The CoR has a statutory role in EU enlargement policy via the Stabilisation and Association Agreements, which allow for the formation of Joint Consultative Committees (JCCs). The purpose of this annual event is the growing realization — among the EU institutions and partner countries alike — that for a country joining the EU, it is not enough to just prepare its central government and administration. In fact, local and regional authorities will also need to be fully prepared for accession, as perhaps 70 per cent or more of EU legislation is implemented at their level.
With the granting of candidate country status to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, EU enlargement policy is now in a particularly sharp political focus. In 2024, the Enlargement Day addressed a central theme of reforms, Public Administration and Fiscal Decentralisation. The 2024 Enlargement Day was organized in co-operation with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
To find out more about the composition and the latest meetings of the CoR's statutory bodies dealing with the below enlargement countries, please check the enlargement webpage.