Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX)  

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The remit of the CIVEX Commission covers the following fields:     

  • Area of Freedom, Security and Justice   
  • Immigration Policy, asylum and visas     
  • EU Charter of Fundamental Rights     
  • Active Citizenship
  • Devolution
  • Constitutional Affairs
  • Governance, better Law-Making, Subsidiarity and Proportionality     
  • External Relations, including administrative external cooperation and capacity building
  • International Treaties and negotiations, terrorism and border controls
  • Neighbourhood Policy (including Eastern Partnership and Euro-Med cooperation), decentralised cooperation for development and EU enlargement issues     
Select other CoR commission: CIVEX COTER ECON ENVE NAT SEDEC
European Committee of the Regions critical of New Pact on Migration and Asylum at a European Parliament hearing
European Committee of the Regions critical of New Pact on Migration and Asylum at a European Parliament hearing
08.09.2021
Call for Candidatures - EuroMed Capital for Dialogue Award - Anna Lindh Foundation
Call for Candidatures - EuroMed Capital for Dialogue Award - Anna Lindh Foundation
02.09.2021
EU funds are 'huge opportunity' for municipalities in the Western Balkans
EU funds are 'huge opportunity' for municipalities in the Western Balkans
13.07.2021
European Committee of the Regions supports European Democracy Action Plan as part of a "process of creating a new democratic infrastructure"
European Committee of the Regions supports European Democracy Action Plan as part of a "process of creating a new democratic infrastructure"
01.07.2021
Mediterranean citizens and Mediterranean Sea need special attention from EU
Mediterranean citizens and Mediterranean Sea need special attention from EU
01.07.2021
Nominations are now open for the first edition of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award
Nominations are now open for the first edition of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award
28.06.2021
The Enlargement day is back
The Enlargement day is back
25.06.2021
Hopes expressed for a new tone in EU-Turkey relations
Hopes expressed for a new tone in EU-Turkey relations
23.06.2021
Albanian municipalities are stepping up preparations for EU membership
Albanian municipalities are stepping up preparations for EU membership
23.06.2021
The CoR signs the Declaration on Combatting Homelessness, stressing the need for action at local level
The CoR signs the Declaration on Combatting Homelessness, stressing the need for action at local level
21.06.2021
City partnerships showing early promise in North Macedonia
City partnerships showing early promise in North Macedonia
04.06.2021
European Democracy Action Plan: A "democratic vaccine" against disinformation and hate speech
European Democracy Action Plan: A "democratic vaccine" against disinformation and hate speech
11.05.2021
New EC communication on Better regulation: CoR welcomes the Commission's willingness to cooperate more closely with local and regional authorities
New EC communication on Better regulation: CoR welcomes the Commission's willingness to cooperate more closely with local and regional authorities
29.04.2021
Co-Chairs of JCC Montenegro had bilateral meeting
Co-Chairs of JCC Montenegro had bilateral meeting
28.04.2021
The CoR supports the European Citizens' Initiative against the practice of rearing animals in cages
The CoR supports the European Citizens' Initiative against the practice of rearing animals in cages
15.04.2021
Local and regional leaders connect with European Parliament, European Commission and Bertelsmann Foundation to take forward actions on the Conference on the Future of Europe
Local and regional leaders connect with European Parliament, European Commission and Bertelsmann Foundation to take forward actions on the Conference on the Future of Europe
30.03.2021
Turkey has "moved further away" from rule of law, says senior local EU politician
Turkey has "moved further away" from rule of law, says senior local EU politician
25.03.2021
Protecting rights "must be given priority" in EU's migration pact
Protecting rights "must be given priority" in EU's migration pact
19.03.2021
