Strasbourg, 17 mai 2013 CDLR(2013)15 FINAL
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEMOCRACY
(CDLR)
ABRIDGED REPORT OF THE 51st MEETING
11-12 April 2013
1. Opening of the meeting
The CDLR met in Strasbourg from 11-12 April 2013, with Mr Paul Rowsell, (United Kingdom) in the Chair. The list of participants appears at Appendix 1.
2. Adoption of the agenda
The agenda as adopted appears at Appendix 2.
3. Report of the Bureau meeting of 1 February 2013
The CDLR took note of the report of the Bureau meeting of 1 February 2013 as it appears in document CDLR-Bu(2013)14.
4. Intergovernmental work on democratic local governance – Communications
The CDLR took note of the information provided in document CDLR(2013)1. It confirmed the importance of communicating effectively about CDLR 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.
The Secretariat also demonstrated the video prepared to promote the 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance at Local Level.
5. Oral report from Gender Rapporteurs
The Co-Rapporteur, Mr Edwin Lefebre (Belgium), made a brief presentation of the work done with fellow Co-Rapporteur, Ms Gabrielle Metz (Netherlands), since the last meeting of the CDLR which includes adding materials on gender to the (revised) Structure and Operation reports and to the CDLR work programme and attending a meeting of the Council of Europe Gender Equality Commission on 10 April 2013 at which a fruitful exchange took place.
A. Activities in pursuance of the general aim of the CDLR
A.1 Consideration by the Committee of Ministers of the work of the CDLR
The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2013)2.
Ms Claudia Luciani, Director of Democratic Governance informed the CDLR about on-going preparations for the Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy (SWFD) which will be held 27-29 November 2013 on the theme of “rewiring democracy”. Outcomes from the SWFD would feed in to future Council of Europe work in the field of democracy. The Forum would look at issues such as cyber optimism and cyber pessimism and seek to explore ways of increasing participation of young people in the democratic processes, particularly through social media.
A number of delegations expressed hope that the Forum would also address issues such as corruption, accountability and trust in politicians, ways of overcoming obstacles to participation, and the under-representation of minorities in access to (and participation in) e-democracy. The Secretariat informed the CDLR that the Centre of Expertise for Local government has applied to host a workshop and will be calling on the CDLR to share examples of best practice.
Delegations were reminded that they could still submit proposals to host workshops on related themes at the Forum.
Ms Luciani also informed the Committee of the possibility of establishing a European hub for Governance and Reform of Public Administration. The Committee welcomed the initiative in principle but stressed that the format, structure and resources available for the hub would determine its effectiveness.
A.2 Information on other Council of Europe bodies
The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2013)3.
A.3 Mechanisms for cooperation with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2013)4.
Mr Manuel Lezuertua, Director of the Congress, informed the CDLR that the Congress Bureau will adopt its guidelines on cooperation with the intergovernmental sector at its meeting in Strasbourg on 30 April 2013.
The Chair invited the Congress to share these guidelines with the CDLR and called for a meeting between representatives of the CDLR Bureau and Mr Lambertz, Congress Political coordinator for cooperation with the Council of Europe intergovernmental sector, at the earliest possible opportunity. The Chair recalled that in a reply to his letter Mr Lambertz had written giving an assurance that he would be in contact “once the Bureau has explored, discussed and agreed on future steps with regard to our cooperation.”
In addition to cooperation already underway in analysing responses to the changing economic fortunes of local and regional authorities in Europe, the CDLR invited the Congress to take an active part in the seminar on Good Governance.
A.4 Committee of Ministers’ Andorran Chairmanship priorities
The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2013)5. The CDLR would welcome further information on the achievements of the Andorran chairmanship once it becomes available, in May.
Mr Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration (Armenia), informed the committee that in the framework of the upcoming Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers Armenia will organise on 19 June 2013 an international conference on citizen participation in the life of a local authorities and the Additional protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government. He expressed hope that the CDLR would contribute to and take part in the conference.
The CDLR welcomed the initiative and agreed to be represented by Mr Paul-Henri Philips (Belgium) who would report on recent CDLR work and achievements in the field of participation.
A.5 Implementation of the CDLR work programme according to its Terms of Reference
The CDLR took note of the information contained in document CDLR(2013)6.
