The WLGA’s European Office is located in the heart of Brussels. There are many reasons for local government to be involved in Europe. Over recent years, an increasing volume of law and policy affecting local government and their citizens is made by the European Union. Local government has a vital interest in influencing the European and international legislative and policy agenda. Almost every field of public policy in Wales can be affected by decisions made in the institutions of the European Union. The WLGA is therefore keen to play an active role in shaping these policies.
Welsh local government has its own distinct, important and legitimate role to play in promoting Wales both on the European and International stage. As leaders of their communities, local authorities deliver many of the policies and programmes of the European Union on the ground, and as such offer a wealth of experience to key policy-formers during various development stages.
The European Office provides on the spot contacts keeping track of the EU legislative process from inception to completion, allowing local authority influence to be brought to bear at key stages.
- Brussels is the focal point of European thinking, policymaking and intelligence. By having a presence in Brussels the WLGA is able to have a permanent team on the ground, providing targeted intelligence;
- The opportunity for strategic influence over major European policy changes / agenda through the build up of critical mass at a European level is highly significant for local government;
- Brussels is the networking capital of Europe, with over 500 representative offices, covering over 100,000 local authorities across the EU;
- Strategic alliances with other organisations which represent local and regional authorities, looking at issues of common concern is becoming increasingly important. The opportunity for creating strategic alliances through the European Office, due to the fact that so many organisations are represented in Brussels, is vast.