Brussels is a source of legislation and policy as well as funding opportunities. A key task is the provision of timely, accurate information and gathering intelligence on the policy making process. More importantly, the European Office is able to identify and impact and provide an analysis for Welsh local authorities and therefore assist in taking forward discussions at a European level. The WLGA encourages partnerships between local government and other bodies, promotes organisational, legislative and policy changes at a Welsh, UK and European level to address the needs of local citizens.
Intelligence gathering and knowledge on European processes underpin the work of the office in Brussels. The services of the WLGA European Office include:
- A dedicated resource in Brussels for councillors and officers from WLGA and its member organisations.
- Providing strategic advice on the significance of future involvement in European programmes and priorities to Welsh local government.
- Lobbying and policy promotion for the WLGA to European Institutions and key decision-makers.
- Liaison with Welsh organisations such as the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government on issues of common interest.
- Providing information on funding schemes and gathering intelligence on legislation and the policy making process to the WLGA and Welsh local authorities.
- Developing and maintaining close relations with the Brussels Institutions, including the European Commission, the European Parliament and the UK Representation.
- Facilitating communication on local government’s needs, proposals and responses to key EU decision makers.
- Support in establishing contacts for partnership working and developing relations with relevant European and candidate country regions and institutions.
- Organising delegations and study visits for Welsh local authorities and the WLGA.
- Supporting Welsh local authority Committee of the Regions members.
- Working with Brussels offices, including other national associations, including LGA, COSLA, NILGA, CEMR and the European Local Authority Network (ELAN) and through other EU associations of local and regional authorities in Brussels and beyond, including Council of Europe, CLARE, CPMR, Eurocities, EIRA and the ERE network etc.
For more information contact: Simon Pascoe