Western Balkans and Europe 2020 Regional Coordination Conference

Western Balkans and Europe 2020 Regional Coordination Conference “Role of Local Governments” Kelmend Zajazi, NALAS Executive Director 31 st March 2011, Brussels

OBJECTIVES I. About NALAS II. Message from NEXPO Sarajevo 2011 III. 2020 Agenda – Challenges and Opportunities

Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South East Europe 15 National Associations 4000 Local authorities 80 Million citizens

NALAS structure: General Assembly 2 elected officials per member Presidency President and 2 vice-presidents Committee of Liaison Officers Secretariat Executive Bureau President, Treasurer, 2 Liaison Officers, Executive Director, IT and Knowledge Centre Manager, 2 Program Officers, Administration Manager, Finance Manager Task Force Projects Task Force Host Association, Projects Host Association Pilots

Priorities: • 5 Task Forces: Fiscal Decentralsation, Urban Planning, Energy Efficiency, Solid Waste and Water Management, Sustainable Tourism • Over 60 experts and practitioners • 40 Projects developed Task Force Projects Task Force Host Association, Projects Host Association Pilots

Products

Guidelines on Local Borrowing (best practices/models)

CHALLENGES: Global crisis affecting local governments in SEE 1. Central government reduce public spending; cut transfers to local government 2. Decline of real economic activity, leading to lower local government revenues from shared taxes and own sources 3. Unemployment rises, increasing the pressure on local governments to provide social services and various forms of relief

Global Challenges • • Global financial crisis Energy crisis Climate change Political instability – prolonged transition OPPORTUNITY: urge for changes / awareness

NALAS – response to crises: Nov 2008: Tirana, Policy Brief, July 2009: Durovnik Declaration, June 2010: Sofia, Monitoring - Predicted that public expenditure will be under pressure long after crisis ends. NALAS recommendations (highlights of Dubrovnik Declaration): -Improve efficiency of public services -Optimize network of service facilities -Make best use of EU funds (Clarify procedures, consolidate, redirect, etc. ) -Improve inter-governmental dialogue

Response to Global challenges – Europe 2020 Bottom-line: Good Governance - efficiency and effectiveness of public service needs to be increased, to keep same level of services. “Do more and better with less”. NEW growth model for Western Balkans? ANSWER: Increase role of local government – unlock potentials Why local government dimension? Leverage – bypass political processes deadlock To mobilize local resources – increase impact of invested € Quick reconciliation – towards regional stability Bring economic development to all territories

NALAS Sarajevo DECLARATION – 10 March 2011 200 Mayors, 1500 local government representatives: 1 Include local gov. dimension in strategic and operational planning for EU enlargement 2. Involve LG and their associations in consultation 3. Make pre accession financing available to local governments

Ongoing Negotiations - EC, DG Enlargement Committee of the Regions RCC, CEMR, AFCCRE, Co. E Energy Cities Priority issues: 1. Role of local governments in EU Integration 2. Role of local governments and associations in pre-accession funds (IPA) 2014 - 2019 3. Covenant of Mayors Office for Western Balkans 9/17/2020

THANKS for your attention. Kelmend Zajazi Executive Director NALAS Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South East Europe Phone +389 2 3090818 info@nalas. eu www. nalas. eu