Integration of migrants: Commission and Committee of the Regions partnership for EU support to local action
Integration of migrants: Commission and Committee of the Regions partnership for EU support to local action
19.03.2021
Local authorities to Charles Michel - Future of Europe conference must strengthen EU democratic model and reinforce Europe
Local authorities to Charles Michel - Future of Europe conference must strengthen EU democratic model and reinforce Europe
17.03.2021
Fit for Future Platform accepts particular regional focus of its work
Fit for Future Platform accepts particular regional focus of its work
05.03.2021
Local and regional leaders are crucial to legitimate the bottom-up approach of the Conference on the Future of Europe
Local and regional leaders are crucial to legitimate the bottom-up approach of the Conference on the Future of Europe
16.02.2021
Bridging European institutions and citizens: European Citizens' Initiatives must impact the legislative process of the EU
Bridging European institutions and citizens: European Citizens' Initiatives must impact the legislative process of the EU
04.02.2021
Nicosia initiative: new substantial support has been confirmed by the EU
Nicosia initiative: new substantial support has been confirmed by the EU
29.01.2021
Concern at lack of structured regional dimension in EU-UK deal
Concern at lack of structured regional dimension in EU-UK deal
12.01.2021
Calls made to keep channels open at low point in EU's relations with Turkey
Calls made to keep channels open at low point in EU's relations with Turkey
18.12.2020
EU Funding for North Macedonia Municipalities
EU Funding for North Macedonia Municipalities
17.12.2020
Statement on the Nicosia Initiative by Commissioner Várhelyi
Statement on the Nicosia Initiative by Commissioner Várhelyi
17.12.2020
CoR and EU Commission launch partnership to help local authorities integrate migrants and implement the New Pact on Migration and Asylum
CoR and EU Commission launch partnership to help local authorities integrate migrants and implement the New Pact on Migration and Asylum
12.12.2020
Local and regional leaders to Šefčovič: ready to join forces for a more resilient, green, just and digital EU
Local and regional leaders to Šefčovič: ready to join forces for a more resilient, green, just and digital EU
10.12.2020
COVID-19 accelerates the digital transformation of local democracy
COVID-19 accelerates the digital transformation of local democracy
10.12.2020
Michel Barnier and Mayor of London debate Brexit with EU regional and local leaders
Michel Barnier and Mayor of London debate Brexit with EU regional and local leaders
04.12.2020
ARLEM at 5th UfM Regional Forum
ARLEM at 5th UfM Regional Forum
27.11.2020
Fit for Future Platform: think EU decision-making to better respond to future challenges
Fit for Future Platform: think EU decision-making to better respond to future challenges
26.11.2020
ARLEM welcomes the launch of a set of indicators to assess progress of gender equality in the Mediterranean region
ARLEM welcomes the launch of a set of indicators to assess progress of gender equality in the Mediterranean region
19.11.2020
Electoral shake-up and impact of the pandemic in the spotlight at Montenegro meeting
Electoral shake-up and impact of the pandemic in the spotlight at Montenegro meeting
19.11.2020
European Citizens' Initiative Week: CoR proposes Citizen ENgagement in the EU Network (CitizEN) as a springboard for the European Citizens' Initiatives
European Citizens' Initiative Week: CoR proposes Citizen ENgagement in the EU Network (CitizEN) as a springboard for the European Citizens' Initiatives
18.11.2020
EU and UK local and regional leaders meet in new contact group
EU and UK local and regional leaders meet in new contact group
16.11.2020
Local and regional leaders propose a tool for citizens' voice to be heard in the EU decision-making process
Local and regional leaders propose a tool for citizens' voice to be heard in the EU decision-making process
14.10.2020
Nicosia initiative: Developing a strategy for local administrators in Libya
Nicosia initiative: Developing a strategy for local administrators in Libya
29.09.2020
EU local and regional leaders call on local authorities in Belarus to help find a political solution to the crisis
