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

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

3. 15National Associations 4000Local authorities 80Million citizens Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South East Europe

4. NALAS structure:

5. 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

6. Products

7. Guidelines on Local Borrowing (best practices/models)

8. 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 CHALLENGES: Global crisis affecting local governments in SEE

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

10. 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 – response to crises: 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

11. 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 Response to Global challenges – Europe 2020

12. 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 NALAS Sarajevo DECLARATION – 10 March 2011

13. Ongoing Negotiations -EC, DG Enlargement -Committee of the Regions -RCC, CEMR, AFCCRE, CoE -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 26.02.2014

14. 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 info@nalas.eu