Europe 2020: competitiveness, co-operation and cohesion for all regions - OPEN DAYS 2010 - Kreis Lippe
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Europe 2020:
competitiveness,
co-operation and cohesion
for all regions
LOCAL INTERMEDIATE AUTHORITIES
ACTING FOR EUROPE
OPEN DAYS 2010
www.cepli.eu
Interview
CEPLI: Recent History
of European Integration Giuseppe Castiglione
In spite of its youth, we have just celebrated the diate Authorities are efficiently managing large Today, after the celebration of its 3th anual Po- President of the Union of Italian Provinces, president of the Province of Catania (Italy), mem-
8th edition, the “European Week of the cities amounts of European funding but at that time litical Council in Berlin, CEPLI has turned into a ber of the Committee of Regions’ Bureau and President of the European Confederation of
and regions - Open Days” has already become they were neither participating in the determi- first level actor on the European stage. CEPLI is Local Intermediate Authorities (CEPLI).
a part of the history of European integration. nation nor in the evaluation of the distribution of the legitimate representative of the Local Inter-
those funds. Not only were they ignored on the mediate Authorities of ten EU countries and the The role of the Provinces for revival econo- in Innovation and Research and Sustainable
It was on occasion of the fourth edition in 2007, institutional floor but also their value was ques- two international associations Arc Latin and Par- mic and development of the Country. Cas- Development and Energy, and this revitali-
when a group of 6 Local Intermediate Authori- tioned. It was necessary to take action. tenalia. A bridge between the European Union tiglione: “In synergy with the BEI to give an zes the synergy with the BEI by setting the
ties of the EU lead by the Assembly of French and its territories, CEPLI represents the adminis- answer to the crisis”. calculation of new financial instruments in
Departments (ADF): Diputación de Badajoz (ES), Lead by the ADF and with the Open Days as trations that are closest to the citizens - a step next future.
Diputación de Cáceres (ES), Conseil général de a platform, the national Associations of Lo- forward to a more representative and democra- “The economic crisis, that has cut strongly
l’Eure (FR), Conseil général de l’Hérault (FR) and cal Intermediate Authorities reacted and in tic Europe where Local Intermediate Authorities the budgets of the Provinces, and the Sta- Therefore, EU 2020 makes it clear that exis-
the Province de Liège (BE), coincided that so- 2008 the European Confederation of Local have a voice and are taken into due account. bility Pacts’ constraints, which prevent even ting financial instruments will be reviewed
mething was missing in the decision-making pro- Intermediate Authorities (CEPLI) was funded spend available resources, require us to find in order to promote innovation, research
innovative solutions to give answers to our and sustainable development at European
cess of the European Union. The Local Interme- in Avignon (France). www.cepli.eu
communities, and to sustain the recovery of level. The review will operate both in terms
the Country with local investments. of investment rate and thematic priorities
on the basis of new 2020 goals.
The European Investment Bank, to give an
example, is an institution that offers amazing In order to achieve these goals, European
opportunities to the local authorities, and it local and regional authorities play an acti-
allows us to react to the crisis, without ha- ve role in the promotion of actions in the
ving to resort to these creative financial ins- Province’s field of competence, like envi-
truments, such as derivatives, whose drama- ronment, territory, employment policies,
tic effects are now clear. Moreover, BEI funds and energy in the context of European and
programs on areas that are a priority for the international territorial cooperation. Fina-
provinces: I refer to the road and school in- lly, innovation in Public Administration is
frastructures, to new energy sources, or to still one of the most important challenges
sustainable development. we have to deal with and the idea that we
are launching it is an Erasmus for young offi-
Presently, all these issues are for our ad- cers of Public Administration.
ministrations the core of regional develo-
pments policies. But the same European
strategy, EU 2020, asks us to rethink our
policies to overcome the crisis by investing www.upinet.it
II Political Council of CEPLI - Budapest 2009
Participants to the debates
On the occasion of the 8th European Week of Regions and Cities, the European Confederation of Local Intermediate Authorities (CEPLI) has
organized a series of 6 debates which have involved a large consortia of 25 European Local Intermediate Authorities. Complex and innovative
topics have been discussed, showing the commitment and also the importance of the involvement of local intermediate authorities in the
current top issues of the European Union.
The 6 debates took place in the emblematic Bi- - Greek Prefecture: Prefecture of Kastoria. palities. They share many similar competen-
blioteque Solvay in the heart of the European cies, working departments, projects and, above
- Hungary County Council: Borsod-Abaúj-Zem-
Quarter of Brussels. During three days, the Bi- all, the same objective of service close to the
plén County Council.
bliotheque Solvay became the House of the Eu- citizens and European spirit.
ropean Local Intermediate Authorities. - Italian Provinces: Provincia di Alessandria,
Province of Catania, Province of Campobasso, Together with CEPLI, other national and interna-
These were the participants by country:
Province of Isernia, Province of La Spezia, Pro- tional associations of Local Intermediate Autho-
- Belgium Provinces: Province of Liège, Provin- vince of Turin, rities have co-organized the debates:
ce of Limburg, Province of Namur, Province of 5 October 6 October 7 October
- Luxembourg Province: Province of Luxembourg. - Assembly of French Departments (ADF).
Vlaams-Brabant.
Theme: Local Intermediate Authorities - Theme: Local Intermediate Authorities - Dri- Theme: Local Intermediate Authorities - Key
- Romania Judet: Judet of Prahova. - Association of Walonian Provinces (APW).
- French Conseil General: Conseil Général de Mobilising Competitive Territories ving Territorial Cooperation Actors for Cohesion
Côtes d’Armor, Conseil Général of Deux-Sèvres, - Spanish Diputaciones: Diputación de Bada- - International Association PARTENALIA.
Conseil Général of Eure, Conseil Général des joz, Diputación de Cáceres, Diputación de Debate 1: Territorial planning as a competiti- Debate 3: Interterritorial cooperation, the Debate 5: Innovative policies for territorial
- National Union of County Councils of Romania
Hautes-Pyrénées, Conseil Général du Nord. Castellón. veness strategy. path to EU. cohesion.
(UNCJR).
