Strasbourg, 23 November 2012                                                  CDLR(2012)30 FINAL

                                                                                                                       

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEMOCRACY

(CDLR)

 

ABRIDGED REPORT OF THE 50th MEETING

19-20 November 2012

1.        Opening of the meeting

The CDLR met in Strasbourg from 19-20 November 2012, with Mr Paul Rowsell, (United Kingdom) in the Chair. The list of participants appears at Appendix 1.

Claudia Luciani, recently appointed Director of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity, addressed the Committee.  Having expressed appreciation for the work of the CDLR, especially topical with regard to the effects of financial crisis on local and regional government, Ms Luciani stressed the need to ensure that the work of the directorate fits squarely with the priorities of the Council of Europe and develops transversal links.

The Chairman confirmed the readiness of the Committee to work along those lines, subject as always to keeping within terms of reference set by the Committee of Ministers.

2.        Adoption of the agenda

The agenda as adopted appears at Appendix 2.

A.           ACTIVITIES IN PURSUANCE OF THE GENERAL AIM OF THE CDLR TERMS OF REFERENCE – TO OVERSEE THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S INTERGOVERNMENTAL WORK IN THE FIELD OF DEMOCRATIC LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNANCE AND ADVISE THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS ON ALL QUESTIONS WITHIN ITS AREA OF COMPETENCE

A.1      Reports of the Bureau meetings on 29 June 2012 and 5 October 2012

The CDLR took note of Reports of the Bureau meetings of 29 June 2012 and 5 October 2012.

A.2      Consideration of the CDLR's work by the Committee of Ministers

The Chair of GR-DEM, Ambassador Urszula Gacek, held an exchange of views with the CDLR.  She gave an overview of the group’s work for the last year, including the lengthy discussions on follow-up to the Kyiv Ministerial Conference. 

Ambassador Gacek asked the CDLR to reflect on informal mechanisms for cooperation with Congress and agreed to hold a discussion in GR-DEM on what issues the CM might look for expert advice from the CDLR.

The CDLR thanked Ambassador Gacek and confirmed its readiness to contribute to the exchange with the GR-DEM. 

The CDLR took note of the information contained in documents CDLR(2012)13 and CDLR(2012)13 Addendum.

Following an exchange of views, the CDLR tasked the Secretariat with preparing draft replies to the CM decisions taken on 14 November 2012 found in document CDLR(2012)13 Addendum II.  These will be circulated through the Bureau to all members of the CDLR for comment and approval in advance of the CM deadline of 14 January 2013.

A.3      Gender equality Rapporteur: terms of reference and discussion paper

The Secretariat gave a presentation of the current thought underlying gender equality (doc. CDLR(2012)14, Part I) with a view to assisting the CDLR in its reflection on how to take this programme forward in the context of its activities on local and regional democracy.

  

The CDLR requested the Secretariat to look back over work done by the Committee on gender equality and invite member States to update the information on initiatives in this field. This request would be issued by e-mail before the end of 2012 the deadline for member States’ contributions being set at the end of February 2013. The information would be used by the Secretariat and the Gender Rapporteurs to continue developing parts I and 3 of document CDLR(2012)14 in time for the next CDLR meeting.

A.4      Appointment of a CDLR Rapporteur on Gender equality

In compliance with its terms of reference, the CDLR appointed Ms Gabriëlle Metz (the Netherlands) as co-rapporteur on Gender Equality with Mr Edwin Lefebre. It also agreed to add the gender dimension to its activities undertaken pursuant to its Terms of Reference.

A.5      Information on other Council of Europe bodies

The Committee welcomed for an exchange of views Congress’ President Herwig van Staa who presented his vision of the work of Congress for the next two years.  Key areas of work for the Congress will be responding to the economic crisis, human rights at local level and transfrontier cooperation.

With regard to ways and means of strengthening cooperation with the CDLR, Mr van Staa mentioned the joint organisation of events such as seminars and workshops.  The Congress Bureau will discuss further how to develop cooperation with the CDLR at its next meeting on 3 December 2012.

The CDLR thanked Mr van Staa for his presentation and assured the Congress of its readiness to strengthen cooperation on concrete issues. It would welcome an early opportunity for a joint meeting involving members of the two Bureaus on a restricted, action-oriented basis.

Mr François Friederich, from the Secretariat, informed the CDLR about the recent Strasbourg World Democracy Forum which took place 5-11 October 2012. 

The CDLR welcomed the information, invited the Secretariat to share the summary report on the Forum when ready, and looks forward to contributing to preparation for the next Forum if appropriate.

Regarding other Council of Europe bodies, the Committee took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2012)16.

A.6      Priorities of the Albanian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers

The Committee heard a brief presentation of the work and activities carried out under the Albanian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.  Given that a number of activities organized were of particular relevance to the work of the CDLR, the Albanian delegate agreed to provide the Secretariat with further information and conclusions from relevant conferences and workshops that would then be shared with the CDLR.

A.7      Intergovernmental work on democratic local governance -          Communications

The CDLR took note of the information provided in document CDLR(2012)18. It confirmed the importance of communicating effectively about CDLR’s activities, invited members to appoint communication correspondents (if not yet done) and asked the Secretariat to alert members when relevant information is tweeted so that this can be re-tweeted by relevant ministries in member states.

A.8      Implementation of CDLR work programme according to its terms of reference – Overview

The Committee took note of the information on the state of implementation of its work programme (document CDLR(2012)19). Members were reminded in particular of the need to update information on the legal and administrative framework for transfrontier cooperation (activity 1.3.4). A contribution on relevant BENELUX Union activites would be welcome.

