Representation Office of Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments in Brussels
In order to be able to influence EU legislation, which concerns local and regional government interests, in September 2005 the Representation Office of Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments in Brusselswas set up. The main objective of LALRG representation is to ensure compliance with the interests of Latvian local and regional governments in the process of elaboration of EU legislation.
LALRG Foreign Affairs Department is responsible for coordination of international activities of LALRG, including also lobbying in EU structures. The LALRG representation office in Brussels is a part of Foreign Affairs Department. One permanent representative, Adviser to the Chairman on EU Issues is engaged in Brussels Bureau.
LALRG is located in the “House of European Municipalities and Regions” in Brussels on Square de Meeûs 1, where it shares joint premises with associations of around 18 countries. This facilitates coordination of position papers and opinions, in order to act effectively in different stages of EU legislative process.
Brussels’ Representation Office in cooperation with LALRG department of international activities coordinates LALRG lobbying activities in the EU, ensures the function of secretariat for Latvian members to the EU Committee of the Regions (CoR), coordinates preparation of proposals and opinions for issues dealt with by the CoR, coordinates participation in CEMR (Council of European Municipalities and Regions) working groups and committees and preparation of proposals for CEMR position papers, provides targeted and timely information for local governments about important EU initiatives, renders consultations about general EU issues and policies, disseminates experience and knowledge about development of local democracy in Latvia and system of Latvian local and regional governments to the interested parties. Moreover Brussels office organises study visits of local and regional governments to Brussels, as well as provides training to the local government practitioners interested in EU matters. It also develops cooperation with other local and regional governments and their associations in Brussels and occasionally organises local government publicity events in Brussels.