The revised Structure and Operation reports had been amended and approved by the Bureau following proposals by the Gender Rapporteurs and the Congress. The revised reports would now be sent to CDLR members who are invited to trial the new format in advance of the next meeting of the CDLR.
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
The CDLR held three thematic debates on the Action Programme to overhaul local government structures in Ireland (introduced by Ireland), Accessing information on internet and public consultation procedure in the event of major infrastructural works (introduced by Germany and Italy) and on measures adopted to reduce public expenditure (introduced by the Netherlands).
Members took an active part in the three debates exchanging both questions and experience. Summaries of views expressed and conclusions are appended to this meeting report (see Appendix 3). Member states were invited to respond in writing, should they so wish, to the short questionnaire established by the German delegation. The comprehensive information gathered on the occasion of these three debates would be published on the website.
C. Activities in pursuance of Element II of the ToR – Responses to requests from governments for information on specific issues
C.1 Consideration of provisions for Appendix to Protocol No 3 to the Madrid Outline Convention
Mr Edwin Lefebre (Belgium) introduced the proposed appendix to Protocol No. 3 drafted with the assistance of a consultant (Professor Yves Lejeune) and thoroughly examined at three meetings of an open working party of members of CDLR. The Committee noted that the appendix was not intended for ratification and that the provisions contained therein are fully optional and should be seen as a source of possible inspiration for lawmakers at national level. It expressed appreciation for the comments submitted in writing by the Swiss delegation and asked for the appendix to be revised accordingly.
The CDLR agreed that the revised appendix be circulated for approval by the silent procedure within three weeks and subsequently transmitted to the Committee of Ministers for adoption, as prescribed by Protocol No 3.
D. Activities in pursuance of element IV of the ToR - Participate effectively in appropriate bodies within the Council of Europe and, subject to invitation and available financial means, other relevant and appropriate fora
D.1 Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform and Co-operation programmes
The CDLR took note of the information provided and expressed support for the Centre’s activities and its flexibility to adapt efficiently to the developments inside and outside the Organisation. It encouraged member states to have recourse to it for their own capacity building initiatives, peer reviews and legislative assistance, as well as contributing expertise to the Centre.
D.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. Activities in pursuance of element V of the ToR - Follow-up to any decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers subsequent to the 17th Session of the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government (Kyiv, 3-4 November 2011)
E.1 Analyse the impact of changing economic fortunes on local budgets and develop proposed policy responses on the basis, as appropriate, of the “Kyiv Guidelines”
The CDLR welcomed the presentation by Professor Ken Davey of an overview of his contribution to the draft Congress report on the impact of the economic crisis on local and regional authorities in Europe. The Committee approved an amendment proposal from Ireland to include a question relating to policies adopted at the local level to promote economic development, growth, and recovery in the questionnaire to be sent to all delegations. The Committee invited members to complete and return Part I of the questionnaire to the Secretariat as soon as possible. Part II should be returned no later than 31 May 2013. Responses to the questionnaire would also feed into the CDLR’s report to the Committee of Ministers on proposed policy responses to the changing economic fortunes.
The Committee also agreed to support the Centre of Expertise in promoting and adapting the “Benchmarking for Local Finance” toolkit.
E.2 Prepare proposals to strengthen awareness-raising of the human rights dimension of local and regional governance, in consultation with the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress and the Conference of INGOs
The Committee took note of the information provided on the steps taken and envisaged with a view to preparing proposals as requested in the Terms of Reference of the CDLR. The Committee invited the Rapporteurs on human rights to conduct a preliminary stocktaking exercise and present initial findings to the Bureau at its next meeting before finalising proposals for the next meeting of the CDLR.
E.3 Examine how the principles of good democratic governance at local and regional level can be promoted and applied in the practices of local and regional authorities
The Committee took note of the information provided by the Secretariat, and agreed to organise the proposed seminar on initiatives to strengthen good governance, capacity building and citizens’ democratic participation at local level in cooperation with the Congress in Strasbourg on 17-18 June 2013. The Committee also welcomed the positive response by the Parliamentary Assembly to the proposed seminar and noted with satisfaction its intention to participate. The Committee also welcomed the offer to participate and provide expertise to the seminar by the Conference of INGOs. In light of comments and amendments proposed in the course of the meeting, the CDLR also agreed to send a questionnaire to its members in advance to facilitate preparation.
