Actors and Local

Authorities programme 12. UCLG issues:

• Role of regions in UCLG • Statutory meetings 2008 • Other activities

13. World Affairs Committee

Other

14. Calendar of events, including:

• City Diplomacy Conference, The Hague (11-13 June) • Mediterranean Forum, Marseille (22-23 June) • Copenhagen conference on changes in local government structures, with

Danish associations (October) • Poznan climate change conference, with Polish associations (December)

15. Other urgent business

17 h 30 Closing of the meeting

Evening Dinner, upon the invitation of Mr Ólafur Magnússon, Mayor of the City of Reykjavik (Hellisheidi Geothermal Plant)


POLICY COMMITTEE REYKJAVIK, 5 MAY 2008 Hilton Reykjavik Nordica:

Sudurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland

PROGRAMME Sunday 4 May 18 h 00 – 21 h 00 Study visits to Icelandic municipalities in the Reykjavik area (The participants will be divided into smaller groups. Light dinner

will be served upon the invitation of the municipality visited)* Monday 5 May 9 h 15 Opening of the Policy Committee meeting 17 h 30 Closing of the meeting Evening Dinner, upon the invitation of Mr Ólafur Magnússon, Mayor of the City of Reykjavik* (Hellisheidi Geothermal Plant) * Hotel reservations as well as participation in the study visit and dinner should be confirmed through the website set up for this purpose by the Icelandic association: http://parthen-impact.com/eventure/welcome.do?type=participant&congress=69_8011&page=index A choice of two hotels is offered to the the participants. One is the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, where the meeting takes place, the other is Hótel Cabin. These are presented on page 3 of the website, which is accessible once participant information has been entered on the first page. A credit card number must be provided to confirm hotel bookings. To provide the information necessary, please print the form on page 4 of the website („Fax form for credit card“), fill out the form as explained and fax it to: +354 5853901. Accommodation is to be paid directly to the hotel in question upon departure. If you need to cancel your accommodation after booking, written notification should be sent to Congress Reykjavik: [email protected] Please note that the deadline for booking hotel registrations is 20th March.

CEMR

11.2





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.


Recommend that the Policy Committee 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.

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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.

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 legal representatives of local self government units in the Federation, in accordance with the Law on Principles of Local Self Government. However, it is not 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).

On the basis of the information provided, the secretariat general recommends full CEMR

membership for both associations.

11.3





APPLICATION FOR CEMR MEMBERSHIP OF

THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES AND TOWNS OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (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

Application for membership by the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).


Recommend that the Policy Committee 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).

CEMR

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.

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 changing and 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).

On the basis of the information provided, the secretariat general recommends full CEMR

membership for both associations.

13 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS





“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.


Take note of the progress report on the preparations of the General Assembly; Share views on the draft programme; Take note of the proposed registration fees; Indicate preferences to the Malmö representatives concerning distribution methods of the Congress information;

Take note of the 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 contract has

been signed by the different partners concerned, and the preparatory committee (CEMR secretariat, SALAR, city of Malmö) has exchanges and meetings on a regular basis to ensure the different preparations.

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.”

An outline for the Congress programme is enclosed. The working group on the

programme is due to meet in Ljubljana on 18th March, before the Secretaries General and Directors meeting, to discuss more detailed proposals prepared by the Congress preparatory committee. The outcome of this discussion will be presented during the meeting of 19th March.

A complete draft programme including possible speakers will be presented to the Policy

Committee in Reykjavik (5 May 2008).

CEMR

Proposals from the member associations concerning possible speakers for the different sessions will be welcome, and the secretariat would like to underline at this stage that it will be important for CEMR to ensure a good gender balance when selecting speakers to contribute in Malmö.

4. The Congress preparatory committee has studied the practical elements concerning

participation in the Malmö General Assembly. The following registration fees are proposed (which are overall less than those of the

previous General Assembly): 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 the following categories of countries should make up “Group B” and

benefit from the reduced level of registration fees: for countries covered by Eurostat, those that are at 65% or under of the EU GDP average. For countries not covered by Eurostat, reference could be taken from World Bank classifications of economies according to 2006 GNI per capita, as low income, lower middle income, upper middle income, and high income. It is proposed that any country not in the “high income” category should benefit from the Group B rates.*

The representatives of the city of Malmö will present further details on practical aspects

during the Ljubljana meeting, including with regard to the social programme, the accompanying persons programme, and hotel options available in Malmö.

