In a significant move towards reinforcing local democracy across Europe, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and ALDA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Barcelona (Spain) on May 13, 2024 during the ALDA Festival and General Assembly, cementing their partnership.
The European Committee of the Regions, serving as the voice of regions and cities within the European Union, plays an important role in advocating for the interests of local and regional authorities in EU decision-making processes. With its mandate encompassing 70% of all EU legislation, the European Committee of the Regions represents a crucial platform for ensuring that the concerns and needs of local communities are considered. On the other hand, ALDA stands as an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting local good governance and citizen participation. Through its project-based initiatives, ALDA actively engages with local and regional authorities, as well as civil society groups, to foster democratic processes and enhance governance at the grassroots level.
The memorandum between CoR and ALDA underscores their shared commitment, including the promotion of local representative and participatory democracy, multilevel governance, and the core values underpinning the European Union
Under the agreement, ALDA will provide valuable input to European Committee of the Regions opinions relevant to their shared objectives, drawing on its extensive experience and expertise in local governance. Additionally, both parties will collaborate on joint communication activities and campaigns aimed at furthering their common goals.
The memorandum lays out a comprehensive action plan for the next two and a half years, aligning with the duration of half of CoR’s term of office. This plan outlines specific areas of cooperation, including the hosting of meetings and events, as well as the implementation of joint initiatives to advance their shared objectives. But, even beyond cooperation on opinions, the memorandum extends to inviting representatives from each party to attend meetings and events hosted by the other, fostering an environment of mutual exchange and collaboration.
The MoU, effective upon signature, signifies a landmark step towards empowering local and regional authorities across Europe. By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, CoR and ALDA are poised to drive positive change and bolster democracy at the grassroots level.
For further details on this alliance and its implications for local democracy in Europe, stay tuned for updates from both CoR and ALDA.