The CoR's relations with the European Commission and the European Parliament are further structured by Protocols on Cooperation – so-called cooperation agreements. These agreements highlight the territorial dimension of the EU and the importance of multilevel governance, and amplify the voice and influence of regions and cities in the EU decision-making process. Moreover, the Committee establishes privileged relationships with the Council of the European Union and in particular its rotating Presidencies.
The CoR also cooperates with the other members of the family of EU institutions and bodies in pursuit of the Union's objectives, including the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Investment Bank among others.
European Commission
The renewed Cooperation agreement between the European Commission and the Committee signed in 2024 recognises the territorial dimension of the EU and the importance of multilevel governance. The agreement commits both institutions to continuous long-term cooperation and dialogue throughout each term of office and foresees notably:
- cooperation in the context of the EU decision-making process, notably through holding a political dialogue with the EC President and Commissioners in the CoR plenary sessions
- the CoR's contribution to the EC draws on its experience and expertise of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in all stages of the policy-making cycle
- increasing synergies, particularly in the context of the Treaty objectives of economic, social, and territorial cohesion, and pursuing reinforced thematic cooperation including on cross-border cooperation, the European Semester and other areas, complemented where appropriate by thematic action plans or arrangements
- develop activities as regards the external dimension of EU policies such as cooperation with LRAs in enlargement and neighbourhood countries, participation in the UN Climate COPs and the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals
- reaching out to local communities via the direct involvement of regional and local representatives, the management of initiatives such as the EU Local Councillors’ network and cooperation in communication and information activities, organizing events, joint media coverage, and developing web tools for open communication channels
European Parliament
The strengthened 2024 cooperation agreement between the European Parliament and the Committee seeks to enhance the democratic legitimacy of the Union, increase citizen outreach, and contribute to the EU’s territorial, social, and economic cohesion. The agreement allows for delivery of common objectives such as:
- cooperation in the context of the EU decision-making process, notably through holding a regular political dialogue with the EP President, Vice-President responsible for relations with the CoR and Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in the relevant CoR meetings
- the CoR's contribution to the EP draws on its on the experience and expertise of local and regional authorities throughout a lifecycle of a policy
- an improved connection between existing initiatives promoted by the CoR and the EP, such as the EP Gender Equality Week, the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award, and activities in the fields of better regulation and external relations
- cooperation in communication activities on key policy initiatives, legislation, surveys, and polls, which aim at highlighting the added value of EU policies on the ground
- strengthening the partnership in the run-up to European elections
Council of the EU
The CoR works with the presidencies of the Council of the EU to prepare its contribution from the perspective of local and regional authorities among others via:
- dedicated referrals and ordinary legislative work
- the participation in high level meetings and events organised by the presidencies with potential participation of the CoR
- CoR meetings and events with the presidencies and/or in the countries of the presidency.
CoR representatives may also be invited to Council working parties and informal Council meetings in legislative areas with a clear local or regional dimension.
