CoR and Commission launch network for local and regional politicians

A new network aimed at encouraging locally and regionally elected politicians to engage more with the European Union and the benefits it can bring to their communities was officially launched on 10 April. The EU Local Councillors Network, which already has 3000 participants, builds on the success of two similar existing initiatives and aims to bring the European project closer to citizens through the level of government that citizens trust most.

 

The project, jointly managed by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, whose existing parallel initiatives have been merged to form the new network, aims to bring the EU debate closer to local communities by working more effectively with mayors, regional presidents and regional and local councillors.

Membership of the network is open to any local or regional elected politician from across the EU. Members benefit from a range of products and services, such as study visits to Brussels, training sessions and workshops to improve members’ understanding of EU functions. Members are also committed to ensuring that relevant EU-related issues are discussed in their local communities, for example through local events or at municipal or regional council meetings. Regional and local elected politicians interested in joining the network can apply via the website.

Kata Tüttő (HU/PES), President of the European Committee of the Regions, spoke at the opening event and said: “The EU Local Councillors Network is a great example of synergy between the local and EU level. The Committee of the Regions is proud to bring together local and regional leaders from all corners of Europe. Now, we are expanding our connections to reach out to many more local councillors, beyond our current members, because we really know that we are only strong if we are all united, from towns and cities to decision-makers in Brussels. Local leaders are closest to the citizens, they represent them and understand their experiences, fears and expectations. They are the backbone of EU democracy. The Committee of the Regions acts as a hub for local politicians, a place where they connect, collaborate and co-create ideas and proposals that not only improve the lives of people in their constituencies, but also benefit citizens across the EU. Local governments face many of the same challenges, and we can only overcome them by standing together”.

Context

• The EU Local Councillors Network is a European initiative that brings together elected local and regional politicians with the aim of improving communication about the European Union through an innovative partnership with the EU institutions. It brings together members of the two separate initiatives and already has over 3,000 members in all EU countries.
• Participation in the EU Local Councillors Network is open to elected representatives at local and regional level who are committed to working with their communities on European issues. Interested councillors are invited to apply through the initiative’s official platform.

The network offers councillors a range of resources and support, including:

• Access to EU information and materials: Members receive up-to-date information on EU policies and initiatives, along with communication materials to help inform their communities;
• Training and capacity building: the network offers the opportunity for study visits to Brussels, training sessions and workshops to improve members’ understanding of how the EU works and to help them communicate more effectively.
• Networking opportunities: Councillors can connect with their counterparts across the EU to share experiences and best practices, and work together to find solutions to common challenges.
• Support for communication actions on the ground: the network can help members organise local events, develop communication initiatives to inform citizens about the EU and encourage their engagement.

More information: European Committee of the Regions