B.       ACTIVITIES IN PURSUANCE OF ELEMENT I OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE

           EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION, VIEWS AND GOOD PRACTICES AMONG     MEMBERS

B.1      Exchange of information and good practices on intergovernmental        issues concerning local and regional democracy and cross-border co -  operation

Local authorities’ and citizens’ consultation procedures

The Italian delegation reported on consultation procedures and practice in the process of deciding major infrastructural projects and the difficulties of implementing the decisions arrived at. The issues surrounding the interplay of local and supranational interests, as well as between national and European norms, generated an active exchange. The Italian delegation recalled the responses already received on the questionnaire and invited the other members to forward their experiences. 

In conclusion, it was suggested that a follow-up debate be held on online access and availability of documents on extensive infrastructural or spatial projects. It was suggested that the responses to the Italian questionnaire could be bundled and these procedures and experiences could be used as input for this next round table debate.

Exchange of views on adopted measures to reduce public expenditure

The Dutch delegation reported on the Dutch experiences and that it wants to explore new (best) practices in implementing austerity policies. Many delegations took part in the ensuing debate. The Dutch delegation suggested disseminating a short questionnaire to CDLR members to gather experiences on implementing austerity policies. This suggestion was welcomed by the CDLR who also agreed that the responses received will be sent to all members for information.

B.2      CDLR work programme

-    Report on the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority

The CDLR took note of the information in CDLR(2012)23.

-    Revised Structure and Operation reports of local democracy

CDLR welcomed the revised layout for the reports and noted the comments made by a number of delegations.  The Secretariat is invited to prepare a revised draft in advance of the next Bureau meeting for discussion before being sent to the Committee for provisional approval.  States will be asked to trial the new reports and the CDLR will review at its 52nd meeting in late 2013.

C.        ACTIVITIES IN PURSUANCE OF ELEMENT II OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE

            RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FROM GOVERNMENTS FOR INFORMATION     ON SPECIFIC ISSUES

C.1      Update on the drawing up of the Appendix to Protocol 3 to the Madrid Outline Convention

The CDLR took note of the report of the first meeting of the open-ended working party and took note of the envisaged calendar for the finalisation of this activity (Spring 2013).

D.        ACTIVITIES IN PURSUANCE OF ELEMENT III OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE

            FOLLOW THE WORK OF OTHER INTERNATIONAL ACTORS IN THE FIELD OF       LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEMOCRACY AND CROSS-BORDER CO-OPERATION

D.1      Report identifying main actors on international level, whose work is similar, complementary and relevant for the activities of the CDLR

The Committee discussed the draft report (doc. CDLR(2012)24) (see Appendix 3 of this document) and agreed to communicate it to the Committee of Ministers.

E.        ACTIVITIES IN PURSUANCE OF ELEMENT IV OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE

            PARTICIPATE EFFECTIVELY IN APPROPRIATE BODIES WITHIN THE       COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND, SUBJECT TO INVITATION AND AVAILABLE   FINANCIAL MEANS, OTHER RELEVANT AND APPROPRIATE FORA

E.1      Centre of expertise on Local government reform and co-operation programmes

The CDLR took note of the information provided and expressed support for the Centre’s programme for 2012 and 2013. It encouraged member states to have recourse to it for their own capacity building initiatives, peer reviews and legislative assistance, as well as contributing resources and expertise to the Centre.

E.2      Strategy for Innovation and good governance at local level

The Committee noted the latest developments in the promotion and dissemination of the Strategy in several member states.

E.3      European Local Democracy week

The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2012)27.

E.4      Report on activities "Rights of the Child"

The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2012)28.

E.5      Appointment of CDLR Rapporteur(s) on the "Rights of the Child"

The CDLR appointed Ms Raluca Herepean (Romania) and Mr Paul-Henri Philips (Belgium) as Co-Rapporteurs on the “Rights of the Child.”

G.        OTHER MATTERS

G.1      Recent developments in member States

The CDLR took note of the information provided by Ireland and Slovakia regarding significant reform programmes currently underway in these member states. The Committee welcomed the proposal by these delegations to make more detailed presentations at the 51st CDLR meeting in April 2013.  The Committee also took note of information provided by Bulgaria and the Russian Federation.

G.2      Other business

No other business.

G.3      Elections (Chair, Vice Chair and Bureau members)

Following elections, the Bureau composition for 2013 will be as follows:

Mr Paul Rowsell (United Kingdom), Chair

Mr Paul-Henri Phillips (Belgium), Vice-Chair

Ms Laurence Deglain (France) Member

Mr Auke van der Goot (the Netherlands), Member

Mr Gadir Khalilov (Azerbaijan), Member

Mr Jesper Lorenz Gradert (Denmark), Member

Ms Paqui Santonja (Spain), Member.

G.4      Date of the next meeting

The Committee agreed that the next meeting will be held in Strasbourg on 11-12 April 2013.

G.5      Adoption of the abridged meeting report

The CDLR adopted the abridged meeting report.

APPENDIX 1

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

MEMBERS / MEMBRES

CHAIRMAN / PRESIDENT

Mr Paul ROWSELL, Deputy Director, Democracy, Department for Communities and Local Government, 3/J1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, LONDON SW1E 5DU, GB

Tel: (44) 303 44 42568; E-mail: [email protected]

ANDORRE / ANDORRA

M. Andreu JORDI TOMAS, Représentant Permanent adjoint, Représentation permanente d’Andorre auprès du Conseil de l’Europe, 10, avenue du Président Robert Schuman
67000 Strasbourg
E-mail : [email protected]

ARMENIA / ARMENIE

Mr Vache TERTERYAN, First Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration, 10, Republic Square, Government House 2, YEREVAN

Tel.: (+37410) 511 303; E-mail: [email protected]

AUSTRIA / AUTRICHE

Mr Stefan UMNIG, Ministry of the Interior – III/2, Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 169, A - 1030 WIEN