E.4 Develop activities to help to overcome obstacles to transfrontier co-operation, inter alia, by sharing the lessons learned from relevant initiatives in member States
The Committee welcomed the proposal to organise a cross-border seminar at which experience in the removing of obstacles to transfrontier co-operation would be discussed and invited members to disseminate and respond to the questionnaires prepared by the consultant.
Other
6. Recent developments in member states
The Committee took note of the information provided by Estonia regarding reform of local government.
7. Other business
The Committee was informed of the OECD conference to be held in Rabat (Morocco) 3-5 December 2013, and invited the Secretariat to share the details via email.
8. Date of the next meeting of the CDLR
The Committee agreed that the next meeting will be held in Strasbourg on 14-15 November 2013.
9. 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]
ALBANIA / ALBANIE
Mr Ferdinand PONI, Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Interior, Bvd. “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, TIRANA, Albania
Tel: (355) 42 23 3545; Fax: (355) 42233544; 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, Federal 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]
BULGARIA / BULGARIE
Mr Georgi GODINOV, Head of Department, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, 17-19 St. Kiril I Metodii Str., 1202 SOFIA;
Tel : +(359) 2 9405450 ; E-mail: [email protected]
Mrs Desislava DRAGOVA, 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
Apologised for absence / excusé
CYPRUS / CHYPRE
Apologised for absence / excusé
CZECH REPUBLIC / REPUBLIQUE TCHEQUE
Mr Petr FEJTEK, Department for Public Administration and eGovernment for 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 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
Mr Georgios CHRYSAFIS, Directorate of Organisation and Functionning of Local Government, Mnistry of the Interior, 27, Stadiou Str., 10183 Athens
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
Ms Marta BERGMANE, Legal Counsel, Local government monitoring department, Ministry of Environmental protection and Regional development, Peldu street 25, LV – 1494 RIGA
Tel : (371) 6777 0463; Fax: (371) 67770479; 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 1ère 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]
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]
MONTENEGRO
Mr Mladen JOVOVIĆ, Deputy Minister for Local Self-Government, Ministry of Interior of Montenegro, Bulevar Svetog Petra Cetinjskog 22, 81000 PODGORICA
Mr Alen NIKEZIĆ, Advisor in the Office of Secretary of the Ministry, Ministry of Interior of Montenegro, Bulevar Svetog Petra Cetinjskog 22, 81000 PODGORICA
Tel: (382) 20 225 278; Fax: (382) 20 242 416; Mobile: (382) 67 784 235;
E-mail: [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 Lenneke JOOSEN, 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
Fax : (31) 70 426 7655 ; 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]
POLAND / POLOGNE
Mrs Monika STURLIS-GUMIENICZEK, Chief Specialist, Department of Cooperation with Local Self-Government Units, Ministry of Administration and Digitalisation, WARSAW
Tel: + 48 22 245 59 04 ; E-mail: [email protected]
PORTUGAL
Mr Eugénio BARATA, Directeur Adjoint, Direction Générale des Collectivités Locales, Rua José Estevão, 137-7°, P – 1169-058 LISBOA
Tel : (351) 21 313 3000; Fax : (351) 21 352 81 77 ; E-mail: [email protected]
ROMANIA / ROUMANIE
Mrs Raluca HEREPEAN, Public Manager, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, Directorate General for Public Administration
Tel: 40 021 316 59 73; E-mail: [email protected]
RUSSIAN FEDERATION / FEDERATION DE RUSSIE
Mr Dimitry RYKOVSKOV, Deputy to the Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of the Russian Federation, 75, allée de la Robertsau - 67000 Strasbourg
Tel.: 03 88 24 20 15 - Fax: 03 88 24 19 74; E-mail: [email protected]
SAN MARINO / SAINT-MARIN
Mr Paolo RONDELLI, AASS, Via A. Di Superchio 16, 47893 BORGO MAGGIORE, SAN MARINO
Tel : (378) 0549 88 2826 ; Fax : (378) 0549 88 3703 ; E-mail : [email protected]
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]
Mrs Jelena SPASIĆ, Assistant Minister, Sector for EU Integrations, International, Cooperation and Projects, BELGRADE, Republic of Serbia
Tel. +381 11 333 4135; E-mail: [email protected]
SLOVENIA / SLOVENIE
Mr Roman LAVTAR, Ministry of Interior, Trzaska 21, 1000 LJUBLJANA, Slovenia
Tel: + 386 1 4788541; Fax: + 386 1 4788649; 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’Administration Publique, MADRID
Tel: (34) 91 273 46 59; Fax: (34) 91 273 46 10; E-mail: [email protected]
