WLGA lobbies on behalf of local government for future EU funding
13 October 2011
A WLGA delegation has travelled to Brussels this week to lobby for future EU funding programmes for Wales. The delegation visited Brussels during the annual European Week of Regions and Cities, Open Days 2011, organised by the EU Committee of the Regions.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Chris Holley (Swansea), WLGA Europe and Regeneration spokesperson said:
“The Open Days week is a crucial time to visit Brussels and ensure that the voice of Welsh local government is heard by the key players and decision-makers.”
“Meetings with senior European Commission officials and the four Welsh MEPs to lobby over future Structural Fund and Rural Development programmes for Wales have been extremely beneficial. As the negotiations over future EU programmes intensify in the coming months we will continue to lobby hard in order to ensure that communities in Wales are able to maximise opportunities from EU funds post-2013”.
The delegation visit coincided with the recent publication of key regulations by the European Commission for Structural Funds and Rural Development, which will shape the future of EU programmes in Wales for the 2014-2020 programming period.
For further information please contact: Lucy Sweet on 029 2046 8673 or lucy.sweet@wlga.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
• The WLGA delegation visited Brussels on 10-13th October. The delegation was led by Cllr Chris Holley (WLGA Europe and Regeneration spokesperson)
EU Committee of the Regions’ Open Days 2011
• Open Days 2011 was the 9th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities, organised by the EU Committee of the Regions, taking place in Brussels on 10-13 October 2011. The event attracts around 6000 local and regional representatives from across Europe and consists of about 100 workshops, debates and meetings - http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2011/index.cfm?nmenu=1&sub=100
• On 6 October, the European Commission published the regulation proposals for EU Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 - http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/what/future/proposals_2014_2020_en.cfm . On 12 October, the Commission published the regulation proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy and Rural Development Programmes - http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/index_en.htm
For more information contact: Lucy Sweet