EU local and regional leaders call on local authorities in Belarus to help find a political solution to the crisis
23.09.2020
European Committee of the Regions launches UK Contact Group
European Committee of the Regions launches UK Contact Group
22.09.2020
The European Week for Waste Reduction rewards its best actions implemented in 2019
The European Week for Waste Reduction rewards its best actions implemented in 2019
25.06.2020
COVID-19 crisis has made the need for the Conference on the Future of Europe even more pressing
COVID-19 crisis has made the need for the Conference on the Future of Europe even more pressing
25.06.2020
Crisis Situations are a Test for the Quality of Democracies
Crisis Situations are a Test for the Quality of Democracies
16.06.2020
ARLEM Award 2021: Today is the day!
ARLEM Award 2021: Today is the day!
15.06.2020
RegHub becomes part of the new Fit for Future Platform​
RegHub becomes part of the new Fit for Future Platform​
20.05.2020
COVID-19 in Selected Partner Countries
COVID-19 in Selected Partner Countries
18.05.2020
Follow-up of the last ARLEM Plenary: ENI CBC Med Programme launches a new call for proposals to finance capitalisation projects in the Mediterranean
Follow-up of the last ARLEM Plenary: ENI CBC Med Programme launches a new call for proposals to finance capitalisation projects in the Mediterranean
13.05.2020
Video Tele-Conference of two JCC Montenegro Co-Chairs
Video Tele-Conference of two JCC Montenegro Co-Chairs
11.05.2020
Local and regional leaders welcome EU decision to start accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania
Local and regional leaders welcome EU decision to start accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania
26.03.2020
Conference on the Future of Europe: Union's democratic foundations should be at the core of discussions with citizens
Conference on the Future of Europe: Union's democratic foundations should be at the core of discussions with citizens
27.02.2020
Mark Speich of North Rhine-Westphalia takes CIVEX chair
Mark Speich of North Rhine-Westphalia takes CIVEX chair
14.02.2020
Turkey and EU neighbours stress value of city-to-city collaboration
Turkey and EU neighbours stress value of city-to-city collaboration
13.12.2019
Regions and cities will be involved in the Conference on the Future of Europe
Regions and cities will be involved in the Conference on the Future of Europe
10.12.2019
Mariupol "has started to breathe", says mayor of war-affected Ukrainian city
Mariupol "has started to breathe", says mayor of war-affected Ukrainian city
15.11.2019
Pressure mounts to end 11 years without local election in Mostar
Pressure mounts to end 11 years without local election in Mostar
08.11.2019
Local and regional governments to be invited to Union of the Mediterranean summit
Local and regional governments to be invited to Union of the Mediterranean summit
18.10.2019
Regions and cities can make the EU's 'new way of working' better
Regions and cities can make the EU's 'new way of working' better
08.10.2019
CIVEX Commission Study visit "How to combat hate speech and disinformation – case studies"
CIVEX Commission Study visit "How to combat hate speech and disinformation – case studies"
06.09.2019
Galicia and Libyan cities explore cooperation in fisheries
Galicia and Libyan cities explore cooperation in fisheries
23.07.2019
Committee of the Regions delegation meets Israeli peers
Committee of the Regions delegation meets Israeli peers
11.07.2019
Sustainable development is a call to collective political action
Sustainable development is a call to collective political action
30.06.2019
European Committee of the Regions and Congress of the Council of Europe celebrate their 25th anniversary in Brussels on 27 June
European Committee of the Regions and Congress of the Council of Europe celebrate their 25th anniversary in Brussels on 27 June
11.06.2019
An Eastern Partnership Academy for Public Administration is needed
An Eastern Partnership Academy for Public Administration is needed
13.05.2019
Countering Disinformation on Local and Regional Level
Countering Disinformation on Local and Regional Level
01.04.2019
(Re)New EUrope: European Summit of Cities and Regions to take place in Bucharest on 14-15 March 2019