5. The preparatory committee proposes the following 6 languages for simultaneous

interpretation 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.

6. The publication of the Congress first announcement is planned for the spring of 2008; a

first draft is due to be presented for the participants’ information in Ljubljana. A second announcement with registration information is planned for autumn 2008.

The national associations will be invited to indicate how they wish to diffuse the

information (in hard copy or electronically), including the quantity of printed 1st announcements they wish to receive, and to make their membership lists available to Malmö colleagues of the preparatory committee, or other effective arrangements, to allow an extensive dissemination of the information.

* 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

7. 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.

8. It should 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.

Concerning the launch process of the call for candidacies – given that this must be

completed in advance of the 2009 spring Secretaries General and Directors meeting who carry out a preliminary evaluation of applications received – the secretariat general proposes establishing the deadline for receiving applications from interested local and regional authorities at Friday, 30th January 2009. The deadlines for submission of bids will be strictly adhered to, and clear requests for relevant information will be made by us, for more detailed evaluation. CEMR’s website will provide information to interested parties on the deadline and information sought.

13 annex COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS




CEMR 2009 General Assembly, Malmö Congress Theme:

FIT FOR THE FUTURE? how Europe’s local and regional governments are preparing

WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL 10 h 30 – 12 h 30 CEMR Policy Committee meeting (followed by lunch for members of the

Policy Committee) 15 h 00 FORMAL OPENING SESSION 15 h 35 KEYNOTE SPEAKER(S), FOLLOWED BY ROUND TABLE 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 2 parallel sessions A1: Democracy and governance, session 1 B1: Services and demographic change, session 1 11 h 30 – 13 h 00 2 parallel sessions A2: Democracy and governance, session 2 B2: Services and demographic change, session 2 13 h 00 – 14 h 30 Lunch 14 h 30 – 16 h 00 2 parallel sessions A3: Economic growth, innovation, sustainability... B3: New borders, new neighbours 16 h 15 – 17 h 15 SPECIAL SESSION (Active citizenship, twinning: EP elections) 17 h 30 – 19 h 00 Resolution committee 19 h 30 Gala evening (Malmö Opera House)

CEMR

FRIDAY 24TH APRIL

9 h 00 – 10 h 15 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SESSION 10 h 20 – 11 h 40 SPECIAL SESSION (Climate change) 11 h 45 – 13 h 15 CLOSING CEREMONY (including adoption of final declaration) 13 h 15 Lunch

SATURDAY 25TH APRIL Post-congress visits

14 COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS





SETTING UP THE EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATION PLATFORM

UNDER THE NON-STATE ACTORS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES PROGRAMME

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 is interested in submitting an application.

2. A circular letter was sent to the national associations presenting the framework of the project

proposed by the secretariat, and requesting expressions of interest to be transmitted to the secretariat with a view to finalising the application, which must be submitted to the European Commission no later than 2nd April 2008.


Express their possible interest in this subject, following information presented in circular letter n°3.

3. A meeting was foreseen to take place in Brussels in the afternoon of 13th March with the

partners and associations interested in becoming project partners. A report on this will be presented in Ljubljana by CEMR’s Secretary General.

