Eyes and ears of Estonian cities

by Ms Anne-Ly Reimaa

The Representation of Estonian National Associations of Local Authorities was established on 13 October 2005 with the support of the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Representation functions as a Brussels-based resource for the Estonian members of the Committe of the Regions and two Estonian local government associations - the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC) and the Association of Municipalities of Estonia (AME).

The Brussels Office works to assist Estonian local authorities in influencing the development of EU legislation before implementation. The activities of the Office focus on helping to maintain local governments' awareness of developments within the EU, highlighting issues of relevance, assisting participation in the policy-making process, identifying relevant funding opportunities as well as providing a direct communication channel to EU institutions, organisations and networks.

The ACE/AME Office is perfectly positioned as a link between the EU institutions and the sub-national level. The Office has a close working relationship with the Estonian Permanent Representation, Estonian MEPs and departments of the European Commission. With the trend towards regional consortia, the Brussels Office provides an important link with other national and regional associations from the Baltic Sea Region and other.

The main tasks of the office are to participate in meetings, conferences, seminars, to gather information on current and future policies, legislation and programmes from EU institutions with direct implications for local authorities, to provide Estonian local authorities up to date information on EU developments of specific relevance for them, for example via a weekly Newsletter. The Representation assists the members to the Estonian delegation of the Committee of the Regions, including support for members in meetings and in liaising with other national delegations, political groups and the CoR Secretariat.

It helps to provide opportunities for lobbying and possibilities to act as the eyes and ears of the Estonian local governments in respect of EU developments.