Tel: (43) 1 53126 5385 ; Fax: (43) 1 53126 5569; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Stefan GÖLLER, Vienna City Administration, Municipal Department 27, European Affairs, Schlesingerplatz 2, A – 1082 WIEN

Tel: (43) 1 4000 27045 ; Fax: (43) 1 4000 7215; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Andreas GREITER, Region Tyrol, Land Tirol, Eduard Wallhöfer’ Platz 3, 6010 INNSBRUCK

Tel: (43) 512 508 2341; E-mail: [email protected]

AZERBAIJAN / AZERBAÏDJAN

Mr Gadir KHALILOV, Senior adviser, Centre of work with municipalities, Ministry of Justice, B. Safaroglu str. 141, AZ BAKU 1009

Tel: (994) 12 596 34 08; Fax: (99412) 59 63 408; E-mail: [email protected]

BELGIUM / BELGIQUE

M. Paul-Henri PHILIPS, Chargé des Relations internationales, Administration des pouvoirs locaux, Ministère de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, 20, B – 1035 BRUXELLES

Tel : (32) 2 800 32 77; Cel-phone: (32) 499 58 81 05; Fax :(32) 2 800 38 00;

E-mail : [email protected]

Mme Annie BIEFNOT-VANBOTERDAL, Expert auprès du Ministre des pouvoirs locaux de Wallonie, 4 rue du Moulin de Meuse, 5000 NAMUR

cel-phone : (32) 475 46 79 38 ; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Edwin LEFEBRE, Deputy of the Director, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Flemish Region, Agency for Home Affairs, Boudewijnlaan 30, B - 1000 BRUSSELS

Tel : (32) 2 553 40 16; Fax :(32) 2 553 39 52; E-mail : [email protected]

M. Xavier KALBUSCH, Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft, Gospert 1, 4700 EUPEN

Tél : (32) (0)87 59 63 00 ; Fax : (32) (0)87 55 28 91 ;

E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected]

BULGARIA / BULGARIE

Mrs Zornitsa HADZHIDIMITROVA-GEORGIEVA, Senior expert, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, 17-19 St. Kiril I Metodii Str., 1202 SOFIA;

Tel : +(359) 2 9405 223, 224 ; E-mail: [email protected]

Mrs Desislava GRAGOVA, Senior expert, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, 17-19 St. Kiril I Metodii Str., 1202 SOFIA;

Tel : +(359) 2 9405 428 ; E-mail: [email protected]

CROATIA / CROATIE

Mrs Miroslava-Nina MIŠKOVIĆ, Adviser to Minister for International Cooperation, Minister’s Office, Ministry of Public Administration, Maksimirska 63, 10000 ZAGREB

Tel: (385) 1 2357 532; Fax: (385) 1 2357 609; E-mail: [email protected]

CYPRUS / CHYPRE

Mr Andreas VARNAVA, Administrative Officer, Local Administration Directorate, Ministry of the Interior, 1453 NICOSIA

Tel: (357) 22 867615; Fax: (357) 22 867716; E-mail: [email protected]

CZECH REPUBLIC / REPUBLIQUE TCHEQUE

Mr Petr FEJTEK, Department for Public Administration, Unit for Conceptions in Public Administration, Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, nám. Hrdinů 3, 140 21 Praha 4
Tel.: + 420 974 816 267; Fax: + 420 974 916 632; E-mail: [email protected]

DENMARK / DANEMARK

                                

Mr Jesper LORENZ GRADERT, Head of Section, Ministry of Economics and the Interior, Slotsholmsgade 10-12, 1216, COPENHAGEN K

Tel: (45) 7228 2524; E-mail: [email protected]

ESTONIA / ESTONIE

Mr Kaur KAASIK-AASLAV, Adviser to the Local Government and Regional Administration Department, Ministry of the Interior, Pikk 61, TALLINN, 15065

Tel: (372) 612 5136; E-mail:[email protected]

FINLAND / FINLANDE

Mr Arto LUHTALA, Ministerial Councelor, Department for Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Finance, PO Box 28, FIN – 00023 GOVERNMENT

Tel: (358) 40 830 9194; E-mail: [email protected]

FRANCE

Mme Laurence DEGLAIN, Bureau des structures territoriales, Direction Générale des Collectivités locales, Ministère de l'Intérieur, 1 bis, place des Saussaies, F - 75800 PARIS

Tel: (33) 01 49 27 31 78 ; E-mail: [email protected]

GEORGIA / GEORGIE

Mr Giorgi DIDIDZE, Deputy Head, Department of Reforms and Innovations, Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, 12 Kazbegi, TBILISI 0160

Tel: (995) 577 112 145; E-mail: [email protected]

GERMANY / ALLEMAGNE

Mrs Tanja LAIER, Federal Ministry of the Interior, Head of Division 02, Local Government Affairs, Alt Moabit 101d, D - 10559 BERLIN

Tel: (49) 30 18 681 1431; Fax: (49) 30 18 681 5 1431; E-mail: [email protected]

Mrs Kristina SCHADE, Division O2, Better regulation, bureaucracy reduction; Act on E-Government; local matters, Federal Ministry of the Interior, Alt-Moabit 101, D-10559 BERLIN

Tel: (49) 30 18 681 2137; E-mail: [email protected]

Mrs Gabriele STELLMACHER, Representative of the „Laender“ (States), Ministry of the Interior and Sports of Lower Saxony, Department for Local Government Affairs, Lavesallee 6, 30169 HANNOVER

Tel: (49) (0) 511 120 4640; E-mail: [email protected]

GREECE / GRECE

Mrs Isidora PETROPOULOU, Deputy to the Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Greece, 21 place Broglie, 67000 STRASBOURG

Tel: 33 3 88 32 88 18; E-mail: [email protected]

