European Committee of the Regions (CoR)

​​​​​​​​​The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the voice of regions and cities in the European Union (EU). It represents local and regional authorities across the European Union and advises on new laws that have an impact on regions and cities (70% of all EU legislation).

The CoR is a political assembly composed of 329 members and 329 alternates from all EU countries (grouped by political party and headed by the President) who have been elected at the local or regional level (for example as Mayors or Presidents of a region). They come to Brussels up to six times a year to debate their opinions on proposed legislation and agree on resolutions for further action by the EU. CoR members have a five-year term of office, starting from the date of their official appointment by the Council. Six commissions (sub-committees), made up of members and grouped by policy areas, analyse the legislative texts drafted by the European Commission and draw up opinions, which are then discussed and adopted at CoR plenary sessions. Every two-and-a-half years, the plenary assembly elects the CoR President and the First Vice-President. The President represents the Committee and directs its work. CoR members are supported by an administration headed by the Secretary-General. 

The European Commission and the Council of the European Union must consult the CoR whenever new proposals are made in areas that have repercussions at regional or local level: economic, social and territorial cohesion, Structural Funds, European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, employment and social affairs, education, youth, vocational training, culture and sport, environment, energy and climate change, transport, trans-European networks, and public health.