The Committee of the Regions (CoR), established in 1994, is the branch of the European Union that gives a voice to all of its regions. It was decided that such an organisation was to be established as much of the EU’s legislation is implemented under the subsidiarity principle, which means that politicise are put into practice at the most local level. The CoR gives selected members an opportunity to have influence over new EU laws.

The treaties of the EU stipulate that the European Council and the European Parliament to consult the CoR in several areas that could directly effect regions. They are:

• Economic and social cohesion
• Trans-European Infrastructure Networks
• Health
• Education
• Culture
• Employment policy
• Social policy
• The environment
• Transport
• Vocational training

The CoR can also draw up an opinion on an area outside of its traditional remit and put it to Parliament and the Council, as well as lobbying the Parliament and the Council on initiatives of their own. More information can be found on their website: http://www.cor.eu.int/en/index.htm.

At present the North West has three members on the Committee of the Regions.

 

Name: Dave Quayle
Organisation: Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council.
Address: Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0TH.
Email: dave.quayle@trafford.gov.uk
Political Group: Party of European Socialists, UK Labour Part.

 

Name: Counillor Flo Clucas
Organisation: Liverpool City Council
Address: Hunts Cross Avenue 209, Liverpool, L25 9NB. UK
Email: Flo.clucas@liverpool.gov.uk
Political Group: UK Liberal Democrats, ALDE Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.

 

Name: Councillor Ron Watson CBE
Organisation: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Address: Town Hall, Sefton Council, Southport, PR8 1DA. UK
Email: conservatives@sefton.gov.uk
Political Group: UK Conservatives, EPP – European People’s Party