Overview
All Members of the Estonian Delegation are elected politicians representing local authorities (cities and rural municipalities). Many of them are Mayors, carrying out the everyday work of their respective municipalities. The delegation consists of six full and six alternate members. In the agreement with the Association of Rural Municipalities of Estonia, the Association of Estonian Cities is the secretariat to the Estonian Delegation to the CoR.
Appointing the delegation
All members are appointed on the recommendation of the Estonian Government. Before appointment by the Government, the Minister of the Interior consults the Association of Estonian Cities (who nominate 3 full members and 3 alternate members) and the Association of Rural Municipalities of Estonia (who nominate 3 full members and 3 alternate members). Territorial, political and gender representation is taken into account.
Other useful information
The delegation has meetings before the Plenary Sessions in Brussels.
The Secretariat to the Delegation is provided by the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC) and the joint office of the AEC and the Association of Rural Municipalities of Estonia in Brussels. The Secretariat coordinates briefings for those members attending meetings and promotes the work of the Delegation both within Estonia and throughout the EU. National and local government associations play a key role in determining the candidates for Estonian CoR nominations.
Alternate members are fully integrated in the work of the Delegation; each alternate member sits on one CoR committee.