SWEDEN / SUEDE
Apologised for absence / excusé
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
Ms Inha VOYTSEKHOVSKA, Head of Division of Multilateral Cooperation and European Integration, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Municipal Economy of Ukraine, 9, Velyka Zhytomyrska Str., 01601 KYIV
Tel: 38 044 207 18 95; Fax: 38 044 207 18 82; 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
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
M. Manuel LEZERTUA, Director of the Congress, Directeur du Congrès
Tel : (33) 3.88.41.21.25 ; 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]
Mr Tim LISNEY, Deputy Secretary of the Chamber of Local Authorities / Secrétaire adjoint de la Chambre des pouvoirs locaux – Secretary of the Governance Committee / Secrétaire de la Commission de la gouvernance
Tel: (33) 3.88.41.35.73; Fax: (33) 3.88.41.27.51; 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
Maître Marc LEYENBERGER, Avocat honoraire au Barreau de Strasbourg, 26, rue Aubry et Rau, 67000 STRASBOURG
Tel: (33) (0)3 88 41 14 94; E-mail: [email protected]
MEXICO / MEXIQUE
Mme Tania FIGUEROA, Attachée, Mission Permanente du Mexique auprès du Conseil de l’Europe, 8, boulevard du Président Edwards - 67000 Strasbourg
E-mail: [email protected]
BENELUX UNION/UNION BENELUX
Mr Hans MOOREN, Administrateur, Union Benelux, Rue de la Régence 39, 1000 Bruxelles
Tel: 32-2-519 38 43; E-mail: [email protected]
OBSERVERS / OBSERVATEURS
ASSEMBLY OF EUROPEAN REGIONS (AER) / ASSEMBLEE DES REGIONS D'EUROPE (ARE)
Apologised for absence / excusé
ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN BORDER REGIONS (AEBR) / ASSOCIATION DES REGIONS FRONTALIERES EUROPEENNES (ARFE)
Mme Silvia BANCOD, Chargée de Recherches au sein de l’Université du Val d’Aoste et du CŒUR, Conseiller national de la SIOI (Société Italienne des Organisations Internationales)
Tel : (39) 0165 066700 ; Fax : (39) 0165 066749 ; E-mail : [email protected]
COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS (CEMR) / CONSEIL DES COMMUNES ET REGIONS D’EUROPE (CCRE)
Apologised for absence / excusé
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 CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT / CITES ET GOUVERNEMENTS LOCAUX UNIS
Apologised for absence / excusé
EXPERT-CONSULTANT / CONSULTANT-EXPERT
Prof. Ken DAVEY, Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative (LGI), Haymesbrook - Haymes Drive, Cleeve Hill – Cheltenham GL52 3QQ, UK
Tel : +44 (0) 124 25 26 232; E-Mail: [email protected]
SECRETARIAT
Ms Claudia LUCIANI, Director of Democratic Governance / Directrice de la gouvernance démocratique / 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 Democratic Institutions and Governance Department / Chef du Service des institutions et de la gouvernance démocratiques - Directorate of Democratic Governance / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, 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 Daniel POPESCU, Head of Good Governance Division / Chef de la Division de la bonne gouvernance - Directorate of Democratic Governance / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 36 08; Fax: +33 (0)3 88 41 27 84; E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Niall SHEERIN, Directorate of Democratic Governance / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, 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 / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, 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]
Mrs Gabriela MATEI, Directorate of Democratic Governance / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, Directorate General of Democracy / Direction générale de la démocratie
Tel: (33) 3 88 41 54 73; Fax: (33) 3 88 41 27 84; E-mail: [email protected]
Ms Siobhán MONTGOMERY,Communication, Directorate of Democratic Governance / Direction de la gouvernance démocratique, 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
APPENDIX 2
AGENDA
APPENDIX 3
SUMMARIES OF EXCHANGES OF VIEWS
Exchange of views following presentation of Local Government reform programme by Ireland
The Irish delegate gave a comprehensive presentation of Ireland’s Action Programme for Effective Local Government, a wide-ranging reform programme that seeks to overcome weaknesses in local government, particularly its structures while responding to the financial constraints imposed as a result of the economic crisis in Ireland. The presentation provoked a lively debate with CDLR members anxious to find out more about specific measures such as financing and restructuring and eager to share experiences and best practice with regards their own local government reforms.
The Irish delegate explained that the reform process was framed by a vision of local government as the main vehicle for governance and public service at local level, driving economic, social and community development. Reform measures would include new functions to support economic and social development; more stable financing including through a new local property tax; increased efficiency, particularly through shared services; more effective governance through measures to ensure greater accountability and oversight; and a rationalisation of local government structures. The general strategy behind the reform programme is to put in place a range of key improvements in the short term which are not only important in their own right, but which can pave the way for more far-reaching development of the local government role in the longer term by virtue of streamlining structures, operations and funding and increasing confidence in the system.
The presentation focussed mainly on the rationalisation of local government structures including the merging of municipalities (involving 6 city/county councils which are the primary local government units) and the extensive reform of the sub-county structure which includes the replacing of town councils with municipal districts integrated into county councils and leading to a significant reduction in the numbers of councillors. In response to questions about the possible legal and political implications of such far-reaching reform, the Irish delegate informed the Committee that there were no constitutional obstacles to the reform.
Regarding criteria for mergers, it was pointed out that there are not specific quantitative criteria such as population, however, essential requirements are that there would be strong identification with the merged entity and, while there may be a case for further mergers on objective criteria such as cost or efficiency, mergers are only being pursued at this stage where there is good compatibility between the areas or there is an evident need to strengthen governance, to address distortion caused by boundary anomalies, or improve capacity to address significant social or economic issues. The latter are the main objectives of structural reform even though savings are also anticipated through economies of scale and elimination of administrative duplication.
While existing structures had remained largely unchanged in over a century, a reflection on local government structures had been on-going for some time; developing responses to the economic crisis offered a strong catalyst for promoting local government reform. In this context, the reform process has received broad public support and, while the replacement of town councils is controversial among members of these authorities, there is a generally positive approach to the reform programme by local authority members. For example, opposition by some to city/county merger has largely given way to acknowledgment of the benefits of stronger governance and the members’ associations are engaging positively in the implementation process. There was consultation with local authority members and officials in a number of ways and submissions by the members’ associations are reflected in the reform Action Programme. Moreover, a key element in the merger process has been the undertaking of reviews by independent statutory committees, involving a high degree of transparency and public consultation.
There has been strong support for reform from business interests and a feature of the city/county merger processes has been the involvement of prominent business leaders both in chairing independent review and implementation groups and adding weight to the reform drive by virtue of their standing and credibility.
A key thrust of the municipal reform is to minimise corporate or administrative functions and associated resource requirements while maximising subsidiarity and local community engagement. The corporate legal entity will be at county council level; municipal districts will not be separate entities and will not have separate local authority status. However, the elected members for each district will decide a significant range of local matters at that level on a fully devolved basis, while meeting as the plenary county council to decide more strategic matters This has the benefit of allowing accountable decision-making to be made closer to the citizen while restricting the number of legal entities. Management and “back office” functions will be largely located at county level in an integrated operational/organisational structure but there will be no reduction in front line/customer services, subject to efficiency requirements. A key benefit of the new arrangement will be the creation of sub-county municipal governance in all parts of the state in place of isolated town authorities, many with outdated boundaries and limited functions and resources.
Although local government structures will have greater responsibility for local services, a significant element funding for these will continue to come directly from central government. The new property tax will not lead to an increase in revenues in the short term as it will replace existing sources including government grants. However, it will significantly broaden the funding base of local government and provide a stable and sustainable source of funding, with all revenue from the tax being distributed to local authorities. Moreover, it will address a key problem in Irish local government since the 1970s, the absence of financial discretion, which was considered a significant weakness and thus from 2015 local authorities will have the discretion to vary the property tax by + or – 15%. This will greatly strengthen the independence, responsibility, accountability and self-reliance of local government.
