Resolution of the Committee of the Regions on 'The European Year of Local and Regional Democracy` (97/C 42/06)

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,

Having regard to the COR decision of 21 September 1995 to issue a Resolution on a European year of local and regional democracy and to instruct Commission 7 to draw up the resolution;

Having regard to the draft resolution which Commission 7 submitted to the plenary session on 6 September 1996 (rapporteurs: Mrs Peiponen and Mr Wyn);

Having regard to the working document adopted by Commission 7 on 6 September 1996 setting out the reasons for the resolution;

Whereas an important partnership is accorded to local authorities by the Treaty on European Union, and particularly Article A setting out the aim of creating an ever closer union in which decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen, Article 3b of the Treaty establishing the European Community which refers to subsidiarity and Articles 198a-c which establish the Committee of the Regions;

Whereas the Union has at its heart the concept of democratic governance;

Whereas continuing improvement of the democratic processes is necessary;

Whereas there is a need to reduce the apparent sense of distance from Europe's institutions felt by its citizens;

Whereas elected local and regional institutions can play an important supplementary role to that of the European Parliament and Member States in spreading awareness, and enhancing the democratic legitimacy, of Union activities;

Whereas there is value in reinforcing recognition of support for the concept and operation of local and regional democracy among the Union's citizens;

Whereas the Council of Europe makes a notable contribution to the development and reinforcement of local and regional democracy in Europe;

Whereas the Council of Europe has adopted a European Charter of local self-government;

Whereas local partnerships play an important role in fostering mutual understanding between peoples and in disseminating the principles of democracy,

invites the European Commission to bring forward a proposal for a decision of the Council of Ministers to give effect to this resolution;

unanimously adopted the following resolution at its 15th plenary session on 13-14 November 1996 (meeting of 13 November),

in order to:

- make Europe's citizens more aware of the importance of local and regional democracy as one of the foundation stones of the Union and encourage them to participate in this process;

- further the development of local and regional democracy by, for example, opening up its bodies to individuals and groups, such as young people, immigrants and women, who at present are not given adequate opportunities to participate;

- increase young people's understanding of local and regional government;

- foster the developing partnership between local and regional authorities and the European institutions;

- demonstrate the commitment of local and regional elected institutions to a democratic, decentralized and open Union;

- make clear the important contribution of local partnerships to the realization of a citizens' Europe,

1998 should be designated as 'European Year of Local and Regional Democracy` and a programme of local and regional-level actions for that year should be drawn up.

Brussels, 13 November 1996.

The Chairman of the Committee of the Regions

Pasqual MARAGALL i MIRA