- German Kreis: Kreis Dahme-Spreewald, Kreis These 25 authorities have different denomina-
- German County Association (DLT). Debate 2: Innovative policies essential for Debate 4: Partnership mapping a new Europe. Debate 6: Leading change through Social In-
Hohenlohe-Odenwald-Tauber, Kreis Lippe, Kreis tions but the same intermediate character; they
sustainable growth. clusion.
Steinfurt. are situated between the regions and munici- - Union of Italian Provinces (UPI).
2 3
OPEN DAYS 2010
5 October 2010, 11:15-13:00
Partnership: Local Intermediate Authorities
The debate was opened to questions from
ties. This, he concluded, was very much a si-
‘New technologies’ tuation that he did not want to see repeated.
the floor, an audience member asked the
panel for their thoughts on ‘town-planning
Mr. Fiasella, President of the Province of La
Mobilising Competitive Territories.
tools’ – did they exist, and were they being
Spezia, was next to speak, and he described Chairman Ades interjected, stressing that,
used correctly? President Destans affirmed
his territory as having favorable living con- while he agreed with Mr. Fiasella, citizens
the existence of ‘town-planning tools’, but
ditions, and held an important geographical nevertheless had to be assisted to return to
Territorial planning as a competitiveness strategy
explained that their true benefits would be-
position. Historically, the Gulf of La Spezia, such territories. Mr. Destans also intervened,
come apparent only during the course of the
between Genoa and Tuscany, ha held a stra- stressing that whatever political decisions
next 10-15 years, which was again an exam-
tegic role from a military point of view, as a were taken, the geographical location of his
ple of the difficulties involved in reconciling
Mediterranean Sea terminal. With the crisis own province, between Paris and the coast,
long-term aims and immediate expectations,
Chair: Didier Ades in state-owned industries and economy, the was in fact far away from highly developed
while President Fiasella explained that a
province has had to consider its own deve- metropolises, and that this had led to a so-
Speakers: Jean Louis Destans, President of “shared diagnosis” between territories was
lopment model, and from this has emerged mewhat unbalanced dimension.
the County Council of Eure, France, Mari- very import concerning maintaining the sus-
the true role of the provinces and all the in-
no Fiasella, President of the Province of La tainability of farming territory.
termediary bodies: to guard the territory, to
Spezia, Italy, Marco D’Acri, councillor for in-
limit the abandonment of rural areas and to
ternational relations for the Province of Tu- In conclusion, Chairman Ades said he felt
provide services and accessibility.
rin, Italy (replacing Ida Vana) and Luigi Maz- sure that the tools put in place in the pane-
zuto, President of the Province of Isernia. lists’ provinces were an excellent example of
the way forward. He added that it seemed
clear to him that territorial cohesion must
With competitiveness and innovation the key indeed be seen as an integrated part of the
factors to enhance the new Lisbon Strategy, cohesion process since it deals with the te-
bearing in mind the 2020 objectives that will rritorial dimension of social and economic
be set up in the near future, at a local level, te- cohesion.
rritorial planning is a well-known tool that has
proven to provide real indicators regarding
these key elements. In that perspective, Local
Intermediate Authorities (LIAs), placed in bet-
ween the territorial and municipal level, have
a central position and competences regarding
these issues, amongst which territorial plan-
ning. The debate focus on putting together
local stakeholders with European experts in
order to shape a new bottom-up approach to
tackle local competitiveness by confronting
the current European approach with the real
local needs.
Marco D’Acri, councillor for international
Chairman Ades first stressed the importance relations for the Province of Turin, Italy
of involving inhabitants in creating a positi-
ve image for territories – to accentuate the
Stressing the situation in the south of Italy,
proud histories of provinces, and to create a
Mr. Mazzuto, President of the Province of
sense of anticipation for the future.
Isernia acknowledged that there were in-
deed provinces and provinces that had been
‘Social fabric’ largely abandoned in his country, and asked
how these areas could be encouraged once
To open proceedings, Marco D’Acri explained
again to play their part on the international
that it was important during a period of elec-
scene? After all, he added, if citizens were
tions to consider his own province, Turin, as From left to right: Marino Fiasella, Jean Louis Destans, Marco D’Acri and Didier Ades Marino Fiasella, President
deciding to leave rural areas, it was obviously
being an example of just how important it of the Province of La Spezia, Italy
because they felt that there would be a bet-
was to keep the transformation of territorial
ter quality of life in cities. For this reason, it
needs as being sustainable, and that environ- This is what happened, Mr. Fiasella said, to
was very important to pay attention to the
mental objectives needed to be achieved in EU policies and building cooperation with the intermediate authorities’ power for territo- the Province of La Spezia, who is trying to re-
smaller provinces, he said, and to ensure
the overarching goal of creating a single terri- local authorities and collective stakeholders rial planning. The local intermediate authori- concile the creation of a sustainable tourism
that the citizens living in these territories
torial plan. The social fabric of all territories in other member states. ties’ role is however essential to correct this model based on the recovery of traditional
were responsible for the supply chain.
