Building strong local and regional capacity with EU technical support

Programme

1. 10 Oct 2024, 09:00 - 12:30 (CEST)

   Agenda

   9.00 - 9.30 

   Arrival of Participants, Welcome Coffee and Breakfast 
   
    

   9.30 - 9.45

   Opening Address:
    

   Florian Hauser, Deputy Head of Unit, DG REFORM, European Commission  

    

   9.45 - 10.00                                

   Status Quo – Challenges and Opportunities for Local and Regional Level Reforms in Europe 

   •  André Sobczak – Secretary General, Eurocities 

   10.00 - 11.00                                                                                                                    

   From Words to Action:  Two Examples of TSI Projects at Local and Regional Levels 

   Technical Support Instrument Beneficiaries  

    

   TSI 2022, Strengthening Regional Specialisation and Competitiveness (Estonia)

   • Mart Uusjärv– Head of Local Governments Department, Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Estonia
   • Alexis Durand – Policy Analyst, OECD 

    

   TSI 2024, Sustainability in Local Public Finances (Barcelona, Bordeaux, Amsterdam, Hamburg) 

   • Josep Manel Medrano i Molina – Director of Strategic Planning and Fiscal Policies, City Council of Barcelona
   • Fadella Fakret – Deputy Head of Unit, Public Management Transparency and Accountability, Expertise France

   11.00 - 11.15

   Break  

   11.15 - 12.15 

   EU Reforms at Local and Regional Levels – Exercise

   The EU Technical Support Instrument (TSI) is designed to provide help for EU Member States, regions and cities, but we understand that awareness of this support may not be widespread among local and regional authorities. In the collaborative part, we will focus on understanding your expectations and needs towards the TSI. Participants will work together in groups and with the help of moderators and the session concludes with brief group reflections.

   12.15 – 12.30

   Closing Remarks 

   Florian Hauser, Deputy Head of Unit, DG REFORM, European Commission

Practical information

Description

Why?

How can we address the growing mismatch between responsibilities and resources? What makes a successful reform project at the local and regional levels?  The Mons Declaration highlights the essential role of cities and regions in Europe's resilience and growth. Similarly, the ComPAct underscores the importance of local and regional administrations in implementing policies and delivering services to citizens. As part of the #EURegionsWeek, we invite practitioners to collaborate on creating a vision for impactful local and regional reform projects.

What?

In this mini conference, we will discuss developing robust institutional reform projects that enhance the quality and resilience of local and regional public administrations. During the three-hour session, we will demonstrate how to define problems, adopt a systemic approach, build partnerships, involve stakeholders, achieve impact, and leverage results. We will share good practice examples and provide hands-on design guidance in an interactive format.

Who?

The event brings together practitioners from the local and regional administrations of all the Member States.