(Re)New EUrope: European Summit of Cities and Regions to take place in Bucharest on 14-15 March 2019
07.03.2019
Empowering youth and women’s entrepreneurship in the Euro-Mediterranean region
Empowering youth and women’s entrepreneurship in the Euro-Mediterranean region
28.02.2019
Europe Starts at Local Level - Challenges and Opportunities of Setting Up Networks of Europe Correspondents
Europe Starts at Local Level - Challenges and Opportunities of Setting Up Networks of Europe Correspondents
22.02.2019
Results of pilot partnerships with Ukraine praised
Results of pilot partnerships with Ukraine praised
18.02.2019
Delivering sustainable development around the world
Delivering sustainable development around the world
07.02.2019
Turkish authorities want deeper relationship with CoR
Turkish authorities want deeper relationship with CoR
13.12.2018
Deeper contact with citizens calls for fuller cooperation between levels of government in the EU
Deeper contact with citizens calls for fuller cooperation between levels of government in the EU
03.12.2018
Financial powers are major concern for Albanian local authorities
Financial powers are major concern for Albanian local authorities
30.11.2018
Information, communication and education are essential elements of European citizenship
Information, communication and education are essential elements of European citizenship
26.10.2018
Serbia's cities and regions are gearing up for EU membership, CoR hears
Serbia's cities and regions are gearing up for EU membership, CoR hears
26.10.2018
Montenegrin leaders highlight staffing and tourism challenges
Montenegrin leaders highlight staffing and tourism challenges
25.10.2018
EU law-making: European Commission proposes to strengthen role of regions and cities
EU law-making: European Commission proposes to strengthen role of regions and cities
24.10.2018
CORLEAP members join ministers at Eastern Partnership meeting
CORLEAP members join ministers at Eastern Partnership meeting
17.10.2018
Award launched for entrepreneurs from southern Mediterranean
Award launched for entrepreneurs from southern Mediterranean
17.10.2018
Partnerships with Ukrainian cities and regions showcase first results
Partnerships with Ukrainian cities and regions showcase first results
02.10.2018
Ideas for locally driven economic reform win support of Eastern Partnership mayors
Ideas for locally driven economic reform win support of Eastern Partnership mayors
01.10.2018
Ensuring security and preventing radicalisation, a key task of local communities
Ensuring security and preventing radicalisation, a key task of local communities
26.09.2018
Support for integration at local level must remain a key element of EU's migration policy
Support for integration at local level must remain a key element of EU's migration policy
21.09.2018
Talks in Skopje highlight challenges of decentralisation
Talks in Skopje highlight challenges of decentralisation
20.09.2018
The future of Europe and the role of regions
The future of Europe and the role of regions
31.07.2018
Queen of Spain learns about Libya initiative
Queen of Spain learns about Libya initiative
07.06.2018
Local impact of new-look Eastern Partnership brought into focus
Local impact of new-look Eastern Partnership brought into focus
01.06.2018
Subsidiarity Task Force: National and regional parliaments ask for being given more weight in EU decision-making
Subsidiarity Task Force: National and regional parliaments ask for being given more weight in EU decision-making
28.05.2018
Enlargement commissioner says local governments are "anchors of stability"
Enlargement commissioner says local governments are "anchors of stability"
14.05.2018
Cities and regions are investing more in international development, OECD says
Cities and regions are investing more in international development, OECD says
15.04.2018
State action helps integration
State action helps integration
12.04.2018
More local perspective, solidarity and direct dialogue: Report highlights citizens' expectations toward the EU
More local perspective, solidarity and direct dialogue: Report highlights citizens' expectations toward the EU
11.04.2018
Future of Europe: politicians and academics share view that more regional and local authorities' power must be reflected in the EU