Regarding the time scale for implementation, it was pointed out that some elements of the reforms are already in progress, notably the property tax and reorganisation work to pave the way for local authority mergers in mid-2014 which has progressed significantly. There is a very challenging legislation programme in 2014 to provide for the range of reforms. The Irish delegate undertook to keep the Committee informed of developments.
Exchange of views on decision-making and public consultation regarding the (spatial) planning of major public works
The German and Italian delegates to the CDLR gave a comprehensive introduction on the challenges faced when consulting the public and others over the internet concerning the planning of major public works. In the course of a fruitful exchange a number of delegations intervened to share experience or suggestions on how to establish a dialogue with the public in order to have an effective consultation and how these consultations relate to the protection of business interests and matters of national security.
One of the main points of concern was the protection of business interests and national security when publishing information of private organisations on the internet as part of a consultation procedure. Several members recalled that their national legislation on consulting procedures request, in general, the publication of very detailed information about the company / organisation involved. The scope of the availability and accessibility of this kind of information when published on the internet and the lack of controls on how this information is used is a cause of concern for the CDLR. Members gave examples of national considerations to limit the publication of information over the internet to protect the national business interest and national security. The CDLR sympathised with the need for such a response to limit the accessibility and availability of information on the internet. Some members recalled in this light the discussion within the EU on Regulation (EC) 1049/2001 of 30 May 2001, regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents. On that occasion, members also had lively discussions to set the parameters to provide as much openness to the public but with respect to business interest and national security. It was suggested that member States could perhaps draw inspiration from these debates when establishing regulations and procedures for consultations by the internet.
The debate on protection of business interests and security also raised the question of the effectiveness of holding consultation procedures over the internet. The CDLR agreed that publishing information on the internet concerning “major works” does not automatically guarantee a constructive dialogue with the public. The CDLR recalled that studies show that substantial sections of society are not so well connected to digital government and therefore governments have an obligation to ensure that the information on new projects is received by all actors involved.
Members agreed that consultation of the public, as a crucial part of the functioning of democracy, could benefit from the availability of information on the internet, but should also be part of a broader attempt to reach out to and inform the public in order to establish a sustainable dialogue on policies that are expected to have a major impact.
Exchange of views on measures adopted to reduce public expenditure introduced by the Netherlands.
The Dutch delegate to the CDLR gave a comprehensive introduction on the topic and provided the CDLR with an overview of the responses received to the questionnaire disseminated in preparation for this debate. In the course of a fruitful exchange a number of delegations intervened to share experience or seek clarifications.
Although not all member states are acutely affected by the global financial crisis, most CDLR members reported that their governments are facing severe financial challenges due to the changed economic climate. The responses to the Dutch questionnaire show clearly that these circumstances have budgetary implications for local and regional government as well.
CDLR members pointed out that many national authorities introduced reform programmes or legislation to improve the financial situation of local and regional authorities. Responses to the questionnaire showed that, while several different approaches have been taken in order to improve the financial position of local and regional governments across member states, two main approaches can be identified, namely:
- reorganisation of tasks and competences between the different tiers of government;
- merging of local and regional government.
A common factor in both approaches is that they seem to be accompanied with increased monitoring by the central/ federal government. This is especially the case, as noted by the CDLR, in member states that are also members of the Eurozone. The financial crisis in most countries is clearly interlinked with the debt crises of governments. The responses of the CDLR members show clearly that several member states in Europe, but in particular within the Eurozone, introduced legislation which sets the preconditions for local/ regional indebtedness and expenditures, and introduces (increased) monitoring by the national/ federal government of the indebtedness and expenditures.
Several members expressed concern that the measures introduced to control the indebtedness and expenditure are limiting the financial autonomy of local and regional authorities in Europe and this raised the question how this relates to the conditions set in the European Charter of Local Self-Government. In this light, the question was raised whether Council of Europe member states, especially those also members of the European Union should give greater consideration to the effects of their budgetary policies on local and regional financial autonomy.
Reference was also made to the tools of the Council of Europe, such as two (relatively) recent Recommendations of the Committee of Ministers on local budgets and on resources of local and regional governments that also contain guidance on policies to be followed with regard to local and regional governments.
The Chair noted in conclusion that while this debate had been very helpful to member states in identifying the possible effects of policies adopted in response to the financial crises, it would also be beneficial if a future debate could be held together with the Congress to identify examples of best practice in measures adopted in response to the financial crisis.