CEMR

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

Paris, 29 February 2008 CIRCULAR LETTER N° 3 To the Secretaries General and Directors of the national associations and associate members For information To the members of the North‐South co‐operation network Dear Madam, Dear Sir, Co‐ordination of the participation of local authorities in development co‐operation (objective 3 of the programme ʺnon state actors and local authorities”) ‐ Proposal for a CEMR project As you know, the community budgetary programming for the period 2007‐2013 foresees a programme on the participation of local authorities in development co‐operation. In our circular letter n°1 of 15th January, we provided information on the calls for proposals that the European Commission launched at the end of last year on this matter, and particularly the documents concerning objective 3 of the programme “non state actors and local authorities in development ‐ coordination, cooperation and networking activities in Europe”. CEMR has taken the initiative, since last year, to bring together the main organisations and stakeholders in this field in order to prepare a possible response to this call for proposals. In light of the exchanges with the different partners, and the position that has been developed within our organisation, it seems that it could be an interesting possibility for CEMR to act as leader for submitting an application to the European Commission, to present a project on the co‐ordination of local authorities’ participation in development co‐operation. In this context, please find enclosed an information sheet summing up proposals and conditions for partnership in the project. The application deadline has been set at 2nd April 2008. 15 rue de Richelieu - F-75001 ParisSquare de Meeûs 1 - B - 1000 Bruxelles Tél : +33 1 44 50 59 59 ● Fax : +33 1 44 50 59 60Tél : +32 2 511 74 77 ● Fax : +32 2 511 09 49

[email protected] ● www.ccre.org

Given the fact that this part of the programme concerns co‐ordination in Europe, it seems to me important that CEMR’s national associations be able to be actively involved in the project. This project would allow us to take a positive role in European co‐ordination. Further details on the possible role and objectives of the project can be found in the second annexed document.

∗ Please note the proposed level of co‐financing set out in the note. I would be grateful if you could inform us if you association is interested in becoming a co‐financing project partner for this initiative, according to the conditions presented for partnership in the project as laid out in the first annex, if possible before 11th March.

Your responses will help us finalise the budget for the application and the proposal responding to the call for proposals. A meeting will be held to exchange on these elements in the afternoon of 13th March at 14 h 00, in CEMR’s Brussels office (House of European Cities, Municipalities and Regions, square de Meeûs 1, 1000 Brussels). Those who have indicated their wish to be a co‐financing partner are invited to participate on this occasion. We would be grateful if you could inform us who will represent your organisation by returning the enclosed registration form to the secretariat general before 11th March ([email protected], fax +33 1 44 50 59 60). The secretariat general, and particularly Sandra Ceciarini ([email protected], tel. +33 1 44 50 59 59, fax +33 1 44 50 59 60), are available for any further information on this matter. Yours sincerely, (signed) Jeremy SMITH



Participation in CEMR’s application responding the European Commission’s call for proposals on "coordination, cooperation and networking activities in Europe"

(objective 3 of the programme “Non State Actors and Local Authorities in Development”)

PROPOSALS TO THE PARTNERS, CONDITIONS FOR PARTNERSHIP - First Draft -

Project duration: 2 years

Overall budget: up to 600 000 €, including:

- 75 % provided by the European Commission = 450 000 €

- 25 % co-financing = 150 000 €

Annual co-financing = up to 75 000 €

Project objective: to co-ordinate the participation of European local authorities in development co-operation

Activities foreseen:

- Consultation meetings with the European Commission on the Programme

- Seminars for training and exchanging experiences

- Permanent liaising with the Commission and European institutions in order to develop and influence European policy in this area

(see details in annex)

CEMR

Proposed partnership

CEMR proposes to be project leader and the following categories could be foreseen: - The CEMR proposes a CEMR grouping which would include CEMR and its national

associations. We propose that for national associations wishing to be project partners, their co-financing could be of around 4 000€. Our World Organisation UCLG could participate as co-financing partner together with interested European members (such as Cités Unies France).

- We have been in discussion with the other European organisations, Eurocities, CRPM,

AER, on whether they wish to be co-financing partners and we await their responses. If so, we anticipate that this co-financing could be around 8 000€ - 10 000€. It is unlikely that Eurocities will wish to participate.

- We have invited the CLGF and AIMF to participate in the previous meetings concerning the

platform as international organisations with European membership and headquarters based in Europe. They could also be invited to participate in the project as associate members or co-financing partners.