HUNGARY / HONGRIE

Mrs Viktória ZÖLD-NAGY, Deputy State Secretary for Territorial Public Administration Development, Ministry of Public Administration and Justice, Kossuth Square 2-4, 1055 – BUDAPEST

Tel: +361 795 4905; Fax: +361 795 0121 Email: [email protected]

ICELAND / ISLANDE

Apologised for absence / excusé

IRELAND / IRLANDE

Mr Denis CONLAN, Head of Local Government Development, Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Custom House, EI – DUBLIN

Tel: (353 1) 888 2186; E-mail: [email protected]

ITALY / ITALIE

Mr Francesco GIUSTINO, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, D.A.R. - Ufficio Attività Internazionali, ROMA

Tel. +39.06.6779.5130; E-mail: [email protected]

LATVIA / LETTONIE

Mrs Madara INKINA, Director, Local government monitoring department, Ministry of Environmental protection and Regional development, Peldu street 25, LV – 1494 RIGA

Tel : (371) 6777 0382; Fax: (371) 67770442; E-mail: [email protected]

Mrs Fatma FRIDENBERGA, Riga City Council Legal Office, Ratslaukums 1, LV - 1539 RIGA

Tel: (371) 6 7026022; Fax: (371) 6 7026326; E-mail: [email protected]

LITHUANIA / LITUANIE

Mr Paulius SKARDŽIUS, Director of Public Governance Policy Department, Ministry of the Interior, Šventaragio Str. 2, LT - 01510 VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Tel: (370) 5 271 7071; Fax: (370) 5 271 8915; E-mail: [email protected]

LUXEMBOURG

Mme Christiane LOUTSCH-JEMMING, Conseiller de Gouvernement 1^ère classe, Ministère de l’Intérieur et à la Grande Région, 19 rue Beaumont, L – 1219 Luxembourg

Tél : (352) 247 84615 ;  Fax : (352) 26 20 26 93 ; E-mail : [email protected]

MALTA / MALTE

Apologised for absence / excusé

MOLDOVA

Ms Felicia COJOCARU, Principal advisor, Policy of Decentralisation Department, The State Chancellery, 1, Piaţa Marii Adunări Naţionale, MD – 2033 CHISINAU

Tel: (373) 22 250 582; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

NETHERLANDS / PAYS-BAS

Mr Tom LEEUWESTEIN, Head of Europe and Local and Regional Governance Unit, Directorate General for Governance and Kingdom Relations, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, P.O Box 20011, NL - 2500 EA THE HAGUE

Tel: (31) 70 426 6468; Fax : (31) 70 426 7655 ; E-mail: [email protected]

Mrs Gabriëlle METZ, Policy Advisor, Europe and Governance, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, P.O Box 20011, NL - 2500 EA THE HAGUE

Tel: (31) 70 426 7798; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Auke van der GOOT, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, P.O Box 20011, NL - 2500 EA THE HAGUE

Tel : 32 2 679 1729 , Mobile: 32 497 43 92 98 ; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Dirk-Jan BONNET, Head of the International Department, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations

Tel: (31) 70 42 66 369; E-mail: [email protected]

NORWAY / NORVEGE

Mrs Greta Ulland BILLING, Deputy Director General, Department of Local Government, The Royal Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Postbox 8112 DEP, N - 0032 OSLO

Tel: (47) 22 24 72 25; Mobile: (47) 92 61 37 27; Fax: (47) 22 24 27 35;

E-mail: [email protected]

Mrs Nina Britt BERGE, Senior Adviser, Department of Local Government, The Royal Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Postbox 8112 DEP, N - 0032 OSLO

Tel: (47) 22 24 72 55; Mobile: (47) 99 72 43 14; Fax: (47) 22 24 27 35;

E-mail: [email protected]

PORTUGAL

Apologised for absence / excusé

ROMANIA / ROUMANIE

Mrs Raluca HEREPEAN, Public Manager, Ministry of Administration and Interior, Directorate General for Local Communities

Tel: 40 021 316 59 73; E-mail: [email protected]

RUSSIAN FEDERATION / FEDERATION DE RUSSIE

Mr Vladimir LEBEDENKO, Deputy Director, Department for relations with the subjects of the Federation, Parliament, political and public Organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arbat Street 57, 119200 MOSCOW, Russia

Tel : 7.499.244.35.70 ; Fax : 7.499.244.44.78 ; E-mail: [email protected]

Ms Elena KODINA, Head of the Department for Development of Regions and Municipalities, Ministry of Regional Development, Sadovaya-Samotechnaya Street 10/23, 127994 MOSCOW, Russia

E-mail: [email protected]

SAN MARINO / SAINT-MARIN

Apologised for absence / excusé

SERBIA / SERBIE

Mr Saša MOGIĆ, Deputy Minister, Department for Local Self-government, Ministry of Regional Development and Local Self-government, Vlajkoviceva 10, 11000 BELGRADE, Republic of Serbia

Tel. +381 11 3334100; Fax:+ 381 11 3334100; E-mail: [email protected]

SLOVAK REPUBLIC / REPUBLIQUE SLOVAQUE

Mrs Eva CHMELOVA, Adjointe du Directeur Général, Section de l'Administration Publique (Directeur du Département d'Organisation) Ministère de l'Intérieur de la République slovaque, Drieňová 22, 826 86 BRATISLAVA

Tél : + (421) 2 48592150; Fax: + (421) 2 43 33 42 28; E-mail: [email protected]

SLOVENIA / SLOVENIE

Mr Roman LAVTAR, Ministry of Justice and Public Administration, Župančičeva 3, 1000 LJUBLJANA, Slovenia

Tel: + 386 1 4788541; Fax: + 386 1 32 01 633; E-mail: [email protected]