Future of Europe: politicians and academics share view that more regional and local authorities' power must be reflected in the EU
10.04.2018
Irish experience put to use in Libya
Irish experience put to use in Libya
06.04.2018
Thursday 8 March 2018: EU Mayors' Conference on "Building Urban Defences Against Terrorism" in Brussels
Thursday 8 March 2018: EU Mayors' Conference on "Building Urban Defences Against Terrorism" in Brussels
27.02.2018
Future of Europe: cities and regions want a reinvented European Union based on solidarity, multi-level governance and proximity with the local and regional level
Future of Europe: cities and regions want a reinvented European Union based on solidarity, multi-level governance and proximity with the local and regional level
05.02.2018
European Committee of the Regions calls for "Erasmus for local and regional representatives"
European Committee of the Regions calls for "Erasmus for local and regional representatives"
30.01.2018
Montenegro's local authorities enter 2018 in upbeat mood
Montenegro's local authorities enter 2018 in upbeat mood
14.12.2017
2019 EU elections "going local": CoR joins forces with European Parliament as preparations get underway
2019 EU elections "going local": CoR joins forces with European Parliament as preparations get underway
28.11.2017
Future of Europe: cities and regions want to bring citizens closer to Europe and create renewed forms of EU solidarity
Future of Europe: cities and regions want to bring citizens closer to Europe and create renewed forms of EU solidarity
23.11.2017
Future of Europe: European Committee of the Regions to participate in EU Subsidiarity and Proportionality Task Force
Future of Europe: European Committee of the Regions to participate in EU Subsidiarity and Proportionality Task Force
14.11.2017
CoR Working Group for the Western Balkans met in East Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, on 24 October
CoR Working Group for the Western Balkans met in East Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, on 24 October
29.10.2017
Local leaders can 'catalyse' change for women
Local leaders can 'catalyse' change for women
26.10.2017
President Lambertz' Statement on the Commission's 2017 State of the European Union
President Lambertz' Statement on the Commission's 2017 State of the European Union
13.09.2017
The Future of the Eastern Partnership: Going Local
The Future of the Eastern Partnership: Going Local
12.09.2017
Large take-up for CoR's grassroots debates on the future of Europe
Large take-up for CoR's grassroots debates on the future of Europe
06.07.2017
Task-force calls for capacity-building support for local authorities in Ukraine
Task-force calls for capacity-building support for local authorities in Ukraine
03.07.2017
EU needs to offer mayors 'answers' to migration
EU needs to offer mayors 'answers' to migration
21.06.2017
Italian region helps Libya's fishermen
Italian region helps Libya's fishermen
19.06.2017
ARLEM given role in new Mediterranean Urban Agenda
ARLEM given role in new Mediterranean Urban Agenda
23.05.2017
Mayors for Economic Growth
Mayors for Economic Growth
09.04.2017
UN's development agenda requires 'local leadership'
UN's development agenda requires 'local leadership'
09.04.2017
Reflecting on the future of Europe: consultation at the grassroots level is as crucial as the final outcome
Reflecting on the future of Europe: consultation at the grassroots level is as crucial as the final outcome
06.04.2017
Opening of a Local Democracy Agency in Cimişlia
Opening of a Local Democracy Agency in Cimişlia
09.03.2017
Stark assessment of corruption within Europe's local and regional administrations
Stark assessment of corruption within Europe's local and regional administrations
05.03.2017
SMN consultation on "Clean Energy for all Europeans Package"
SMN consultation on "Clean Energy for all Europeans Package"
27.02.2017
Citizens' dialogue, Podkarpackie Region: Reflecting on the future of Europe
Citizens' dialogue, Podkarpackie Region: Reflecting on the future of Europe
06.02.2017
Brexit: EU and UK local governments cooperate to assess impact on towns, cities and regions
Brexit: EU and UK local governments cooperate to assess impact on towns, cities and regions
30.01.2017

