COMMITTEE OF REGIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IMPACTING LOCAL GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE THROUGH REGIONAL INITIATIVES

Authors

  • Olta Qejvani Department of Law, Faculty of Political and Legal Sciences University ‘Aleksandër Moisiu’ Durrës, Albania
  • Linert Lirëza Dean of Faculty of Political and Legal Sciences University „Aleksandër Moisiu” Durrës, Albania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55516/ijlso.v5i1.242

Abstract

           A key organization in the European Union that represents municipal and regional governments is the Committee of Regions (CoR). It uses a number of regional efforts to significantly influence how local governance functions. In the EU policymaking process, the CoR represents the interests of cities and regions. It guarantees that local and regional leaders' opinions are heard regarding laws that impact local governance.

            The Committee plans training sessions, seminars, and workshops to enhance local governments' capabilities. Through these programs, local authorities are able to acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary for efficient implementation of regional development context. The organization itself influences EU financing programs like the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The CoR ensures that financial resources are allocated to projects that enhance local infrastructure and governance by exerting influence over the allocation process. Additionally, it encourages municipal authorities to involve individuals in decision-making processes by promoting participatory governance models. Through these initiatives, the Committee of Regions significantly enhances the performance of local governance in the EU. By advocating for local interests, facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting capacity building, the CoR aims ensuring that regional authorities have the proper capacities to meet the challenges they face and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

            This paper aims to investigate the role of the CoR in local governance through the instrument of regional initiatives. It begins with an overview of the institution's structure, analyzes the regional initiatives that have been successfully implemented thus far and delves deeper into the ways in which the CoR works with other EU institutions to enhance regional initiatives.
After conducting a qualitative investigation on the Lisbon Treaty and Committee of Regions web data, our final goal is to pinpoint the creative advancements that this organization has made that have strengthened local governance while also outlining potential further initiatives.

References

Cooperation Agreement between Council of Europe and CoR

CoR opinion on Reinforcing democracy and integrity of elections

European Commission Communication on the Role of the Committee of the Regions (COM(2017) 328)

European Parliament, The Role of the Committee of the Regions in EU Governance (Briefing Paper, 2019)

European Parliament. (1997). Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty), Title VI: Committee of the Regions. European Parliament

Lisbon Treaty of the European Union

Opinion of CoR COR-2022-01120-00-00-AMRC-TRA (EN) 1/18 EN, Interactio - hybrid -12th CIVEX Commission meeting ‘Reinforcing democracy and integrity of elections’;

Bache, I., & Flinders, M. (2004). The Committee of the Regions and European Integration: A Political and Institutional Analysis. Journal of Common Market Studies, 42(3), 467-488;

Kohler-Koch, B. (2009). The Role of Regional and Local Governments in EU Policy-Making: The Case of the Committee of the Regions. European Political Science Review, 1(3), 487-510;

European Union Committee of the Regions (CoR). (2023). Annual Report on the Work of the Committee of the Regions: 2022-2023;

European Union Committee of the Regions (CoR). (2021). The Committee of the Regions: A Vital Voice for Local and Regional Authorities in Europe. European Union Committee of the Regions;

European Union Committee of the Regions (CoR). (2023). The Committee of the Regions: A Guide to Its Role and Activities. European Union Committee of the Regions;

Hrbek, R. (2014). The European Union and the Committee of the Regions: An Analysis of Local Governance and Regional Development. Springer

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Published

2025-02-15

How to Cite

Qejvani, O., & Lirëza, L. (2025). COMMITTEE OF REGIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IMPACTING LOCAL GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE THROUGH REGIONAL INITIATIVES. International Journal of Legal and Social Order, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.55516/ijlso.v5i1.242