needed to be taken into account, he added, polarization’s trend and play the role of an agricultural products and the development
and that it was vital to invest in vocational Jean Louis Destans took the wider perspecti- equilibrium local authority. of a widespread receptivity, with an im-
training for the youth. Mr D’Acri said that The ve, highlighting the recent meeting between portant economic sector, linked to the sea,
Province of Turin is one of Italy’s 110 Provin- Chinese and EU authorities, and that this His own Department of Eure in France, he based in particular on harbour and boating
‘Longer-term vision’
ces, which represents an intermediate level was a positive, noteworthy development. In said, was only-too familiar with the problems activities. President Destans returned to the positive
of government between municipalities and trying to define the 2020 Strategy, he explai- being faced, and that it was very important developments that were occurring in Eure, Jean Louis Destans, President of
territories. The Province, lying in the north- ned, competitiveness was vital, and how this to avoid ‘no-man’s land’ areas, as some 80 Having previously been an industrial pro- citing the negotiations under way on a high- the County Council of Eure, France
west of the Italian peninsula on the border could be used in the fight against poverty. per cent of the population lived in urban co- vince, Mr. Fiasella acknowledged that the speed train link from Rouen to Eure, the
with the south-east of France, is the Province Destans stressed that the topic of territorial nurbations and the remaining 20 per cent situation had changed, and that new tech- creation of a world-leading pharmaceutical The regional level, he said, offered greater
in Italy with the highest number of munici- planning must be placed in the context of a lived elsewhere. The ever-increasing popula- nologies were the way forward, to develop a centre, and that the involvement of all muni- opportunities for spatial coherence when
palities, is one of the largest in terms of size, general movement towards metropolisation rity of city dwelling, he argued, meant that multi-faceted economy and, like the previous cipalities in fruitful co-operation and spatial planning infrastructure and development
has one of the largest populations and has a resulting of a concentration of economic ac- the problems of territorial cohesion had not speaker, highlighted the importance of activi- planning were “absolutely vital”, along with schemes and it can also secure more balan-
demographic density almost double than the tivities and population in some major cities been addressed at a political level, because ties to encourage competitiveness, to avoid encouraging innovation, territorial co-ordi- ced rural-urban partnership and rural deve-
Italian average. The Province of Turin, D’Acri which also tend to become places of referen- economic problems held sway – employ- the situation that had recently occurred in nation. It was difficult, he added, to develop lopment – and competitiveness was key to
argued, plays a role in the social and econo- ce for socialization. This metropolisation mo- ment, quality of life, provision of services Greece, namely where certain previously in- coherence between long-term aims and im- this approach.
mic integration of the European Union, ba- vement generates the emergence of a new and childcare were obviously very important habited territories had been left completely mediate expectations, and that longer-term
sing its actions on the principles contained in metropolitan power that competes with local in Eure, he concluded. abandoned in the rush to develop the big ci- vision was required. More info: www.eustat.es
4 5
OPEN DAYS 2010
5 October 2010, 14,30-17:00
Innovative policies essential make the difference, Mr. Pire argued, and pu-
blic investment should prioritize longer-term
impacts on productivity growth and combi-
for sustainable growth
ne measures in an “integrated way”, which
would mean an important role for regional
policies in shaping growth and economic re-
covery policies and challenging policy makers
to implement policy reforms.
‘Growth and development’
Giuseppe Castiglione, President of the Union
of Italian Provinces, President of the Provin-
ce of Catania, Italy, and new President of the
CEPLI, said that he felt a sustainable growth
rate – a growth rate that allows the economy
to expand without compromising the equili-
brium of the natural system – was one of the
most important and stimulating challenges
facing local authorities. As growth and deve-
lopment must be fitted into a sustainability
framework, a society that follows this pro-
cess of economic development would obtain
an increase in per capita income, quality of
the environment, and general social well-
being, advances in education, health, and
quality of life and growth of self-esteem and
self-respect. The more a province is develo-
ped, Mr. Castiglione said, the greater and the
deeper are components of its welfare.
Mr. Castiglione took the opportunity to ex-
plain to the audience the projects that the
Union of Italian Provinces (UPI) is implemen-
ting on a national level in the field of sustai-
nable energy, the goal of which is the ela-
boration of renewable energy development
plans by local administrations, which aims to
achieve, by energy-saving policies, the ob-
jectives of the European climate and energy
package, 20-20-20.
From left to right: Friedel Heuwinkel, Eric Gautier, Rolf Fater, Giuseppe Castiglione, Georges Pire and Adwin Martens
Mr. Castiglione also stressed that the Euro-
pean Commission had noted that it is impos-
In this context of the fact that sustainable re is a real need to create and establishing sible to achieve the development objectives Giuseppe Castiglione, President of the Union of Italian Provinces
growth is a crucial issue for agencies respon- innovative policies in order to achieve sus- set without the support and the full involve- and President of the Province of Catania
sible for local development, this debate made tainable growth without compromising local ment of local intermediate authorities. So,
efforts to focus on pointing out recent local economic development. on 17 May, UPI signed the agreement with
innovative policies to provide a new pathway the European Commission that will act as a
which leads to strengthening local growth. Opening on this point was Georges Pire, res- support structure for all the Italian provinces
ponsible for the Province of Liège’s external in their path towards sustainability. The Co-
Chairman Rolf Fater was joined by Giuseppe relations, who told the panel that he felt sus- venant of Mayors is a new governance model
Castiglione, President of the Union of Italian tainable development was the best policy that assigns an essential role to the provin-
Provinces, President of the Province of Catania, for growth. His province, he explained, was ces - the results are good so far, with already
Italy, and new President of the CEPLI; Eric Gau- home to around 200,000 citizens, and was more than 622 municipalities and 36 support
tier, President of the County Council of Deux- at the ‘crossroads of the EU’, but was already structures signing up. Another notable suc-
Sèvres, France; Friedel Heuwinkel, Kreis Lippe: benefiting hugely from ‘car sharing’ and cess has been the ‘C@ntieri’ project, develo-
Landra-county president, Germany; Adwin other environmental schemes. ped in 2009 by UPI, which had received a €12
Martens, Director of Waterstof Net, Hydrogen million budget for 2010.
Region Flanders-South Netherlands, Province ‘Assets and synergies’
of Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium and Georges Pire, However, he added that that fact that some
‘Local development’
Vice-President of the Province of Liège, Belgium. territories grow faster than others, and in Eric Gautier, President of the County Coun-
ways that do not always conform to economic cil of Deux-Sèvres, France, argued that the
Taking as the foundation that sustainable theory, was a central issue in today’s econo- world-wide financial crisis had created a dire
development is now perceived as a trans- mic climate, when policymakers were looking need for companies to remain competitive,
versal approach, a ‘must-have’ in new deve- for ways to stimulate new and sustainable and that this made it more difficult to have in-
lopment projects and regarding the actual growth. He said he believed that provinces novative policies to create sustainable growth,
debate concerning how Europe may change and regions grow in widely varying ways, and as this was not always business’s number-one
in the decades to come, sustainable develo- that the simple concentration of resources in priority. As far as Deux-Sèvres was concerned,
pment is an important part of how policies a place is not sufficient for long-term sustai- the Department included many communes,
are conceived and planned, and it is for this Rolf Fater Rolf Fater, nable growth. Regional and Provincial assets and it was important not to invest in dispro-
reason, according to stakeholders, that the- Chairman of the debate should be used and synergies exploited to portionate projects, with energy and ecologi- Adwin Martens, Director of Waterstof Net,Hydrogen Region Flanders-South Netherlands,
Province of Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
6 7
OPEN DAYS 2010
5 October 2010, 14,30-17:00 Interview
Paul-Emile Mottard
President of the Association of Walloon provinces (Belgium), founding member and Premier Vice-President of the European Confederation of
intermediate Local Authorities (CEPLI).
The Open Days 2010 occuring during
the Belgian Presidency of the European
Union, he has been asked to answer a few
questions about the role of intermediate
local authorities in the European cons-
truction.
The Open Days 2010 occured in Brussels
during the belgian Presidency of the UE.
What is the implication of your local
intermediate authority, the provinces, to
the presidency?
In Belgium, the organization of the Presi-
dency of the European Union is assumed
by the federal state and federal entities, the
Communities and Regions. Local authorities
are not much involved in the work of the
Presidency.
Despite this, the period of the Belgian
Presidency of the EU is an opportunity to
bring a unique perspective on the activities
Georges Pire, Vice-President Friedel Heuwinkel, Kreis Lippe, Eric Gautier, President of the County of the provinces, that play an important
of the Province of Liège, Belgium Landrat-county president, Germany Council of Deux-Sèvres, France role in the implementation of European
policies.
cal projects offering a good chance for local that Europe strongly supported the impor- conviction of being an international front-
How, specifically, the provinces and
development using local suppliers, by setting tance of hydrogen, and it was for this reason runner in environmental policy involved five
intermediate local authorities in general
up short-cuts between production, transfor- that the Joint Undertaking on Fuel Cells and core strategy categories, namely horizontal
can contribute to these European policies?
mation and consumption, which was a favora- Hydrogen (JU-FCH) had been recently laun- and vertical integration, participation, im-
ble vision of economic development. ched, with the purpose of bringing together plementation mechanism, monitoring and The provinces are already involved in many
the efforts of European industry, and that evaluation and that cleaner production in European projects in very diverse business
Very specifically, these actions may involve This is one of the essential roles of the Eu-
the region of Flanders-Southern Netherlands industry, climate protection, adaptation to sectors: the economy, health, sustainable
‘Power for the future’ had the potential to grow into a trend-setting climate change, energy efficiency and CO2 development, culture, society ... Their main
the inclusion of underprivileged people on ropean Confederation of intermediate Local
the job market, the organization of a net- Authorities, CEPLI, which already through se-
Adwin Martens, Director of WaterstofNet hydrogen region within Europe, because the reduction, material and resource efficiency, feature is the proximity with the ground
work of 21 schools or health care across bor- minars and workshops during the Open Days.
made a short introduction describing the pro- region is home to a number of important and sustainable resource management, sustaina- realities and the ability to give substance to
ders, even the development of fuel to the This type of action should be strengthened
vince of Vlaams-Brabant, a prosperous Bel- promising players and markets for hydrogen. ble land-use management, water technolo- the European policy for its citizens.
hydrogen for cars and public transport. The to bring our expertise to the implementa-
gian province, situated in the heart of Europe. The aim of the project was to develop the gies and water resources management and
examples are countless but not sufficiently tion of European policies.
The provincial government works towards region of Flanders-Southern Netherlands as innovations in the service sector that are re- We often hear the thoughts of Communes,
highlighted.
maintaining and expanding its prosperity. a knowledge-intensive region in the field of lated to sustainability and sustainability stra- companies and citizens who deplore the te-
Education in Flemish Brabant enjoys an outs- hydrogen applications, making use of sustai- tegies, policy-making, business and society chnocratic character of Europe. The provin-
Do you feel that the EU communicates
tanding reputation and knowledge is another nably produced hydrogen. The development were the key factors that drove his region’s ces are the best relay for EU to transpose
enough about these “success stories”?
major strength of this territory. This, along of hydrogen infrastructure was already under search for sustainability. decisions into action and European policies
with many other advantages, makes Flemish way, he said, with two re-locatable hydrogen tailored to the needs and specificities of Eu- That is the paradox. We lead daily policies
Brabant an economic top region. The Flemish fuel stations, the demonstration of early- Chairman Fater, in conclusion, said that he ropean territories. that give meaning to the model of Euro-
Brabant economy is particularly strong in the market applications relevant for the region felt sure that the debate had shown that in- pean development, the policy of social,
field of knowledge-based economy, trade and (logistics, maritime, public transport) as well novation was the key to getting Europe out The workshops organized by the CEPLI du- economic and territorial cohesion, but at
services. But also rural development, local as an interactive educational programme. of the economic doldrums and back on the ring the Open Days 2010 have demons- the same time the national and European
tourism and the preserving of its cultural heri- road to sustainable growth. Agencies respon- trated the wide range of actions by local authorities do not see enough interest they
tage are important topics for this region. sible for local development should obviously authorities at the intermediate level and have partner with us. Collaboration should
Key sustainability factors bear this in mind, he added, as it was also at their ability to develop innovative projects be strengthened and we must, for our part,
Secondly Mr. Martens, spoke of his vision of Friedel Heuwinkel, President of Regional Dis- the heart of both the Europe 2020 and Euro- that mobilize and very practical and involve better connect these projects we are imple-
a clean energy supply of the future, and said trict Lippe, said that Lippe’s (like Germany’s) pean Commission’s own innovation strategy. all local stakeholders. menting. www.apw.be
8 9
OPEN DAYS 2010
6 October 2010, 11,15-13:00
Partnership: Local Intermediate Authorities - centric urban centres in which competent
higher authorities were in place – this, he
said, was highly complex as a model, and
Driving Territorial Cooperation that it would require a lot of work in the fu-
ture. Euregio Meuse-Rhine, he explained,
had set itself the goal of accelerating and
deepening co-operation in order to increase
the quality of life of its citizens, and it was for
this reason that a structural reform to enable
new ways of co-operating had been initiated.
Co-operation could be enjoyed in numerous
areas, Niessen added – from economic deve-
lopment (sustainable growth and full emplo-
yment), knowledge institutions, the labour
market and education, health care, mobility
and infrastructure, culture and tourism and
security.