- We propose the ACP Local Government Platform to be invited to participate as associate

member (non co-financing). - There may be cities and local authorities wishing to be partners of the project. Their co-

financing could be of around 3 000€. Co-financing partners will have their travel costs for their participation in project meetings reimbursed. The Committee of Regions wishes to play a role even if they are aware they cannot be partners. We propose that the CoR be invited as a supporting organisation and hosts one/two events with interpretation.

Participation in activities according to category: - Applicant: the organisation responsible for submitting the application

Responsible for the partnership of co-operation and for the application

- Partner: participates in activities; the relevant costs they incur are eligible under the application (according to submitted budget)

- Associate: organisation that plays an active role in the action but which cannot benefit from

funding under the grant.



LOCAL / REGIONAL AUTHORITIES IN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

ROLE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLATFORM: LIST OF PROPOSALS

(1) To be the voice of local / regional authorities in Brussels for development

Ensure a regular exchange with the European Institutions on development policies on behalf of local authorities (make the voice of local authorities heard)

Follow the legislative processes and the documents of the Commission concerning development aid and the potential contribution of local / regional authorities

Develop common policy positions of the platform

Effectively lobby the European Institutions on all matters concerning the platform – legislation, policy, and issues which might affect the content and impact of EU programmes, etc.

Serve as contact point to liaise between local / regional authorities and the Commission and European Parliament on all matters relating to their participation in community programmes and other related matters. This contact point could reduce queries that would otherwise be directly addressed to the Commission.

Participation in consultation procedures to promote the platform’s positions and in particular contribute to the drawing up of the annual action plan

Undertake a dialogue with the Concord network

Work in close cooperation with the Committee of the Regions in the field of development

Communicate with the other European organisations working in the field of development

(2) Inform the platform’s partners on European development policies

Ensure that the member organisations of the platform are informed on the programmes and launches of calls for proposals, and on other important developments, so that they may disseminate the information to their members

Promote information and training sessions for experts and elected members of the platform’s partners and, as appropriate, assist the member organisations of the platform to do the same

CEMR

(3) Support and develop the exchange of experiences between the member organisations of the platform

Support the exchange of information between the member organisations of the platform and

with the experts and elected representatives of the platform partners

Organise meetings on specific topics for the member organisations of the platforms and their partners

(4) Evaluation of the content of the EU development programme

Monitor and follow up the programme with the contribution of the member organisations of the platform

Ensure feedback to the Commission on the impact of the programmes and problems encountered on the ground

17





CONFERENCES 1. The following note presents information on conferences CEMR has been involved with in 2008.


Take note of the outcome of the Dubai Forum; Take note of the information on the Jerusalem Conference; Take note of the information on The Hague City Diplomacy Conference; Provide information on any other relevant events.

2. Report on Euro-Arab Forum, Dubai (10-11 February) The first Euro-Arab Cities Forum, on the theme “New Dialogue for Development” took place in

Dubai on 10th and 11th February, at the invitation of the municipality of Dubai. The event followed up on the previous Euro-Arab Cities Conferences, of Marrakesh (1988) and Valencia (1994).

Despite the particularly complicated preparatory process of this event, it was agreed that

CEMR should remain involved as one of the European partners, together with the Congress of the Council of Europe and Coppem, as the initiative had the positive and important aim of developing mutual understanding between local authorities from the European and Arab worlds at this crucial moment in our history. The initiative moreover represented a good opportunity for CEMR to be able to strengthen our relations with the organising partners from the Arab world, and particularly with the Arab Towns Organisation.

The Forum brought together over 200 participants representing some 35 local authorities from

European and Arab countries, respectively. Among the different representatives contributing, Mayors from cities such as Madrid, Luxembourg, Tallinn, Malmö, Larissa and Innsbruck participated in the debates from the European side, with the Mayors of Mecca, Rabat, Medina, Sana’a, Tripoli (Lebanon) and Marrakesh bringing the perspectives of the Arab world to the dialogue.

The programme of the Forum allowed for exchanges of views and experiences on key issues

for all local authorities such as local governance, environment and water, public transport and city planning, financial instruments to fund partnership projects, the transfer of best practices and innovation, and culture, heritage and tourism. At the end of the Forum, a Declaration was adopted, which is enclosed in annex to this note.

