Committee of the Regions and European Commission launch joint network to step up engagement on EU matters at the local and regional level

A new network aimed at encouraging politicians elected at the local and regional level to engage more with the European Union and the benefits it can bring to their communities was officially launched on 10 April. The EU Local Councillors Network, already strong of 3000 participants, builds on the success of two similar existing initiatives and aims to bring the European project closer to citizens by focusing on engaging the level of government citizens trust the most. 

The project – jointly managed by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, whose existing parallel initiatives have been merged to form the new network – aims to bring the EU debate closer to local communities by engaging more effectively with mayors, regional presidents, and regional and local councillors.

Membership of the network is open to any local or regional elected politician from across the EU. Members benefit from a range of products and services, including study visits to Brussels, training sessions, workshops to enhance members' understanding of EU functions.  These tools are tailored to their own needs and interests and will enable them to reach out more effectively to their constituents on EU matters. Members also pledge to ensure that relevant EU-related matters are discussed within their local communities, for example through local events or ensuring regular discussion of EU issues at council meetings. Regional and local elected politicians interested in joining the network can apply via the website.

Kata Tüttő (HU/PES),President of the European Committee of the Regions, speaking at the launch event, said: "The EU Local Councillors Network is a great example of synergy between the local and EU level. The Committee of the Regions is proud to bring together the local and regional leaders from every corner of Europe. Now, we are broadening our connections to reach out to many other local councillors, beyond our current members, because we truly know that we are only strong if we are all united, from towns and cities to decision-makers in Brussels. Local leaders are closest to citizens, they represent them, and they understand their experiences, fears, and expectations. They are the backbone of EU democracy. The Committee of the Regions acts as a hub for local politicians—a place where they connect, collaborate, and co-create ideas and proposals that not only improve the lives of people in their constituencies, but also benefit citizens across the entire EU. Local governments face many of the same challenges, and we can only overcome them by standing together."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, intervened via a video message available here.

Background

• The EU Local Councillors Network is a European initiative that gathers local and regional elected politicians with the goal of enhancing communication about the European Union through an innovative alliance with EU institutions. It brings together the members of the two previously separate initiatives and already has over 3,000 members across all EU countries.
• Membership of the EU Local Councillors Network is open to elected representatives at the local and regional levels who are committed to engaging with their communities on European matters. Interested councillors are invited to apply through the official platform of the initiative.

The network offers councillors a range of resources and support, including:

• Access to EU information and materials: members receive up-to-date information on EU policies and initiatives, along with communication materials to help inform their communities 
• Training and capacity building: the network provides opportunities for study visits to Brussels, training sessions and workshops to enhance members' understanding of how the EU works and to help them communicate about it more effectively.
• Networking opportunities: Councillors can connect with their peers across the EU to share experiences, best practices, and collaborate on finding solutions to common challenges.
• Support for communication actions on the ground: the network can assist members in organising local events, developing communication initiatives aimed at informing citizens about the EU and encouraging their engagement.

Contact

Theresa Sostmann

Tel: +32475999415

Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu