Main principles
The CoR works to bring EU citizens closer to the EU. By involving regional and local representatives who are in daily contact with their electorate's concerns, but also by inviting citizens to participate in various events and debates, the CoR contributes to reducing the gap between the EU institutions' work and EU citizens.
Key facts about the Committee
- 70% of EU legislation has a direct regional and local impact
- 27 EU countries
- 329 locally and regionally elected members
- 6 commissions
- 6 political groups
- up to 6 plenary sessions per year
- more than 50 opinions adopted each year
Mission statement
Our political action is based on the belief that cooperation between European, national, regional and local levels is essential if we are to build an ever closer and more mutually supportive union among the people of Europe and respond to the challenges of globalisation.
Multilevel governance
Working in partnership is another pillar of the CoR's work. In other words, the CoR believes in coordinated action between the European, national, regional and local levels.
Subsidiarity
The principle of subsidiarity must be complied with throughout the EU legislative process, meaning that decisions must be taken at the level of government that best serves the public interest – locally where possible.
Are CoR members affiliated to political groups?
CoR members are grouped according to their political affiliation:
- European People's Party (EPP)
- Party of European Socialists (PES)
- Renew Europe
- European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR)
- European Alliance (EA)
- The Greens and Progressives
The groups generally meet before each plenary session. They may also hold two extraordinary meetings (away from Brussels) each year.
What is the CoR's annual budget?
The annual budget of the Committee of the Regions covers expenses for its staff and political members, interpretation as well as communication activities. For more detailed information about the EU institutions' budget and how it is used visit the EU budget page of the European Commission.
What impact does the CoR have?
The EU is not obliged to take the CoR's opinions into account, but in practice it does so, to a greater or lesser extent (see the European Commission's annual reports on its follow-up of CoR opinions, along with the CoR's own impact reports).
How much are the members paid?
Members are paid expenses only for attending meetings and their attendance is recorded in the minutes for all meetings available in the Members' Portal along with their personal details and activity at meetings.