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Europe

Local authorities are central to the delivery of economic, environmental and social policy and programmes initiating from the European Union and the wider international arena. Delivery has been demonstrated through the expertise brought to, and developed through, previous and current EU funding programmes within the region and increasingly directly from the EU Commission Initiatives. Enhanced influence, cooperation and collaboration at EU and international level are vital to promote economic development, tackle worklessness and climate change.

The benefits of shared work by local authorities have a long tradition and are internationally recognised. The Council of Europe (CoE) established the first European Conference of Local Authorities in 1957, which led to the formation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Subsequently the CoE has been convinced that the Congress is playing an exemplary role in pursuing the common values enshrined in the Council of Europe Statute, in particular democracy. The Committee of Ministers adopted a new Charter of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities on 2 May 2007 in order to consolidate and develop the role of local and regional authorities in the institutional framework of the Council of Europe.

The formation of the EU Committee of the Regions in 1994, through the Treaty of the European Union, embedded the recognised additional economic, environmental and social contribution local authorities play in the political development of European and international policy.

Whilst the principle EU focus is understandable in terms of policy impact and funding, proximity and shared culture, it is clear that for such issues as economic development, local authorities need to ensure, in line with enhanced economic development responsibilities, that they nurture and develop international trade links and play there full role in stimulating demand for locally based products and services.

Policy Priorities
A great deal of activity is already taking place within local authorities, on both international links as well as European activity. The opportunity exists for LGYH, local authorities, police and fire authorities, with key partners in business and universities, to take an enhanced collaborative strategic approach to develop and improve on such opportunities.

How this will be achieved?
Working with and through LGA European and International Unit, Yorkshireurope office, EU officials, MEPs, the Yorkshire Forward European Team will ensure improved understanding to seize all opportunities for Leaders to maximise influence in the above areas.

LGYH will play a fully supportive and facilitative role in developing European and international working for direct benefit to local authorities and therefore, where appropriate, the RIEP will be involved in this development.

The development and support of the LGYH European Officers’ Network will support Leaders and authorities through sharing intelligence and good practice to create new opportunities.

Deliverables

As practical expressions of the above policy, the following areas are set out for development to demonstrate the commitment to cooperation by and delivery for localities. Being clear from the outset of what is wanted and expected from any activity and subsequently demonstrating the benefits to local service delivery is essential, especially in relation to lobbying and exchange activity. As well as influence policy and its impact on localities this work will also seek to maximise appropriate funding into the region.

Specific deliverables will include:

Development of the European Officers Network to examine and influence EU policy direction and developments,
Ensure the development of collaboration within the region on EU and international issues e.g. with business and universities,
Develop and deliver study exchanges with European and international cities and regions to gain and share experience and expertise where added value can be demonstrated. Booklets outlining the study visits done so far can be downloaded below.
Encourage and support secondments of local authority officers to the Yorkshireurope Office,
Support the development of Interreg and other funding opportunities and applications to maximise the financial benefits to local authorities and the region,
Monitoring and implementation of EU legislation.

For more information about our work in and with Europe, contact us.

Duisburg Study Tour

Valencia Study Tour

LGYH: 1st Floor, 19 King Street, Wakefield, WF1 2SQ Telephone: 01924 200 262 email: mail@lgyh.gov.uk

Local Authorities 'super-charged' over electric vehicles

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Local Government works with regional MPs to boost economy

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New downloads on the Local Government Resource Review now available

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The results of the Making a Difference Awards, celebrating local government in Yorkshire and Humber have been announced.

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Leaders sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant

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LGYH Making a Difference Award nominations announced

See the nominations here.

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WESTMINSTER BRIEFING ON ENERGY AND OFFSHORE RENEWABLES LAUNCHED TO COINCIDE WITH MPS EVENT TO PROMOTE THE REGION'S OFFER

Available here.

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LGYH ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2010 - 2011 NOW PUBLISHED

Available here.

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OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES FRAMEWORK LAUNCHED

Information on the new framework can be found here

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARDS LAUNCHED