CEMR

3. Report on ULAI Jerusalem conference (10-12 March)

The Union of Local Authorities in Israel is organising "The International Conference, Sister Cities & Municipal Organizations" in Jerusalem on 10-12 March in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of ULAI. To celebrate with our member association their landmark 70th anniversary, CEMR will be represented in Jerusalem by Secretary General Jeremy Smith, and Executive President Bärbel Dieckmann has agreed to represent our Organisation at the political level. Given the close proximity of this event to the Secretaries General and Directors meeting, the Secretary General will present his report on its outcome during the Ljubljana meeting.

4. City Diplomacy Conference, The Hague (11-13 June) The First World Conference on City Diplomacy is being organised in The Hague from 11th to 13th June 2008. The UCLG Committee on City Diplomacy, Peace Building and Human Rights is leading this initiative, whose aim is to look particularly at the role of local governments in conflict prevention, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. More information on the Conference can be found at the following website: http://www.citydiplomacy.org/home.html?L=0&cHash=cec725ba0f. Further information will be provided at the meeting.

17 annex

1. We, the representatives of European and Arab cities, associations of local authorities,

international Institutions and non-governmental organizations, meeting in Dubai (U.A.E.) on

10 -11 February 2008 for the Euro-Arab Cities Forum – "New dialogue for development”,

welcome the high-level participation at the Forum and confirm our determination to pursue

our dialogue as the basis for a more peaceful world with a strong local self – government. We

recall that this Forum is organised in the context of an initiative which began with the First

Euro-Arab towns Conference, held in Marrakech in October 1988, and continued with the

Conference in Valencia in September 1994.

2. We reaffirm our commitment to promote and develop Euro-Arab municipal cooperation

and dialogue around the following themes, on a number of vital issues on which the Forum

has focused, in particular:

- Local governance

- Public transport and city planning

- Innovation and exchange of best practices

- Environment and water

- Financial instruments to support partnership projects

- Culture, heritage and tourism

These sessions have been attended by Mayors and experts of European and Arab cities and

the following recommendations have been agreed upon:

a) The Forum is of the utmost importance for aiming to the development of our

communities and adopting best practices and expertise, as well as providing assistance

and support for upgrading standards of good local governance, life and services to our

citizens. Such fora should be further held in the future.

DUBAI DECLARATION

b) We consider that this Forum held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a platform for

improving partnership relations among European and Arab cities. It should be convened

periodically every three years in an Arab and European city alternatively.

c) The Forum recognizes the necessity of exerting further efforts for conserving the

environment and realizing balance between the economic social and environmental

dimension, taking into account other issues indispensable for sustainable development

of our cities.

d) The Forum recognizes the necessity of finding integrated solutions for public

transportation and of exchanging experiences and projects in the field of the urban

planning.

e) We perceive the necessity of cooperation among our cities for finding financial

resources for projects development, in the field of infrastructures, public transportation

services, housing, clean water resources, waste treatment, environmental protection,

cultural heritage, tourism, etc

3. We will work closely together to identify the means and structures to deepen our

partnership in the pursuit of these objectives.

4. Convinced of the mutual interest of cooperation in these areas, we undertake to promote

and develop activities in our territories (exchanges, studies, conferences) to achieve a

common vision, which is a necessary condition for a stable and peaceful world and a greater

socio-economic balance, within which the millennium goals can be achieved, with mutual

respect for our cultural, political and religious diversity.

5. To this end, a Steering Committee will be set up, which will be tasked with implementing

the Forum recommendations and preparing the next Forum, to be held in a European city in

2011.

The Committee shall be composed of:

Congress of the Council of Europe, Coppem, CEMR, the Arab Towns Organization, the last

organizer city and the new hosting city.

The committee will undertake the following duties:

− Following up the execution of Dubai Declaration recommendations.

− Coordinating between the Arab and European cities for facilitating the

operation of exchanging expertise and practices.

− Coordinating with the European and Arab side for organizing the next Euro-

Arab Cities Forum.

− Organizing meetings between the Euro-Arab cities and encouraging

partnership among cities, holding workshops and training courses.

