Signature of the co-operation agreement

between the Congress and the CALRE

Strasbourg, 17 September 2010

Speech by Ian MICALLEF, President a.i. and Rapporteur of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Council of Europe

President Kessler,

Members of the Bureau,

It is a pleasure for me to sign today a co-operation agreement between the Congress and the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies.

CALRE is a long standing partner of the Congress and, as you know, in 2003, it obtained the status of Observer to the Congress.

The Congress followed CALRE since its birth. CALRE has succeeded in establishing a network among European regional assemblies able to develop exchanges of information and good practices. It has worked towards improving the dialogue between these regions and the European institutions - in particular promoting subsidiarity. In short, CALRE has acted to make the citizens closer to Europe via the regional legislative assemblies.

Its purpose and direction are closely aligned with those of the Congress and, in particular, of our Chamber of Regions.

During our 17th plenary session in October 2009, the Congress adopted Recommendation 278 and Resolution 293 on “Regions with legislative powers: towards multi-level governance”, in which we clearly state that regions with legislative powers have an important role to play in policy shaping and decision-making, as they accurately reflect regional realities. In these texts, we noted that; “Directly elected regional assemblies are a means of reducing the regional parliamentary deficit”. We also welcomed the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s support for regional legislative assemblies which has been given tangible form thanks to the signature of an agreement in 2006 with CALRE.

Today, via this cooperation agreement with the Congress,, we wish to consolidate the partnership and work in synergy with CALRE. Our common aim is to support regional democracy and reinforce the participation of citizens in political life at regional level.

We plan to establish co-operation on a regular basis, review the respective fields in which we operate and set up measures capable of increasing complementary activities.

Allow me to say, President Kessler, that I would like to consider this agreement as a new step for reinforcing cooperation between us and I am sure that the agreement will be followed by an action plan defining subjects for common initiatives and concrete actions to be put forward together.

Having said this, I know that cooperation between us is already on-going: it was a pleasure for me to welcome you in Messina, during our conference on the fight against corruption, not only for your professional experience in the field, but also for your representation of the European Regional legislative Assemblies.

We also look forward to your participation in the future work of the Congress regarding Regions with special status, in particular the Conference in Madeira next November.

I am sure that within the frame of this agreement we shall be able  to make the most of our respective potential and create synergies in the pursuit of our aims.