‘Clarification required’
Sebastian Damm, the Managing Director of
Bioenergie-Region in Hohenlohe-Odenwald-
Tauber, said that his region was very much
trying to promote the role of local authori-
ties, as it was important that energy imports
were reduced, as energy costs were far too
high – investment in renewable energies was
very much required as part of interterritorial
co-operation. Thus, a very clear environmen-
tal concept was being defined, and many
companies from across the territories were
involved. Mr. Damm added that, as far as the
development of cross border and inter-terri-
torial cooperation by local authorities and
regions in Europe was concerned, the past Angelo Cristofaro Councilor for European
two decades had witnessed major growth Policies for the Province of Campobasso, Italy
in such cooperation as well as an increase
in the diversity of forms of co-operation.
However, he further added, there was not
yet a systematic overview of different types
of co-operation and how they are best used
in practice. Clarification, in both conceptual
and empirical terms was required, he said, of
the process of proliferation of cross border
and inter-territorial cooperation by munici-
palities, LIAs and regions in Europe.
Angelo Cristofaro, councilor for European
policies of Campobasso, explained that his
Province was a very ‘green’ territory – local
authorities, he felt, had a very significant
role to play in terms of combating climate
change, and that his Province had found, for
From left to right: Sebastian Damm, Gilbert Mitterand, Hans Niessen, Angelo Cristofaro and Patrick Salez
example, that positive responses could be
delivered both via ‘in-house activities’ (such
as energy use and supply, waste) and the ex-
ternal services they provide and influence
Since its creation as part of the cohesion po- licy provides new perspectives which were Mr. Salez opened the discussion by stressing (planning, transport, waste, energy efficien-
licy of the European Union, INTERREG and discussed during this CEPLI-organized work- that it was important to acknowledge that cy services and advice and housing). In addi-
other co-operation programmes are at the shop. co-operation obviously led to improved EU tion, he said, Campobasso was a territory
origin of the involvement of local govern- integration, and more flexibility for local in- that sought to protect the weakest and most
ments in numerous actions of territorial co- The debate was chaired by Patrick Salez, of termediate authorities. The Lisbon Treaty, he vulnerable members of its society, and that
operation. the European Commission’s Regional Policy said, had defined territorial co-operation as inter-community projects were definitely the
DG, and featuring speakers Hans Niessen, being integral to the EU, and that more and way forward to achieve this.
Local Intermediate Authorities (LIAs) signi- more importance was being acceded to terri-
Director of l’Euregio Meuse Rhine; Angelo
ficantly contributed to the development of tories and regions. What, then, was the role
transnational and cross-border cooperation, Cristofaro Councilor for European Policies and place of local intermediate authorities?
‘Exchanging experience’
bringing a very concrete dimension to the for the Province of Campobasso, Italy; Sébas- Gilbert Mitterand, Vice-President of France’s
projects, which enabled participation in the tian Damm, Managing Director, Bioenergie- Gironde Department, said that it was vital
creation of an everyday Europe, close to ci- Region, Hohenlohe-Odenwald-Tauber, Ger- ‘Polycentric urban centres’ for territories to exchange experiences and
tizens. Coming into force with the Treaty of many, and Gilbert Mitterand, Vice-President Hans Niessen, Director of l’Euregio Meuse focus on co-operation; dual development of Gilbert Mitterand, Vice-President
Lisbon, the future of European cohesion po- of Gironde Department. Rhine, began by defining his vision of poly- the region was a major concern, he explai- of Gironde Department
10 11
OPEN DAYS 2010 OPEN DAYS 2010
6 October 2010, 11,15-13:00 6 October 2010, 14:30-17:00
ned, adding that partners who share the
same concerns were very keen on achieving
the correct governance model. Access to
the modern internet-driven world was also
ded to be informed about best practice, and
everything would need to be implemented
in full co-operation with the EU.
Speaking from the floor, Olle Huglen said that
it was very important that Local Intermedia-
te Authorities were able to put forward their
views, and that there was much homework
Partnership mapping a new Europe
a priority, he said, and work on a high-speed to be done, to make a real influence at a na-
train link was also progressing well. As far tional level.
as territorial impact was concerned, it was
also very important to avoid wasting public Mr. Cristofaro agreed that citizens should
funds, and the objectives of EU funds had to have the opportunity to tell policymakers
be considered. about the Europe that they want and, con-
cerning the EU’s “inability to be close to its
citizens”, Gilbert Mitterand concluded that it
was the responsibility of the LIAs to strive to
achieve just that.
‘Numerous benefits’
Chairman Salez, in conclusion, expressed
his opinion that the issue was an extremely
complex one – the monitoring and manage-
ment of transnational projects across many
different countries was extremely difficult.
In his opinion, he believed that management
solutions had to be adopted by member
states at their own institutional level. With
co-ordinated and integrated infrastructure
planning and management as well as with
concentrating different infrastructures (ener-
gy, transport, environmental) numerous be-
nefits could be achieved.
From left to right: Eric Winnen, Dominique Hicguet, Jean Michel Larroche, Markus Terrode and Daniel Ledent
Along with Chairman Eric Winnen of Dialec- as was the Schools 21 educational program- improved research, applied research, a car-
tiq were Namur Province Director Domini- me that had also been set up in Namur. sharing website service and improved GPS
Sebastian Damm, Managing Director, Bioenergie- que Hicguet, Daniel Ledent, President of the services.