SPAIN / ESPAGNE

Ms Paqui SANTONJA, Special Adviser, Direction Générale pour la coordination de compétences régionales et locales, Ministère des Finances et de l’Administratin Publique, MADRID

Tel: (34) 91 273 46 59; Fax: (34) 91 273 46 10; E-mail: [email protected]

SWEDEN / SUEDE

Mr Henrik KÄLLSBO, Division for Local Government Affairs, Ministry of Finance, S - 103 33 STOCKHOLM

Tel: (46) 8 405 43 50; Fax: (46) 206 196; E-mail: [email protected]

SWITZERLAND / SUISSE

Dr Robert BAUMANN, Responsable du Service du Fédéralisme/Responsible for the Service of Federalism, Office fédéral de la Justice, Bundesrain 20, CH – 3003 BERNE

Tél : (41) 31 322 41 61 ; Fax : (41) 31 322 84 01 ;

E-mail : [email protected]

''THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA'' / "L'EX-REPUBLIQUE YOUGOSLAVE DE MACEDOINE"

Mrs Slavica JAKIMOVSKA, Ministry of Local Self-Government

E-mail: [email protected]

TURKEY / TURQUIE

Mr Ilker HAKTANKACMAZ, Head of the International Funding Unit, Directorate General of Local Authorities, Ministry of the interior, Devlet Mahallesi Inönü Bulvari No. 4 Bakanliklar – 06644 ANKARA

Tel: +90 312 419 07 81; Fax: +90 312 425 17 91;

E-mail: [email protected]

UKRAINE

Mr Andriy GUK, Head of Department, State Foundation for Local  Self-Government in Ukraine, L.Ukrainka bld. 26, Building A, KIYV 01133, UKRAINE

Tel: 380 44 223 68 10 ; Fax: 380 44 286 37 81; E-mail: [email protected]

UNITED KINGDOM / ROYAUME-UNI

Ms Lucy ALLEN, Democracy Team, Local Government Policy and Productivity, Department for Communities and Local Government, 3/J1 Eland House, Bressenden Place, LONDON SW1E 5DU

Tel: +44 (0)303 44 41914; E-mail: [email protected]

PARTICIPANTS

COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS / COMITE DES MINISTRES

Ambassadeur Urszula GACEK, Présidente du Groupe de Rapporteurs sur la démocratie (GR-DEM)/ Chair of the Rapporteur Group on democracy (GR-DEM)

M. Christophe POIREL, Secrétaire adjoint du Comité des Ministres / Deputy Secretary to the Committee of Ministers

Tél: 33 3 88 41 23 30 ; E-mail : [email protected]

M. Denis BRIBOSIA, Chef de Division / Head of Division

Tél: 33 3 88 41 22 22; E-mail : [email protected]

PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY / ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE

Mrs Maren LAMBRECHT-FEIGL, Secretary to the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

Tel: (33) 3 90 21 47 78; Fax: (33) 3 90 21 56 49; E-mail: [email protected]

CONGRESS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE / CONGRES DES POUVOIRS LOCAUX ET REGIONAUX DU CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE

Mr Herwig VAN STAA, Président du Congrès, Président du Parlement régional du Tyrol
Landhaus 1, Eduard-Wallnofer-Platz 3, 6020-INNSBRUCK, Autriche

Tel. +43 512 508 3000; Fax +43 512 508 3005; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Andreas KIEFER, Secretary General / Secrétaire Général

Tel : +33 (0)3 88 41 22 48; Fax : +33 (0)3 88 41 27 51;

E-mail : [email protected]

M. Jean-Philippe BOZOULS, Head of Department I – Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Local Authorities / Chef du Service I – Secrétaire exécutif de la Chambre des pouvoirs locaux

Tel: (33) 3.88.41.20.07; Fax: (33) 3.88.41.27.51;  E-mail: [email protected]

Mme Stéphanie POIREL, Secretary of the Monitoring Committee / Secrétaire de la Commission de suivi

Tél:+33(0)3 90 21 51 84 ; Fax: +33 (0)3 88 41 37 47; E-mail : [email protected]

Mrs Nichola HOWSON, Co-secretary to the Governance Committee / Co-secrétaire de la Commission de la gouvernance

Tel: (33) 3.88.41.22.39; Fax: (33) 3.88.41.27.51;  E-mail: [email protected]

CONFERENCE OF INGOS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE / CONFERENCE DES OING DU CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE

Mme Anne-Marie CHAVANON, Présidente de la Commission démocratie, cohésion sociale et enjeux mondiaux, IAU, 15, rue Falguière, 75015 PARIS

Tél. (33) 1 77 49 76 80, (33) 6 60 76 86 14; E-mail: [email protected]

OTHER PARTICIPANTS / AUTRES PARTICIPANTS

HOLY-SEE / SAINT-SIEGE

M. Philippe TOUSSAINT, 67 allée de la Robertsau, 67000 STRASBOURG

Tél : 06 52 20 38 63 ; E-mail : [email protected]

BENELUX UNION/UNION BENELUX

Apologised for absence / excusé

OBSERVERS / OBSERVATEURS

ASSEMBLY OF EUROPEAN REGIONS (AER) / ASSEMBLEE DES REGIONS D'EUROPE (ARE)

M. le Professeur Charles RICQ, Directeur du Centre d'Observation Européen des Régions (COEUR), Professeur à l’Université de Genève, Chemin de la Renardière, CH - 1272 GENOLIER (Genève)

Tel: (41) 22 366 40 66; Fax: (41) 22 366 40 65; E-mail: [email protected]

ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) / ORGANISATION DE COOPERATION ET DE DEVELOPPEMENT ECONOMIQUES (OCDE)

Apologised for absence / excusé

OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS (ODIHR) / BUREAU DES INSTITUTIONS DEMOCRATIQUES ET DES DROITS DE L'HOMME

