CoR platforms and networks
facing the future
9 December 2014, VMA 1, 14.30 - 17.00
DRAFT AGENDA
14.15-14.30
Registration and coffee
Chair: Thomas Wobben, Director for Horizontal Policies at CoR
14.30-14.45
Introduction by Thomas Wobben, Director for Horizontal Policies at CoR
14.45-15.15
Preliminary findings of the Study "Monitoring EU policies through CoR platforms and networks – future opportunities and challenges" - KU Leuven
15.15-16.45
Debate with the CoR members, platforms' members and the audience, taking into account the answers from members to the on-line questionnaires
16.45-17.00
Wrap-up
Networking Cocktail
AIM OF THE WORKSHOP
The study "Monitoring EU policies through CoR platforms and networks – future opportunities and challenges" was commissioned by the CoR in September and the final report is expected in January. During the event the preliminary results will be presented by the contractor, KU Leuven. The study includes an on-line survey to the members/users of the platforms and networks which will be discussed at the workshop. The idea is to take on board the conclusions of the discussions for the final report.
CONCEPT OF THE STUDY
Over the years, several platforms, networks and expert groups have been set up to reinforce the work of the CoR: the Lisbon Platform, now the Europe 2020 Platform, the Subsidiarity Monitoring Network (SMN) and the Platform of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC).
These networks enable CoR members to work together on specific topics and/or around specific geographical interests, while it also remains open to players outside the CoR. They enable the CoR to organise consultations and improve the quality of its consultative work, thereby consolidating its role as spokesman for regional and local authorities.
Based on an evaluation of the activities of the CoR platforms and network, herinafter platforms, the study looks for recommendations on how to better link their activities with the political work of the CoR in the mid-long term, focusing on what the platforms could deliver.
In this context, it will suggest how to make better use of these existing platforms for the benefit of the local and regional authorities in the EU, improving its effectiveness, visibility and political impact, looking at them from an external perspective.
The study will focus more on the future rather than evaluate the work done until date. Therefore it should be examined in the context of the future role of the CoR, with its Proposals for the new Commission, new Parliament and European Council presidency 2014-2019 and its Resolution on the 20th anniversary and the "CoR in 2025" prospective study.
WORKSHOP TARGET AUDIENCE:
· CoR members – platforms' governance
· Members of the platforms/network partners
· Regional offices in Brussels
· CoR administration
1