INFLUENCE TO THE CITIES !

The enlargement process is steadily going on, unfortunately far above the heads of the cities. In order to secure a success, the cities should be involved in a higher degree. There are many risks with the present process. First, the popular support for the accession is weaker, because the processes do not involve the authorities closest to the citizens, the local authority level. Secondly because almost every field of city activity is affected by the enlargement, and in order to make the adjustment swift and uncomplicated, the relevant level should be involved from the beginning.

Realising this, the UBC Board adopted a statement at the Board Meeting in Cesis recently. The statement is directed to the national governments in EU countries as well as applicant countries and to the EU commission.

The UBC Board urged the national governments in applicant countries among other to

• Strongly enhance the dialogue between the local and national government level in matters regarding European Enlargement and to inform the cities on the current situation,
• Give cities responsibility for certain activities in connection with the enlargement, specially issues regarding the citizens involvement and such matters that influence the policy and activities of cities in a high degree and to
• Give the cities support to take charge of necessary and needed tasks in connection with the enlargement.

The Board called on the national governments in the EU countries to

• Give far better support to the local authority level to co-operate with partners or their organisations in EU and the applicant countries in order to secure a smooth transition.

The European Union was asked to

• Support co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region to facilitate the enlargement process on a local level, also in small and medium sized cities, through Interreg, Phare, Taiex and other facilities.
• Work with non-bureaucratic methods on funding of training, seminars, placement of staff, study tours and other activities, preferably in co-operation with partner cities in EU countries and their organisations

The resolution has been distributed to the national governments in the Baltic Sea Region as well as to the European Union.