CEMR agrees broadly with the priorities of the programme as presented in the consultation.We also welcome the proposal of a thematic programme for cooperation for development aimed at non state actors. However, CEMR believes that local governments are the institutional level closest to the citizens.

 

CEMR replied to the Commission's online questionnaire that seeked precise positions on the management of the programme:

- Local and regional governments should be allowed to be part of the thematic programmes just like non state actors;

- EU local and regional governments, and those of developing countries should be allowed to take part.

 

For several years, European local and region governments and their respective national associations have highlighted their role in cooperation for development. CEMR has set up a working group on North-South cooperation bringing together the relevant experts from its national associations. One of the working group's priorities is to raise the European institutions' awareness of the role of local government in this field.

CEMR's full response to the consultation on externation action