Apologised for absence / excusé

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (UNECE) / COMMISSION ECONOMIQUE POUR L’EUROPE DES NATIONS UNIS (CEE/ONU)

Apologised for absence / excusé

SECRETARIAT

Mrs Claudia LUCIANI, Director of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity / Directrice de la gouvernance démocratique, de la culture et de la diversité / Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie

Tel : +33 (0)3 88 41 21 49 ; Fax : +33 (0)3 88 41 27 55; E-mail : [email protected]

Mr Alfonso ZARDI, Head of Democracy, Institution-Building and Governance Department/ Chef du Service de la démocratie, du renforcement des institutions et de la gouvernance - Directorate of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, de la culture et de la diversité, Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie

Tel : +33 (0)3 88 41 39 06; Fax : +33 (0)3 88 41 27 84; E-mail : [email protected]

Mr Niall SHEERIN, Directorate of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, de la culture et de la diversité, Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie

Tel : +33 (0)3 88 41 39 61; Fax : +33 (0)3 88 41 27 84;

E-mail: [email protected]

Mr Thomas ZANDSTRA, Directorate of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, de la culture et de la diversité, Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie

Tel : +33 (0)3 88 41 52 30; Fax : +33 (0)3 88 41 27 84;

E-mail: [email protected]

M. Daniel POPESCU, Head of Centre of Expertise on Local Government Reform / Chef du Centre d’Expertise pour la Réforme de l’Administration Locale - Directorate of Democratic Institutions / Direction des institutions démocratiques, Directorate General of Democracy and Political Affairs / Direction générale de la démocratie et des affaires politiques

Tel: (33) 03 88 41 36 08; Fax: (33) 03 88 41 27 84; E-mail: [email protected]

Ms Siobhán MONTGOMERY,Communication, Directorate of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, de la culture et de la diversité, Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie

Tel: (33) 3 88 41 24 14; Fax: (33) 3 88 41 27 84; E-mail: [email protected]

Mme Isabelle ETTER - Secretariat / Secrétariat

***

M. François FRIEDERICH, Strasbourg Word Forum for Democracy  / Forum mondial pour la démocratie de Strasbourg

Tel : (33) 3 88 41 53 02 ; E-mail : [email protected]

APPENDIX 2

AGENDA

                                                                                                                                                    

APPENDIX 3

CDLR report

on possible synergies and co-operation with other international actors

in the field of local and regional democracy

and cross-border co-operation

Introduction

According to its Terms of reference, the CDLR is expected to follow the work of other international actors in the field of local and regional democracy and cross-border co-operation, report to the Committee of Ministers on possible synergies and co-operation with these actors and develop such synergies on the basis of the decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers.

The CDLR recalls that cooperation among member states is an essential contribution to the achievement of the principal aim of the Council of Europe, “to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progression”.[1]

It also considers that effective coordination begins at home and in this respect recalls the recommendation contained in the report prepared by Minister Mari Kiviniemi of Finland for the 16^th session of the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government the 9th paragraph of which reads as follows:

“Learning from each other through the exchange of information builds on the common basis that the European states share in their legal traditions and institutions. More importantly still, they have a fundamental common objective: to deliver to their citizens the best possible quality of local and regional governance. In the era of globalisation and democratic demand, states are under both external and internal pressure to perform. European states must continuously develop and adapt themselves and need the opportunity to learn from each other in how to tackle these challenges.”

The report was approved by the conference in the following terms:

“Convinced by the conclusions and recommendations of our colleague Mari Kiviniemi that if they are to add value for citizens and achieve the strategic aims intended by the Warsaw Summit of Heads of State and Government, the objectives and activities of the Council of Europe in the field of local and regional democracy and good governance need:

a. strong ownership by member States,

b. efficient co-operation with other international players,

c. increased organisational flexibility and efficiency,

d. opening up”[2].

The CDLR therefore sees preparation of this report to the Committee of Ministers as an excellent opportunity to enable the implementation of the Kiviniemi report and strengthen the effectiveness of intergovernmental cooperation in difficult times which call for streamlining of procedures and increased efficiency in spending and output delivery.

From this perspective the CDLR has mapped out a list of themes and possible actors with whom it could develop synergies and cooperation.

1          Themes

E-Democracy / E-Government

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) play an ever more important role in democratic processes and e-democracy tools offer increasing opportunities for strengthening democracy and increasing participation.  In line with its terms of reference to exchange information, views and good practices among members, and following Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec (2009)1 on electronic democracy, the CDLR is uniquely placed to help share and promote experience and best practice in this field. 

The CDLR should follow the work of other organisations in the field of local and regional democracy, paying special attention to the work done to develop e-democracy and e-government and could contribute with its experience and expertise to the development and promotion of standards in the field of e-government and e-governance respecting the principles of good democratic governance.

Cross-border Cooperation

The CDLR has already made several important contributions to the development of cross-border cooperation in Europe. Several instruments and models to facilitate cross-border cooperation have been developed. However, there are still aspects of this cooperation which could be further improved especially in the field of the cross-border aspects of E-Government. Contribution towards the harmonisation of domestic legal norms to enable or facilitate cross-border cooperation is one of those policy areas which could benefit greatly from the expertise of the CDLR.

Human Rights at Local Level

Local and regional authorities are in the frontline among authorities whose policies and actions are likely to have an impact on the enjoyment of fundamental rights by those under their jurisdiction (for instance, as regards housing, pre-school education, primary social and health care, etc.). Some international bodies already work in this field.

