Decentralization and cross-border co-operation 'key for a successful Eastern Partnership'

The members of CORLEAP focused their discussion on the role of decentralization and territorial cooperation, seen as key for a successful implementation of the Agreements and for economic, political and social development. Local and regional authorities, the level closest to the citizens, are drivers of the reforms and can contribute substantially to the successful implementation of the Eastern partnership if they are provided with the legal powers and financial resources needed. Michel Lebrun outlined: “We need decentralization reforms and more cross-border co-operation. This can lead to greater legitimacy of policies on the local level and provide concrete solutions to problems for people living on both sides of a frontier.”

In the lead up to the EaP summit in Riga in May 2015, CORLEAP adopted its recommendations to the heads of state and government. The set of recommendations call for:

• Political, financial and technical support for all EaP countries with a differentiated approach to those who signed an Association Agreement;

• autonomy and self-government and the implementation of decentralization reforms;

• an increased role for local and regional authorities in the Eastern Partnership policies and strategies;

• EU support to facilitate the exchange of best practice regarding capacity building and institutional efficiency, cross border co-operation and the decentralization process, and;
• programmes for local and regional authorities to provide support for their needs in the context of goals and objectives of the Eastern Partnership.

During the meeting Emin Yeritsyan, president of the Union of Communities of Armenia and counsellor in the community of Parakar was nominated new CORLEAP co–chair representing the EaP countries.

The meeting was followed by a conference dealing with funding opportunities as a key element for an effective EaP giving an overview of successful projects.