NALAS mentioned in CoR opinion on the Enlargement Package 2023

The Network of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS) long lasting uphill battle to achieve recognition for Local Government Associations and regional networks as dialogue partner of EU institutions involved in the Enlargement process, received recently important back up from the European Committee of the Regions.

In its official opinion on the Enlargement Package 2023 – Western Balkans and Türkiye (CIVEX-VII/027), approved during the 160th CoR Plenary session on 17-18 April 2024 in Brussels, the Committee of the Regions “recommends that the European Commission establish direct communication and cooperation with LRAs through existing regional networks, such as NALAS” (point 96, under heading “The role of LRAs in the enlargement process”).

NALAS considers this recommendation as an appreciation of the work that the network has been doing to make the point for improvements of the EU enlargement process via a bottom-up approach that will provide support from the local level upwards; a process that will ensure more direct benefits for the citizens of the enlargement countries and will clear out any doubt about their future as EU citizens.

Direct communication and cooperation, as recommended, reflects a crucial NALAS position to apply the inclusive partnership principle where no one and no territory is left behind. To face the global challenges and to mitigate their effects, multilevel governance implies a coordinated and concerted approach among all levels of government. 

The Rapporteur of the Opinion in the Committee of the Regions was Nikola Dobroslavić, President of Dubrovnik-Neretva Region, Croatia (EPP).

Read more on the opinion on the website of the CoR.

Picture: © European Union / Fred Guerdin.