Local and regional governments as service providers

Waste collection. Public transport. Employment services. Social housing. Local and regional governments deliver essential public services every day. And yet, the EU’s many rules on public service delivery were made without sufficient local input.

In the future, this needs to change. That’s why CEMR is publishing its position paper on the future of public services in Europe: Strong public services through local governments.

As public service providers, we argue that local governments are part of the solution when it comes to delivering quality public services for all citizens. Towns, regions, states and the EU should work hand in hand to craft purposeful legislation.

CEMR spokesperson on public services, President of the County of Karlsruhe, Christoph Schnaudigel, states that “the capacity of local and regional governments to ensure the day-to-day provision of public services whilst also financing investment in future services should not be considered as a problem or an exception. It is part of the solution and a major contribution to the European project.”

Public service legislation can and needs to change on several fronts. The position paper underlines the need for an EU and international public procurement regime that supports local economic growth, social value, environmental benefits and innovation.

A regulatory state aid regime at EU and international level is also necessary to allow local and regional governments organise and provide essential services. Another highlight in the position paper is the need for a comprehensive involvement of local and regional governments on relevant issues during international trade negotiations.

And that’s not all. Make sure you read local Europe's position for both a vision of what the future could look like, and the details on how to get there.