Governance and citizenship

The executive bureau of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has adopted a declaration on the future and the perspectives of the EU, in Rome, on 18 December 2006.

 

At the meeting, CEMR's first vice-president and mayor of The Hague, Wim Deetman, presented the declaration to representatives from local and regional governments. He stated that fifty years after the adoption of the Treaties of Rome, the existing treaties cannot respond to all of the challenges currently facing citizens.

 

To bridge the gap between the citizens and the construction of Europe, the EU process should be given new life, taking account the vital role that must be played by local and regional governments. This role includes organising and delivering high quality, cost-effective and responsive public services; and promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion.

 

In this context, CEMR's executive bureau calls for local and regional democracy and self-government to be included in the draft Berlin Declaration - at the end of the German presidency.

 

In view to better connect the EU to its citizens, CEMR invites the cities, local governments and regions of Europe, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Treaties of Rome on 25 March, to multiply their initiatives to stimulate debate with and between their citizens, on the values and ambitions of Europe.

 

CEMR's Rome declaration in view of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome

 

CEMR's executive bureau