PLATFORMA, the European network of local and regional governments for development cooperation, has received the approval from the European Commission to implement a new project to strengthen institutional capacity of local and regional governments in partner countries.
The project aims to strengthen the capacities of local and regional authorities in partner countries to implement the recommendations that were drawn up in the conclusions of the Structured Dialogue. The Structured Dialogue has taken place between 2009 and 2011 to improve the partnership between the European Commission, CSO and Local Authorities.
Various CIB members will be associated in the implementation of the project.
The role of local and regional governments
The project will seek to strengthen partnerships between networks of local and regional authorities. The reflection will focus on the role of local and regional governments in the implementation of decentralization policies, in mobilizing and integrating various stakeholders (private sector, NGOs, local communities) and on the practical modalities of decentralized cooperation.
Perspectives of partners on EC development policies
The project also targets the contribution of local and regional governments of partner countries to the EC Non State Actors and Local Authorities Communication that is due to come out in 2012 and its follow-up. This way their visions and proposals can be taken into account in the design and implementation of the development policies of the European Commission.
Seminars and expertise
6 regional seminars that will gather around 60 participants will be organized. A network of expertise will be set up and will be mobilized on technical issues such as water, health and education.
Duration and budget
The project will be implemented between April 2012 and April 2015, with a total budget of 1 333 000 Euro. Partners of PLATFORMA will co-finance the action.
Background
PLATFORMA has been created by European local and regional government associations active in development cooperation together with the European umbrella organization of municipalities and regions (CEMR). The main objective of PLATFORMA is to influence the development cooperation and has become an important partner of the European Commission. VNG International has been an important PLATFORMA member since its creation in 2008.