Municipalities are key in the accession process of Eastern Partnership countries
Karīna Miķelsone, spokesperson for PLATFORMA, underscored the vital role of municipalities in the accession of Eastern Partnership countries to the European Union (EU), during the European Committee of the Regions’ 13th CORLEAP meeting in Rzeszów (Poland) on 21st January.
She highlighted the importance of enhancing municipal capacities and involving young people in local decision-making as foundations for integration into the EU.
Ms Miķelsone noted that local authorities implement about 70% of the EU acquis, while half of the issues they handle relate to EU matters. “Without the necessary capacity and knowledge, local authorities may struggle with EU-funded projects, risking centralisation and undermining democracy,” she stated.
To support municipalities, especially those in the accession process, the Committee of the Regions and CORLEAP propose establishing the Eastern Partnership Academy for Public Administration. This initiative aims to identify the most pressing needs and enhance cooperation among educational institutions.
“Now is the best time for new and fresh ideas”
Furthermore, Marta Kos, the new European Commissioner for Enlargement, stated in a video message: “It is very important that CORLEAP has come together today to reflect on the current and future perspectives for the Eastern Partnership. We are at the start of our mandate – now is the best time for new and fresh ideas. This brings a new dimension to the work of CORLEAP. Because local and regional authorities will play an important role in implementing reforms and aligning with EU standards, particularly, in areas such as decentralisation, regional development, and public administration.”
Additional information about the CORLEAP meeting can be found on the website of the European Committee of the Regions.
(Picture: © European Union / Giedrė Daugėlaitė)