Prodi: CoR’s impact in decision-making needs strengthening

Date: 20/02/03

By Martin Banks

COMMISSION President Romano Prodi has called for the Committee of the Regions to have more impact in EU decision-making.

Speaking at the CoR's latest two-day plenary meeting on 13 February, Prodi said the institution needed to work on improving its visibility.

His comments follow a debate within the Convention on the future of Europe, where there was a strong consensus to give regions and cities a more distinct role in shaping EU legislation.

Prodi said he shared that view: "We need to look at ways of strengthening its [the CoR's] role and I would like to see it have a bigger impact in the EU decision-making process." However, he did not spell out whether that meant changing the institution's existing powers.

At present, the CoR is limited to acting in only an advisory capacity, though it must be consulted in five policy areas - economic and social cohesion; trans-European networks for transport, telecommunications and energy; public health; education, vocational training and youth; and culture.

Neither the Commission, Parliament nor Council is obliged to take its advice, even though 75% of EU legislation is put into effect at local and regional level.

Last week's plenary, one of five the CoR holds per year, was attended for the first time by mayors from each of the ten countries set to join the EU next year. The forum called on the Convention to emphasise the importance of urban policy and development when it draws up the constitutional treaty in the summer.

CoR President Sir Albert Bore said it was crucial that "high politics" should not be allowed to derail the debate within the Convention.

"The towns and regions of Europe are fundamental actors in building cohesion and democracy in our reunited continent.

"It is essential that their role is appropriately recognised," he added.

European Commission President Romano Prodi has called for the Committee of the Regions to have more impact in EU decision-making.