During the CoR plenary session debate with Jean-Claude Frécon, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Arnoldas Abramavicius, EPP/CoR Group Vice-President underlined the importance of joint cooperation of sister institutions, especially on matters where their complementarity best defends the interests of regional and local authorities in Europe.
"I believe that we need to engage in a more systematic screening of our respective work programmes, and promote such dialogue and exchange within our respective Commission meetings on areas where both our institutions are working" – stressed the Zarasai District Municipal Councellor adding – "we have a lot to gain from exchanging our views on work we are pursuing in similar fields. Contributions of the Congress to CoR work on corruption, fundamental rights, Roma, and multi-level governance have proven to be an asset in the discussions and adopted positions".
Jean-Claude Frécon further underlined similarities between the two institutions – "we might have different basis of our mandates but we definitely share similar objectives. Firstly, to make sure local and regional authorities are taken into account by respective organisations. Secondly, we try to help shaping their decisions. Finally, we are here to promote local and regional autonomy throughout Europe"
Franz Schausberger (EPP/AT) underlined the value of joint election observation missions: "they are very important, not only in relation to the fairness of elections but also as a tool leading towards real tangible improvements on the ground. We value Congress' country reports"
Herwig Van Staa (EPP/AT) who was predecessor of Mr Frécon as President thanked all the political groups of the CoR for the work done together with the Congress, particularly in monitoring the elections.