− Taking part in the international and regional forums of cities.

All the decisions shall be taken unanimously.

6. We express our thanks and appreciation to City of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates for

hosting this Euro-Arab forum, and for their continuous support for such meetings aimed at

developing the communities all over the world.

Moreover, we express our thanks to the following organizations and institutions which

contributed in arranging this event in Dubai: Arab Towns Organization - ATO; Euro

Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities - COPPEM; Arab Institute for

Urban Development - AUDI; Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of

Europe; Council of European Municipalities and Regions; and every party that contributed in

making this event a successful one.

18





VNG PROPOSAL FOR

A GLOBAL MDG NETWORK FOR YOUNG COUNCILLORS

1. The enclosed note presents an initiative to set up a global network of young local government councillors supporting the Millennium Development Goals, which could be based on the current and positive example of Dutch municipalities.

CEMR’s secretariat general is pleased to circulate this information upon the request from the

VNG.


Take note of the proposed initiative; Indicate possible interest in participating in such a network.

CEMR

18 annex

Towards setting up a global network of young local government councillors supporting the MDGs The Hague, 15 February 2008 Introduction “Cities and local authorities have a critical role to play. Ultimately, it is in the streets of your cities and towns that the value of what’s decided here will be tested. While our goals are global, they can most effectively be achieve through action at the local level” (Kofi Annan, 2006). Worldwide local government support is crucial in order to meet the MDG’s. In particular, the support of young energetic people from around the world is needed. This is why VNG International is currently setting up a global network of young councillors supporting the MDG’s. On World Habitat Day in The Hague on October the 1st of last year, a successful meeting took place of the youngest council members of the Netherlands Millennium Municipalities1. In the presence of Ms. Anna Tibaijuka (Executive Director of UN Habitat), the council members present expressed a clear commitment to national and international activities in support of the MDG’s. Ms. Tibaijuka invited the young council members to present their initiative at WUFIV in Nanjing in October 2008. Proposed structure The Global Network enables young councillors from all over the world share observations, to get inspired, to have dialogues, to initiate common actions and to prepare recommendations for UN Habitat and other relevant institutions. National ‘Platforms’ of young councillors (like the one in the Netherlands) are to be set up in countries throughout the world. The maximum age of entry to the platforms will be around 36. Once a councillor is part of the network, he or she can stay member until 2015, or until the moment that he or she loses his or her political mandate. The national platforms annually delegate 2 members to the Global Network. Gender balance should be strictly observed. Until 2015, the Global Network will meet once a year to discuss local government approaches to development. The MDG’s are the guiding agenda. Annually the Global Network presents its views and recommendations to UN Habitat. In uneven years, this can be done on World Habitat Day (October 1), in even years, this can be done at the World Urban Forum. The initiative for the Global Network will be launched at the World Urban Forum in Nanjing (WUFIV) this year (by the participating young councillors, VNG International, UCLG, participating Associations, UN Habitat, Ministers for International Development and others).

1 Inspired by the UCLG Millennium Towns and Cities Campaign, VNG, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, started the Netherlands Millennium Municipalities Campaign in April of last year. The Campaign is all about making Netherlands municipalities aware of, and active in the challenge to help achieve the MDG’s. Particular emphasis is put on supporting the participating municipalities in involving citizens in campaign related activities. To date, 55 Netherlands municipalities (of a total of 450) have declared themselves ‘Millennium Municipalities’, covering more than 20% of the population of the Netherlands. By the end of this year, that figure should be up to at least 100. In terms of numbers, that is an exciting development, but there is more to it. Participating municipalities report an increase in MDG related activities. A growing number of municipalities draft international cooperation policy documents, and there is evidence to suggest that more municipal budget is devoted to international activities. Moreover, our campaign is bringing in (Netherlands) municipalities that have not been active in the field of municipal international cooperation before! Visit www.millenniumgemeente.nl

In order to guarantee high quality recommendations, the Global Network can commission research. A plenary meeting of the Global Network takes place every year. The board of the Global Network can meet more often. The executive secretariat of the Global Network is hosted by VNG International in The Hague.

National Platforms The councillors participating in the Global Network are drafted from National Platforms. In these National Platforms, young councillors meet several times per year. In the meantime, communication will take place with modern forms of communication. For the councillors of the National Platforms of developing countries, the central question will be what they (and their municipalities) can do themselves to help achieve the MDG’s in their respective countries. For their counterparts in OECD countries, the question is what can be done to create more public awareness for the MDG’s, and what can be done to make their respective municipalities develop effective practical action aimed at contributing to the global MDG campaign. In all cases, Local Government Associations will be approached to serve as secretariat for the National Platforms.

Unique selling points: • By bringing together young councillors this way, new and lasting bonds will be formed nationally and

internationally; • An investment in a large number of future politicians (professionals); • Young councillors will act as MDG ambassadors all around the world; • Institutional linkages with UN Habitat (input of the global network will enhance the function and

representativity of WHD and WUF); • Institutional link with UCLG (the MDG Committee); • Local Government Associations both in Northern and Southern countries are involved and perform

pivotal functions; • The Global Network will be an excellent source of information and inspiration for all organisations and

individuals who are active in the field of municipal international cooperation and the MDGs; • Several local government associations both from Southern and Northern countries have already

provided their support to this idea. So have UCLG, UNDP and the the UN MDG Campaign. • Funds are available to invite a significant group of young councillors from developing countries to

Nanjing. For more information please contact: Jaap Breugem Senior project manager VNG International Tel: 00 31 (0)70 373 8658 Mail: [email protected]

19


PROVISORY CALENDAR OF CEMR EVENTS, AND EVENTS IN WHICH IT PARTICIPATES CEMR MEETINGS OTHER MEETINGS

2 0 0 8

MARCH 11 BRUSSELS Ad hoc working group on waste 13 BRUSSELS Meeting on co-ordination of the participation of local authorities in development co-operation 13-14 MALAGA ...................................................................... CLRAE: Spring session 18 BRUSSELS Employers’ platform 18-19 LJUBLJANA Secretaries General and Directors 19 BRUSSELS Working group of the sectoral social dialogue committee (CEMR-EPSU) APRIL 16 BRUSSELS Policy group on information society and e-government 23 BRUSSELS Working group on employment and social policy 28 BRUSSELS Network on energy issues 29 a.m. BRUSSELS Joint meeting Network on energy issues / working group on environment 29 pm-30 BRUSSELS Working group on environment MAY 5 REYKJAVIK Policy Committee week of 12-16 BRUSSELS World Affairs Committee [def.] 20 BRUSSELS Working group on transport 27-29 STRASBOURG ...................................................................... CLRAE: plenary session (CEMR/Malmö reception announcing the

2009 General Assembly) JUNE 3 BRUSSELS Conference on the role of social dialogue in changes in public service provision 1

1 Co-organised with EPSU in the framework of a project financially supported by the EU

CEMR

CEMR MEETINGS OTHER MEETINGS

(JUNE) 10, 11 BRUSSELS Plenary of the sectoral social dialogue or 24 committee (CEMR-EPSU) 11-13 THE HAGUE 1st world conference on city diplomacy 22 MARSEILLE CEMR seminar on twinning 23 MARSEILLE Forum of Mediterranean local and regional authorities [def.] BRUSSELS Employers’ platform JULY 11 PARIS European seminar on public services (organised by AFCCRE) SEPTEMBER 25-27 NAPLES EISCO conference 29-30 MALMÖ Secretaries General and Directors OCTOBER 1 COPENHAGEN Conference on changes in local government [tbc] 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 [tbc] 20-22 STRASBOURG European Development Days [tbc] [def.] SYRACUSE 12th conference of Mediterranean twinned towns DECEMBER 8-9 PARIS Policy Committee [tbc]

2 0 0 9 APRIL 22-24 MALMÖ 24th General Assembly of European Municipalities and Regions

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

Documents

Secretaries General and Directors meeting of the national ... · The Secretary General informed the participants of Eurocities’ request to sublease some of the meeting rooms for