Public administration at local level

Work done on enhancing the capacities of local authorities and improving the quality of local government – through in particular the capacity building activities of the Centre of Expertise and the Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level – show how crucial it is to connect all tiers of administration in a single holistic approach to effective administration to deliver good governance to the citizens. Issues of good governance, participation, transparency and public ethics, professionalism and neutrality of public service are common to all tiers of administration. Promoting good governance and efficiency at local level cannot be disconnected from efforts aimed at securing efficient, competent and stable administration at all tiers of government. The CDLR’s work on citizen participation and information, capacity building at local level (including training), public ethics, and sound financial management contribute to adding value to local government staff and administrative capacity.

2.        Main Actors

OSCE

OSCE is a longstanding partner of the Council of Europe in a number of fields of work. The Warsaw Declaration on Co-operation of 2005 establishes a firm basis for co-operation between the two Organisations. The Declaration states that the two Organisations should ‘make best use of their comparative advantages’ in their co-operation.  This cooperation should be dynamic and be based on the respective priorities and reflect the complementarity of the two Organisations.

In the field of local and regional democracy, OSCE operates through “missions” or “presences” in a number of its member States with a view to jointly promoting the democratisation and decentralisation agendas of the countries concerned. The Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) while not having any functional authority over OSCE field missions facilitates horizontal communication and cooperates with the Council of Europe towards the dissemination of information on respective activities. ODIHR and the Directorate of Democratic Governance, Culture and Diversity of the Council of Europe are jointly responsible for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two Organisations concluded in 2005 between the two Secretaries-General.  

Another partner at OSCE level is the Office of the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. In 2010-2011 the Coordinator was associated with some SEE regional events managed by the Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform and the Centre was recently invited to contribute to the concluding event of the 20^th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum (Prague, 13-14 September 2012), the theme of which was “Promoting security and stability through good governance.”

Both Organisations have a particular focus on good governance as a crucial condition for security and cooperation. The OSCE could benefit from the experience of the CDLR and OSCE experience could feed into the CDLR’s work and outputs.

Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)

The FRA helps to ensure that fundamental rights of people living in the EU are protected. It does this by collecting evidence about the situation of fundamental rights across the European Union and providing advice, based on evidence, about how to improve the situation.

The FRA’s Joined-up Governance project seeks to enhance how fundamental rights are being applied locally by ensuring that various levels of government cooperate effectively.  In this context it is preparing a draft toolkit on joined-up governance in fundamental rights. Currently successful cooperation models are being tested in several member States and the results will be analysed by an Advisory Group of experts including from the Council of Europe. 

Elements of this toolkit are similar or complementary to the 12 principles of Good Governance at Local Level developed by the CDLR and adopted by the Committee of Ministers in the framework of the Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level. The Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform has provided input to the toolkit which has been taken into account.

The FRA has also developed in recent years an indicator for human rights at national level. The FRA also recognizes that in a number of cases local and regional authorities have to deal with the practical aspects of the protection of human rights.  Therefore the FRA would like to develop an additional indicator for human rights at local level. 

The possibility of a dialogue between the FRA and the CDLR on how the technical knowledge of the CDLR could contribute to the preparation, development and use of this indicator should therefore be explored. 

The FRA would also like to explore the possibility of further cooperation with the CDLR on Roma integration at local level with the same focus of providing technical support to those authorities who have to deal with these issues. 

European Commission: EU Digital Agenda

Many of the aims of the EU’s Digital Agenda – such as tackling the digital divide and using ICTs to deliver better public services – can best be achieved through work at the local level.  Several items of the Digital agenda[3] could be of interest of the CDLR, namely:

§  Action 64 on accessibility of public sector websites

§  Action 89 on e-government and e-governance

§  Action 91 on cross-border public services

§  Action 97 on the internationalisation of internet governance.

The CDLR could examine the Digital Agenda and identify specific actions where it could increase cooperation with the EU on this topic.  It could focus on the development of (additional) fundamental standards to guarantee good democratic governance in the field of e-government. This would not only be of benefit to CDLR members who are also members of the EU, but also for the other members by promoting the development of equal standards throughout Europe.

UN Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM)

The Division assists the United Nations intergovernmental policies by providing information on and policy-oriented analysis of the role of public administration, public finance and public economics in the development process via the United Nations Committee of Experts in Public Administration. It contributes to the identification of options, mechanisms and practices instrumental in strengthening key governance institutions, in promoting the rule of law, in increasing the participation of citizens in the decision-making process and in creating an enabling environment for public sector effectiveness.

The Division also has a strong focus on e-government including carrying out regular e-government surveys, maintenance of an e-government development database, a knowledge base for e-government practices, and several e-government projects. 

The CDLR could further examine the work of the DPADM to explore possible synergies and cooperation activities. The CDLR could establish more sustainable contacts within DPADM to benefit from analysis, recommendations and publications.

European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) and European Public Administration Network (EUPAN)

EIPA is the leading centre of European learning and development for the public sector.  It provides training, consultancy and research to public administrations across Europe.  The European Centre for the Regions, the EIPA Antenna in Barcelona, offers more specific training, consultancy and research on regional affairs, supporting regional and local authorities in dealing with the integration process.  The Antenna has particular expertise in multi-level governance, public administration and regional development in the EU and has developed tools such as the Scoreboard on Multilevel Governance.

The CDLR could establish stronger contacts with EIPA, in particular the Barcelona Antenna, with a view to exchanging information and developing synergies.

EUPAN is an informal network of senior civil servants from EU member states, the Commission and observer countries with a mission to improve performance, competitiveness and quality of European public administrations by building new tools and methods based on exchange of views, experience and good practice. 

The CDLR should follow the work of EUPAN and explore ways of developing synergies, sharing information and facilitating the promotion of common standards and tools.

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is tasked with promoting policies to improve economic and social well-being based on data collection and analysis in member countries and beyond.  Longstanding cooperation already exists between the CoE and the OECD.