Region, Hohenlohe-Odenwald-Tauber, Germany Provincial College of the Province of Luxem-
burg; Jean Michel Larroche, CUCS Assistant ‘Territories as innovators’
Mr. Damm concurred with Mr. Niessen, Director and Aachen Urban Region Central
adding that the EU was perceived as being, Control Director Markus Terrode, to discuss Terrode spoke again next, and he touched
and was, far too complex – red tape needed whether European projects implemented by on the relationship between technological
to be reduced as a matter of urgency. Cross- Local Intermediate Authorities (LIAs), within and organizational innovation, and territo-
border and trans-border regions needed to the framework of the ries. This relationship, he argued, was con-
Hans Niessen, Director of l’Euregio Meuse Rhin
be developed, with the latter being particu- nected to interactions between learning
larly important. Territorial Co-operation Programme, had a processes, institutions and spatial patterns
Responding as to how to work hand-in-hand true innovative dimension, and to assess the of innovative activities. Geographical, or-
with the authorities, Mitterand explained types of contribution they offer to territories ganizational and institutional proximities
that it was increasingly important for the Lo-
EU ‘too cumbersome’ and their inhabitants? related to the effectiveness of localized
cal Intermediate Authorities to have a say in Also important, Mr. Damm added, was to de- innovation systems, and the institutional
EU policies, as the EU itself tended too much sign a governance system that was not just In addition, the workshop aimed to assess framework was of particular importance in
to negotiate with member states – the im- institutional – there was a certain reluctance how LIAs could improve public policies, and this context owing to the fact that such in-
portant thing was to ensure that territories’ at times to work with the EU, he said, as it what concrete principles could be drawn for novation systems are grounded on collecti-
contributions were acknowledged, and to was perceived as being far too cumbersome. Patrick Salez, European
the future in order to provide the further im- ve action at a territorial level and rely upon
improve relationships with local actors. The important goal was to ensure that citi- Commission’s Regional Policy DG plementation of multilevel governance and shared behavioural patterns.
zens understood that the EU was not merely European integration?
LIAs, he added, could not always fulfill their the “money giver”, but was in fact a very sta- Daniel Ledent, President of the Provincial
tasks in transnational co-operation suc- ble, “reassuring’ body that could help change As to how could the governance of regional College of the Province of Luxemburg, said
‘Community health’ that the majority of European scholars ac-
cessfully unless they were given support at local situations. Citizens should not be made policies could be improved, Salez argued
a regional and national level. For example, to feel that the EU was there to make their that, over recent decades, decentralization Dominique Hicguet was first to speak, and he Eric Winnen, Dialectiq cept that the EU operated at several diffe-
he explained, cross-border co-operation for territory ‘stronger’ than their neighbour’s – of powers in several member states had cited a recent initiative in his Province of Na- rent administrative levels and exhibited
regional development normally required an cohesion should be the primary motivating considerably reinforced regional and local mur to offer community-health services to some features of ‘governance’. However, he
improvement of transport infrastructure, of force, he said. authorities’ competences in the delivery of his citizens. Specifically: added, they disagreed, often fundamentally,
communication systems, of border control Community policies – this, he insisted, was
‘Excellent co-operation’ about the precise relationships between ac-
procedures, of education systems, and so Mr. Mitterand reiterated that Europe nee- the key to driving territorial co-operation. (i) A territorial health diagnosis; Jean-Michel Larroche spoke of the Haut tivities at different levels. However, the EU,
on, and such improvement measures nee- ded to be simplified – its heavy administra- Efficient implementation would appear, he Pyrenees Department’s co-operation with in Ledent’s opinion, had evolved into a sys-
(ii) The promotion of healthy living among
ded national-level decisions. tive burden was felt on a daily basis, he said, argued, to depend very much on how poli- Spain, Markus Terrode cited the excellent tem of multi-level governance as opposed to
the young, and;
adding that this was true at all political levels cies were conceived, and that involving local Aachen Transport system which had to deal state-led government, but that it still remai-
Mr. Niessen expressed concerns over infor- – citizens needed to be far more involved and regional authorities in this phase – those (iii) The health of the elderly. with a very high density of population, while ned unclear whether multi-level governance
mation being passed on specifically to lo- with their regional, national and EU policies, who know best the needs of their territory Daniel Ledent cited the excellent co-opera- was a general feature of the EU or a pheno-
cal stakeholders, and there was a need for and this could only be achieved through edu- and population – would assure more effecti- This, he said, had been a perfect working tion in the Belgian province (as opposed to menon confined to particular sectors (such
substantial local investments. Citizens nee- cation and communication, he concluded. ve results in the future. example of a cross-border competence hub, the Duchy) of Luxembourg, which had led to as regions) or levels.
12 13
OPEN DAYS 2010
6 October 2010, 14:30-17:00 Interview
Tying in to Ledent’s point, CEPLI Secretary
General, Claudy Lebreton, raised the issue as
to whether it was still perceived that there
there was little clarity as to how the imple-
mentation of objectives was to be achieved
and assessed. Moreover, the overlapping of
Juan Andrés Tovar, President of PARTENALIA:
was a ‘citizens’ deficit’ across Europe, and
how might this perception be addressed?
different strategies such as the Lisbon Stra-
tegy and the European Employment Strate-
gy had dispersed the key priorities of cohe-
“Leading role by Associativism”
Hicguet responded, as did a Hungarian mem-
sion policy. For this reason, it was necessary
ber of the audience, by saying that it was vital It is therefore the time to come together to have
to concentrate cohesion policy priorities,
that the local and regional administrations pro- a voice in Europe. The associativism is our only
which would make EU action more visible to
vided a positive image of Europe – the Union opportunity to participate in the process of Eu-
citizens, understandable, and would offer a
could no longer appear not to be highly moti- ropean integration and to consolidate our role
common approach and co-operation.
vated, he added. The EU’s voice must be heard, for the benefit of our citizens.
but that it would be difficult to manage the
These priorities should involve demographic
cross-cultural dimension of certain projects.
change, education and live-long learning, eco- ¿What are the projects of Partenalia in the
Furthermore, Mr. Larroche added, citizens nomical development through environmental near future?
would have to be increasingly convinced that patterns, migration, housing, social inclusion
proposed projects would actually materialize. and innovation. All those priorities have an Partenalia has a quite tight agenda in the co-
important local dimension, Mr. Lebreton ex- ming months.
