Preparing the Communication on Local Authorities in Development Elena ASCIUTTI Unit “Civil Society and Local Authorities” European Commission – DG DEVCO Regional Seminar with Local Authorities from ENP South Tunis, 20-22 November 2012

Policy-making process Consultation with LAs and other stakeolders by EU Delegations at country level, on a voluntary basis: September-November 2012 Consultation through targeted regional seminars with Assoicatiions of Local Authorities, in cooperation with PLATFORMA - the European Platform of Local and Regional Authorities for Development: end of August-November 2012 Discussions with stakeholders and Member States of the EU in Brussels: September – October 2012 Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development* with LAs, ALAs and CSOs and otherstakeholders in Brussels: 18 October 2012 Drafting of the Communication: November 2012 onwards Adoption: beginning of 2013 * The Policy Forum on Development provides CSOs and LAs from the EU and from partner countries with a space for multi-stakeholder dialogue at the EC Headquarter level.

ACTORS The term "Local Authority" (LA) is used in its widest sense: - directly or indirectly elected public governing bodies at sub-national level, - in a given territory, - as defined by law, - with a degree of autonomy from the central government, - possessing a set of competences to deliver public goods and services to citizens. This definition encompasses a large variety of public governing bodies at various levels i.e. municipalities, communities, districts, counties, provinces and regions, etc.

ACTORS (continued) The term "Association of Local Authorities" (AAL) defines: - umbrella organisations, - based on membership and representatives at national, regional, continental and international levels, - with a permanent body established as an autonomous entity, - in accordance with the legislation in force in the country of registration. Clear principle is to recognise the diversity/ specificities/value added of different families and adapt strategies

From where did we start preparing…? Communication (2008) 626 final "Local authorities : actors for development” Structured Dialogue (March 2010- May 2011) Communication “Agenda for Change” (2011) AAA + Busan Partnership Document (2011) Communication "The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations" (2012) Taking stock of the experiences out of EU-funded Programmes/Projects with LAs and ALAs (bilateral, regional, thematic support)

…toward a new paradigm To promote a strategic engagement with LAs Emphasis on LAs from partner countries and on governance-related roles and sustainable development at local level Scope of the Communication Policy and Strategy Operation support for 2014 – 2020 EU budget cycle - Overall support to LAs through bilateral cooperation (EU Delegations); - Regional Programmes; - New Thematic Programme "CSOs and LAs"

What about the new paradigm…? Emphasis on Local Authorities in Partner Countries Towards a strategic EU engagement with LAs at all levels Focus on Territorial Development: Multi-Sector Multi-actor Dynamic Process Partners in dialogue Partners in action An ‘enabling environment’ maximizing LAs participation to development

“What keeps the EC awake at night?” Issues for the Consultation Framing LAs roles in current international debates Good Governance for Development: the local level Territorial Development Decentralisation Support to Urban and Rural Local authorities in the context of rapid urbanisation Associations of Local Authorities in partner countries Enhancing the internal capacities of Local Authorities Towards a consistent EU engagement with Local Authorities at country level and in delivery mechanisms

Selected Consultation Issues for Seminar in Tunis THREE BUILDING BLOCKS Good Governance for development: the local level (Issue Paper section 2.2) and the role of ALAs in enhancing local good governance (IP section 2.6); Territorial Development (IP section 2.3) and Decentralization (IP section 2.4); Urban development (IP section 2.5).

Good Governance for development: the local level and the role of ALAs BLOCK 1 Good Governance for development: the local level and the role of ALAs What are the challenges and opportunities for LAs to improve democratic policy processes, in terms of institutional mechanisms and operational rules, in the ENP South countries? What is the role that ALAs could play in the ENP South countries in matters of local good governance? What is/could be the specific role and added value of cooperating with European ALAs and LAs? Aid mechanisms to support cooperation amongst LAs in matters of local good governance; Are there good practices available on transfer of know-how and capacity development at country level?

Territorial Development and Decentralisation BLOCK 2 Territorial Development and Decentralisation Which mechanisms could contribute to optimising the coordination of sectoral policies at territorial level, and the coordination of policies at national level with those of LAs? Which mechanisms and incentives could support territorial development, in an effective and long-term strategy for good governance, sustainable development, social cohesion and national solidarity at local level? Should approaches such as territorial partnerships be further explored and promoted? How to make decentralisation instrumental for achieving development goals at local level, in support to territorial approach? Are there already any good examples of decentralisation approaches?

Urban Development in the context of rapid urbanisation processes BLOCK 3 Urban Development in the context of rapid urbanisation processes How can LAs respond to demands for local public services created by increasing urbanisation, particularly in big cities? How could Development Partners assist big cities and their Associations in improving sustainability of cities as well as in tackling the challenges of urbanisation? How to adopt a balanced approach to urbanisation challenges, taking into account as well the role of medium-sized and smaller cities as well as of rural LAs?

METHODOLOGY OF THE CONSULTATION GROUP 1, Crystal Room (Plenary Room): ENGLISH/ARABIC with simultaneous interpretation GROUP 2, Coral Room (First Floor): mainly in French, with support of interpreters FRENCH/ARABIC GROUP 3, Sapphire Room (Ground Floor): mainly in French, with support of interpreters FRENCH/ARABIC A rapporteur for each working group to report groups’ conclusions at the plenary, on Day 3 during Session 9 (from 14h00 to 15h30) TIMING 10h45 – 13h30: group discussions 14h30 – 16h30: group discussions 16h30 – 17h00: wrap-up of discussion by rapporteurs

شكرا THANKS MERCI