Topics covered by the OECD that could be of interest to the CDLR include Regional, Rural and Urban Development, Public Governance, Public Sector Innovation and e-government.  The CDLR could seek to establish stronger contacts with the OECD with a view to sharing and cross-referencing mutually beneficial information, tools and best practice.

 

UNDP

UNDP is the United Nations global development network working at country and regional level to promote democratic governance and capacity development.  These goals are promoted in Europe through the Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS and its operational branch, the Regional Centre for Europe and CIS. Better governance at local level, transparency and citizen participation including a strong accent on gender mainstreaming and women participation are among UNDP’s priorities.

Past experience at both country (Albania, Moldova, Ukraine) and regional level (South-eastern European region) show that the standards and tools developed by the CDLR (and the Centre of Expertise) have proved useful and through adaptation have been adopted by both Organisations ("Towards a Modern Local Government Association”, with VNG International in 2006 and “Inter-municipal Co-operation”, with LGI in 2010).

Given their shared objectives in terms of good governance and democracy at local level, the Council of Europe and the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS have identified areas of mutual interest and have formalised an agreement to enhance dialogue and cooperation through the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the UNDP-RBEC Director in 2009.

UN-HABITAT

UN-HABITAT’s country activities are focused on supporting governments in the formulation of policies and strategies to create and strengthen urban planning and management capacity at national and local level.  Capacity-building programmes involve central government institutions and local authorities, and UN-HABITAT also provides technical and management expertise in the assessment of human settlements development problems and opportunities. In Europe, UN-HABITAT programmes[4] have focussed on SEE countries such as Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Kosovo[5].

UN-Habitat attended the 15^th session of the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government (Valencia, October 2007).

CDLR work could contribute to UN-Habitat’s reflections on urban planning and local governance and UN-Habitat experience could feed into CDLR’s work with a view to developing tools or policy solutions.

BENELUX Union

BENELUX Union is a framework for enhanced cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg on several topics including trans-frontier cooperation. Contacts are frequent and BENELUX Union regularly attends CDLR meetings. This presence is particularly helpful when it comes to discussing trans-frontier where the two bodies can develop complementary legal instruments.

The CDLR and the BENELUX Union could explore together whether and how CDLR members might benefit from combined activities to overcome the obstacles of harmonising legal frameworks in cross border areas.

3.        Operational proposals

Some of the actors listed above are intergovernmental organisations whose modus operandi is similar to that of the Council of Europe (CDLR) while others are operational agencies whose work consists of technical assistance and direct in-field presence and cooperation.

Cooperation between the CDLR and those two types of organisations could therefore be different but complementary.

CDLR and OECD, UN-Habitat, Benelux Union and the European Commission could cooperate through: sharing of meeting agendas and working papers (on selected topics), reciprocal representation at expert meetings, reciprocal appointment of “rapporteurs” (to be chosen from among member states’ representatives in expert committees) to present other organisation’s work at meetings.

Work would consist of contributions to each other’s reflexion and drafting of standards and guidelines with a view to secure consistency of approach and pursuance of the same objectives. Good examples so far include the consultation of OECD (as well as that of IMF and World Bank) prior to the finalisation of two CM recommendations on local finance and local budgets with a view to making proposals in line with both Organisations’ principles and standards (this include the European Charter of Local Self-Government), the taking into account of EU work on cross-border cooperation in the preparation of protocol No 3 to the Madrid convention (exchanges between the CoE Secretariat and the competent DG in the European Commission) and reciprocally the consideration given to Protocol No 3 in the proposals for revising Regulation No 1082/2006 on the European Group of Territorial Cooperation.

CDLR and the EU Commission could cooperate in promoting and coordinating implementation of aspects of the Commission’s Digital Agenda as follows:

·         Action 64 on accessibility of public sector websites

o    CDLR could contribute to goal of trans-national coordinated cooperation supporting harmonised methods for increased accessibility on regional and local levels.  CDLR represents an appropriate forum for exchange of best practice

·         Action 89 on e-government and e-governance

o    CDLR to act as a forum to exchange information and best practice and help promote interoperable e-Government services within and beyond the EU 27.

·         Action 91 on cross-border public services

o    CDLR to contribute technical advice in helping define targets at local and regional level to help promote interoperable cross-border public services within and beyond EU 27.

·         Action 97 on the internationalisation of internet governance

o    CDLR to feed into CoE contribution to discussions in the Internet of Things expert group

CDLR and UNDP/RBEC, ODIHR, UNPADM could cooperate mainly through their respective secretariats and operational branches such as, for the Council of Europe, the Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform and for UNDP, the Regional Centre for Europe and CIS (based in Bratislava) or, for OSCE, ODIHR and field offices or presences. This is already the case (as for instance the annual activity reports of the Centre regularly show) and should continue. Through the regular reporting by the Secretariat to the CDLR (and the Committee of Ministers) the use made of CDLR/Council of Europe tools and standards is described and opportunities for additional or enhanced cooperation are mentioned and discussed.

CDLR and EIPA/EUPAN should further explore the possibility of reciprocal cross-fertilisation based on respective agendas and priorities.

Member states’ representatives in the CDLR should take a dynamic role within their respective administrations with a view to contacting their own state’s representatives in other European and International fora with a view to briefing them adequately about the Council of Europe’s and CDLR’s work and being reciprocally briefed about other bodies’ work as well as national positions in different fora.

CDLR could appoint thematic rapporteurs, chosen having regard to their possible role (participation) in the work of other European and International bodies, to report in the external bodies about CDLR’s work and reciprocally.

CDLR could extend ad hoc invitations to representatives of other bodies to attend meetings or take part in the discussion of items on its agenda to which they could contribute.

CDLR’s meeting reports to the Committee of Ministers would report about these exchanges and make any suggestion to the Committee of Ministers for further enhancing this cooperation or giving it a follow up.