plained, and cohesion policy needed to mobi-
The Secretary General concludes... lize local actors with real commitment. The area of social affairs, whose leader is the
CEPLI Secretary General, Claudy Lebreton, Conseil général du Nord, just organized a suc-
brought the workshop and day to a close with In order to ensure economic cohesion, co- cessful international conference on social ex-
a speech, in which he stated the conference’s hesion policy should be open to all member clusion in Val de Marne, with the participation
aim of being an interlocutor. Regions and te- states and EU funds should be granted not of international experts to draw up a roadmap
rritories were still unsure of their identity, he only depending on the existence of a geogra- in which we will rely preparing our projects for
said – only when they were sure of this could phical territory, but also taking into account 2011.The area of Economy and Innovation, led
the EU’s 27 member states have the convic- their challenges and economic potentialities by the Province of Rome, is working on drafting
tion of working together in confidence. to reinforce growth and competitiveness. a study on the local transfer of innovation to be
presented in Caceres on 24 and 25 February
The participation of LIAs in the debate A modern regional policy must keep in mind 2011 during the celebration of the Association’s
around the future of the cohesion policy high-opportunity regions and their potential. Political Council. In territorial development, we
was not only important but necessary, he EU policy must empower regions to fully uti- just held a conference in Alicante (Spain) on re-
added. LIAS could bring together both the lise their own economic strength and actively newable energy, a field in which intermediate
global and local perspective, and that and tackle new challenges such as climate chan- local authorities have an important role.
that cohesion policy needed its three pillars: ge. Support for strong regions in the form of
economical, territorial and social. The three funding, policy or administrative transparency Another important initiative is the project
needed always to be taken into account, as will make a major contribution to the EU wide- that we have just presented on efficiency in
Juan Andrés Tovar, President of PARTENALIA, President of Diputación de Cáceres
they reinforced each other. achievement of European targets in terms of the local administration with various provin-
a more sustainable economic development. ces (oblast) of Bulgaria within our strategy of
In this sense, Mr. Lebreton argued, it was opening the network to the east and north of
Partenalia is a network of 21 Local Intermedia- Association under Belgian law, which has con-
necessary to highlight that the current fra- Europe, he concluded, was a project of civili- Europe.
te Authorities of the EU that aims to facilitate ferred us legal personality and has opened a
mework of cohesion policy was vague, as zation, and long may that continue.
cooperation among its members and to ap- broad new range of possibilities, especially
Daniel Ledent, President of the Provincial
proach them to the Europe reality in order to the participation in European programs and We are in a very exciting stage for the Associa-
College of the Province of Luxemburg tion and I feel very honored to participate in this
improve their local policies. It was created in access to financing.
1993 and since March 2010 it has been esta- project.
blished as International Association under Bel- As a result of this momentum, Partenalia has
gian law. Partenalia International Association become a European reference for local govern- ¿What has been the participation of
is a founder member of CEPLI. ments who have concerns beyond their borders Partenalia in the Open Days 2010? ¿What was
and are not happy with a passive participation the purpose of its participation?
To learn more about Partenalia and its partici- in building a united Europe. We are showing by
pation in the Open Days, we met with its Presi- the way of the facts that local governments have Partenalia has participated in the Open Days
dent, Juan Andrés Tovar, President of the Dipu- much to contribute to Europe, that we know 2010 through its group of Social Affairs, orga-
tación de Cáceres (Spain): how to organize ourselves and that through as- nizing, with Diputación de Badajoz (Spain), the
sociativism we can take our voice from the local third day of the debates: Local Intermediate
Mr. President, could you introduce Partenalia: to the highest institutions and present projects Authorities, Key actors for Cohesion.
What is special about this network? of high European added value.
A fundamental objective of Partenalia is to pro-
Today, Partenalia is the only European generic mote meetings, exchange of experiences and
network of supralocal authorities. It is a general All this at a time when local authorities, and best practices on topics relevant to Local Interme-
network open to Local Intermediate Authorities especially the LIAs, its role, its very existence, diate Authorities. Social and territorial cohesion is
from all Europe and its activities are divided into are at the heart of the debate in all Europe... undoubtedly one of these topics and more speci-
three very broad areas: territorial development, fically, the fight against social exclusion in which
Local intermediate authorities are the great
economy and innovation and social affairs. all our administrations are involved.
unknowns in Europe. The work of integration
and cohesion that we have been developing for
You where elected President of Partenalia in During the Open Days 2010, Partenalia has facili-
almost two centuries is not recognized. With the
2009. How has the network changed since then? tated and promoted this exchange of good prac-
exception of the municipalities that we serve,
Partenalia has experienced over the past year we are an invisible government. tices so the point of view of our political leaders
a major change in its structure and functio- is heard in Brussels, precisely in the European
ning. The aims: increase its effectiveness and Nevertheless, we obtain the best reviews in year for combating poverty and social exclusion
maximize the resources provided by its part- terms of efficiency in our management, especia- in Europe.
Dominique Hicguet, Namur Jean Michel Larroche, CUCS Markus Terrode, Aachen ners. After a very thoughtful restructuring lly with European funds, and our municipalities
Province Director Assistant Director Urban Region Central Control Director process, we have become an International and citizens are aware of the work we do. www.paternalia.eu
14 15
OPEN DAYS 2010
7 October 2010, 09:00-10:45
Partnership: Local Intermediate Authorities - had managed, thanks to a 600 million euro
investment, to restructure a largely military
industry into a civilian one, with many jobs
Intervention by Mikel
Key Actors for Cohesion created thanks to territorial co-operation.
Vicente Aparici then spoke again, expressing
his satisfaction that his Castellón provin- Landabaso
Innovative policies for territorial ce and Castellón city were very happy with
Head of Thematic Coordination and Innovation Unit at the European Commission’s DG Regio.
the EU and national funding that had been
cohesion received for his tiny but highly populated
The Bibliothèque Solvay, in Parc Leopold, seaside and mountainous province, which
Brussels, was the beautiful and historic ve- had suffered from heavy unemployment. In-
nue for this debate organized, under the deed Castellon has an impressive experience
umbrella of CEPLI, by Diputación de Badajoz in the management of the EU funding- the
and the Social Affairs grup of the Internatio- county has participated in YOUTH for Europe
nal Association PARTENALIA. The initiative project,Town Twinning, CESAD project- this
brought together more than 150 stakehol- last one financed by European Social Fund
ders drawn from a wide range of European
and international organizations. Mr. Aparici commented on CEDES project,
“Creation of Economic and and Social Pro-
The current economic crisis and the new motion Centres in the municipalities of the
social, labour and territorial needs have fos- province of Castellón” an initiative co finan-
tered and enhanced the role of local inter- ced by the ERDF lead and coordinated by
mediate governments as key actors for co- the County Castellón, with a total budget of
hesion. These governments are aware of the MORE than 4 mio€.
