European Committee of the Regions and National Conference of State
Legislatures unite to strengthen subnational governments' role in the
transatlantic agenda
The
European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the National Conference of State
Legislatures (NCSL) today marked their commitment to bolstering cooperation
between subnational authorities in the European Union and the United States of
America in the context of the Transatlantic Agenda.
In a joint letter of intent, signed by Presidents Vasco Alves Cordeiro of the CoR and Robin Vos of the NCSL, both Presidents signalled the commitment of their organizations to collaborate on various fronts, fostering democratic principles, sustainable development, and fruitful exchanges for the benefit of their members and the communities they represent.
President Cordeiro stated: "The CoR and NCSL are well aware of the unique position of state and regional legislators in understanding and addressing local and global challenges. Our members contribute daily to tackling some of the key issues of our time: from promoting sustainable development, to helping our communities achieve the digital and green transitions and providing support for local democracy. By joining forces, we believe the CoR and NCSL will not only be able to address key issues affecting our respective communities, but also to contribute to the transatlantic partnership between the EU and the USA."
President Vos said: As President of NCSL, I am honored to have taken the first steps in formalizing the relationship between NCSL and CoR today. Both bodies share a commitment to elevating the role of subnational authorities in our respective systems and strengthening the democratic institutions which serve as the foundations of our societies. President Cordeiro and I believe that this work can be enhanced through global partnership and collaboration, and we are confident that this relationship will have a meaningful impact for both NCSL and CoR, it's members, and the citizens that both serve.
The letter of intent was signed on the margins of the 2023 NCSL Summit and sets out three main areas of collaboration:
1. Protecting democracy: Recognizing the crucial importance of upholding democratic values and institutions, the CoR and NCSL intend to collaborate on initiatives that strengthen democratic governance, promote civic participation, and safeguard the rule of law. By sharing best practices and conducting joint research projects, both organizations seek to preserve and enhance democratic systems at all levels.
2. Enhancing Sustainable Development: As key stakeholders in their respective states, regions and municipalities, the CoR and NCSL have a shared interest in fostering sustainable growth, trade, and investment. By discussing how subnational authorities in the EU and USA can foster economic and commercial relations, the CoR and NCSL aim to contribute to the overall transatlantic relationship, unlock new opportunities, and support the creation of an environment conducive to sustainable growth and development.
3. Expansion of Exchanges: Recognizing the value of knowledge sharing, cultural understanding, and cooperation between the organisations, its members, and staff, the CoR and NCSL propose enhancing their exchange programs and creating new avenues for collaboration in areas such as : economic development, environment and enhancing the role of subnational democratic bodies. They will also look for synergies in our respective cooperation schemes with local and regional authorities from third countries, such as Ukraine. These exchanges can include the promotion of study visits, joint training programs, and organizing conferences and seminars to share experiences and expertise. By promoting people-to-people contacts and fostering understanding, the CoR and NCSL can forge stronger ties and build lasting partnerships.
Presidents Vasco Alves Cordeiro and Robin Vos expressed their confidence in the ability of their organizations to achieve momentous milestones and set new benchmarks in protecting democracy, enhancing human and economic relations, and improving exchanges between their states, regions, and cities.
The European Committee of the Regions is the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives, representing local and regional governments across the European Union.
The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization providing support and services to state legislatures across the United States, promoting meaningful dialogue among legislators and seeking solutions to the challenges facing states.
For more information, please contact:
European Committee of the Regions:
Hannah Cornelsen
Tel. +32 2 282 2502
hannah.cornelsen@cor.europa.eu