 Previous Meetings

 Next Meetings

Head of Unit: Bert Kuby

EU Who is Who

CoR organigramme​


  • Preventing corruption at local and regional level in South Mediterranean countries
    Publication date: 11.12.2018
    Theme: Public administration, Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly)
    Author: Clara Volintiru, PhD (Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies - ASE) and Jose Javier Olivas Osuna, PhD (The London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE).
    Available languages:

  • Restoring - lost connections - between the EU and the UK as a consequence of Brexit through local and regional authorities
    Publication date: 07.09.2021
    Theme: Climate change policy, Research and innovation, Tourism, Energy efficiency, Citizenship
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), cor-uk
    Author: Machteld Bergstra, Jan Hagemejer, Kateryna Karunska (CASE)
    Available languages:

  • Service sector re-orientation- transferring skills from the tourism sector
    Publication date: 02.09.2021
    Theme: Tourism
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly)
    Author: Robert Lanquar, Aleksandra Teliszewska, Katarzyna Sidło
    Available languages:

  • Territorial impact of migration on frontline regions and cities on the EU shores of the Mediterranean
    Publication date: 30.08.2021
    Theme: Migration, asylum and integration of migrants, Demographic change, Social protection
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs)
    Author: Aleksandra Chmielewska, Virginia Dicuonzo, Olimpia Dragouni, Agnieszka Kulesa, Katarzyna Sidło (CASE)
    Available languages:

  • Developing a Decentralisation Index for the Committee of the Regions Division of Powers Portal
    Publication date: 23.08.2021
    Theme: Long-term strategy for investment, growth and jobs (renewed Europe 2020), Financial markets, European semester / Economic Governance
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs)
    Author: Camille Borrett, Mariya Gancheva, Tugce Tugran, Tony Zamparutti (Milieu Consulting S.r.l.)
    Available languages:

  • Digitalisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Mediterranean
    Publication date: 16.09.2020
    Theme: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, Digital policy and connectivity, Entrepreneurship
    Keywords: ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly), CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs)
    Author: Katarzyna W. Sidło, Kateryna Karunska, Claudio Salmeri, Stanislav Bieliei (CASE) and Roger Albinyana (IEMed)
    Available languages:

  • Agriculture and food security in climate sensitive areas in the Mediterranean
    Publication date: 16.09.2020
    Theme: Agriculture, Water policy, Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
    Keywords: ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly), CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs)
    Author: Karolina Zubel (CASE) and Antoine Apprioual (IEMed)
    Available languages:

  • Integration of migrants in middle and small cities and in rural areas in Europe
    Publication date: 22.04.2020
    Theme: Migration, asylum and integration of migrants
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), Integration Initiative
    Author: Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci (British Institute of International and Comparative Law)
    Available languages:

  • The contribution of local and regional authorities to regional integration in the Mediterranean
    Publication date: 10.10.2019
    Theme: Multi-level governance and devolution, Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly)
    Author: Aleksandra Chmielewska, Emmanuel Cohen-Hadria, Krzysztof Głowacki, Agnieszka Kulesa, Justine Renard and Katarzyna Sidło (CASE)
    Available languages:

  • Contribution of local and regional authorities to the development of the blue economy in the Mediterranean
    Publication date: 09.10.2019
    Theme: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, Fisheries and maritime affairs, Tourism
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly)
    Author: Roger Albinyana, Krzysztof Głowacki, Maria Krell, Anna Malinowska, Daniel Ruiz-Giménez, Katarzyna Sidło, Karolina Zubel (CASE)
    Available languages:

  • Capacity building of local and regional public administration in Eastern Partnership countries
    Publication date: 23.05.2019
    Theme: Eastern Partnership and Russia, Multi-level governance and devolution
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), CORLEAP (Conference of the Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership)
    Author: Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE) - Szymon Ananicz, Dzmitry Babicki, Stanislav Bieliei, Krzysztof Głowacki, Justine Renard, Nino Sichinava, Katarzyna Sidło, Małgorzata Zawadzka
    Available languages:

  • Youth Entrepreneurship in Mediterranean Partner Countries
    Publication date: 21.12.2018
    Theme: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
    Keywords: CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs), ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly)
    Author: LSE Enterprise Limited
    Available languages:

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