importance of developing innovative territo-
rial strategies to help their municipalities and
search for common solutions. The economic Beata Bibrowska and Vicente Aparici
crisis has made drawing up a territorial con-
sensus more relevant than ever
- Role of the LIA s in the cohesion policy –
The decrease of resources and the increase of
Introduction perspective of EU 2020 Strategy.
demands have obliged the local intermediate Vicente Aparici, as member of Political Coun-
authorities to optimize any available means in cil of Partenalia, co-organizer of the debate, The current situation in the EU territories –
In his intervention, Mr. Landabaso empha- that the Commission publishes on Europe
order to face the consequences of the crisis officially opened the debate addressing the Post crisis exit strategies
sized the important role played by Local 2020. Taking those guidelines into account,
and to improve the territorial cohesion. role of Local Intermediate Authorities (LIAs)
Intermediate Authorities (LIAs) in the EU’s they will be able to contribute their own
in the framework of social cohesion. Mr. Apa- Luigi Mazzuto drew attention to the world-
regional policy. According to Mr. Landaba- ideas, based on their better knowledge of
The debate was chaired by Beata Bibrows- rici said that Partenalia, as the only genera- wide financial crisis, the effect that this had
so, it is necessary to learn from the lessons the territory, its needs and capacities and
ka, EU Policy & Project Expert, head of FP7 list European network of Local Intermediate had upon his own territory, but stressed that
of the Lisbon Strategy, the aims of which then request the financing. In short – ideas
Department, University of Brussels, and the Authorities, strengthened the role played the province had been able to recover thanks
were not met on time because the transi- first, then money.
panelists were Luigi Mazzuto, President of by intermediate local administrations in the to significant investments made and its plans
tion from big political goals to the reality of
Provincia di Isernia, Italy; Mircea Cosma, process of European construction, promoting for future priority investments. LIAs had hel-
territories, from theory to concrete action As an example, Mr. Landabaso informed the
President of the Judet of Prahova, Romania; and implementing EU policies at local level. ped to streamline companies, organize dis-
on behalf of citizens, was missing. debate participants about the publication
Vicente Aparici, Vice-President of Diputación cussions to promote a series of initiatives, as
that very morning, 7 October, of two Com-
de Castellón, Spain and María José Hormigo, Responds to the need and willingness of well as developing new financial instruments
With the new Europe 2020 Strategy, it is mission ‘flagship’ Communications concer-
Vice-President of the Equality and Local De- its members to cooperate at EU Level was and training programmes.
necessary to find a way to more effectively ning the Europe 2020 Strategy – one on
velopment Department, Diputación de Bada- Partenalia’s purpose, he added, to exchan-
integrate Local Intermediate Authorities, a common European strategy concerning
joz, Spain. ge know-how and best practices, develop Maria Jose Hormigo stressed the role of Spa-
Mr. Landabaso added. The latter are the innovation, ‘Innovation Union’, and other
transnational joint projects and actions, and nish LIAs in the process of the crisis manage-
closest to individual territories which they about the contribution made by European
defend common demands to EU institutions. ment. She presented an innovative manner
therefore know and understand better and, regional policy to innovation and intelligent
of territory management in the time of crisis
therefore, can help to prevent the mistakes growth. Awareness of these Communica-
Partenalia’s purpose, according to Mr. Apa- – by polling financial and human resources
of the Lisbon Strategy being repeated. tions must be raised in order to successfully
rici, is to underline the added value that lo- by local authorities in her territory.
suggest proposals to the EU.
cal intermediate administrations can bring
For real integration in European policies, it
in the implementation of EU policies at the Vicente Aparici commented then on more
is insufficient to merely demand of local ad-
local level and by transferring local messages structural problems that his territory is fa-
ministrations how much money they have
Co-operation capacity
to the EU sphere. cing- unemployment and depopulation in
to realize activities inside wide investment According to Mr. Landabaso, nobody can
the mountain areas .These areas suffer from Vicente Aparici, Vice-President frameworks, we must also ask for their work on the new Europe 2020 Strategy
Introducing to the debate, Beata Bibrowska “digital gap” , clearly difficult access to the of Diputación de Castellón Spain ideas and plans, once they have understood framework without co-operation. Besides,
reminded that 2010 was a very special year education and not strong entrepreneurial
the priorities of European policies. during this financial crisis, it is necessary to
for the EU, with the Lisbon Treaty coming structure. The local government will focus
work harder to develop a system of effec-
into force, and the launch of the EU 2020 both financial and political efforts in the fu- This project has as main objective to redyna-
Therefore, the role of the LIAs must be ba- tive governance, where all administrations
Strategy in March, and that this should be ture to redynamize these territories. mize the rural municipalities by developing
sed on their capacities. co-operate and join forces to exploit com-
the real basis for improved co-operation the employment and entrepreneurship ,
plementarities. Working on co-operation,
from this year onwards. promoting social integration , improving the
‘Innovatives projects at local level. participation of civil society , increasing the Planning capacity they will be able to develop the most in-
novative projects to help us overcome the
The debate was shared into 3 main parts: Mircea Cosma cited Prahova, which is nor- awareness on environment issues.
The first thing is to have ideas, and to have crisis.
th of Bucharest, as being a very important
ideas it is necessary to bear in mind which
- Presentation of the current situation in the tourist province, with more than 800,000 Mircea Cosma added that the aim was in-
are the strategies that must guide those The example of the LIAs and their efforts to
post crisis context citizens and three refineries, with a 15m- deed to support SMEs, and to facilitate ac-
ideas. Local governments must internalize co-operate in Europe promote the above-
tonne capacity. The 2002 crisis was followed cess to micro-credit. Many young people,
the European strategy via the documents mentioned efficiency.
Beata Bibrowska, EU Policy & Project Expert, head of - Innovative projects and initiatives at local by the most recent financial meltdown, Mr. he said, were now in a favourable position
FP7 Department, University of Brussels level Cosma explained, but added that Prahova concerning access to training and that this
16 17
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