RÉSEAU EUROPÉEN DES GROUPES D'ACTION LOCALE URBAINE

EU Legislative Interests

We focus our interest representation on the following specific EU legislative or policy initiatives: – Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034; – Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund (post-2027 revision); – Proposal for a Regulation on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for 2028-2034; – Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions for ERDF, ESF+, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, and EMFAF; – The European Urban Initiative under ERDF; – Communication from the Commission on the European Green Deal, with emphasis on its urban dimension.

Communication Activities

Our communication activities with EU institutions in relation to the above policy files have so far been carried out primarily through the prior engagement of our member organisations, as the European Urban LAG Network (EUrbanLAG Net) has been recently established. These activities include: – Submitting position papers and advocacy letters to Members of the European Parliament and the REGI Committee, with a particular focus on securing a 5% allocation for Urban CLLD in the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. – Participation of member organisations in policy events and roundtables in Brussels, and the preparation of the upcoming official launch of EUrbanLAG Net in November 2025, which will raise awareness among MEPs and European Commission officials about the role of Urban LAGs. – Bilateral contacts of members with MEPs, representatives of the European Commission (DG REGIO, DG EMPL) and national Permanent Representations to present evidence and recommendations from Urban LAGs. – Contributions to public consultations and feedback requests concerning Cohesion Policy, ERDF/ESF+ regulations, and the European Urban Initiative. – Exchanges with the European Committee of the Regions and involvement in EU-level dialogues on Cohesion Policy and the urban dimension of the European Green Deal.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

Affiliations / supported structures The European Urban LAG Network (EUrbanLAG Net) is a newly established organisation. At this stage, it is not yet formally affiliated to other umbrella organisations, but it contributes to and follows the work of EU-supported platforms such as the European Committee of the Regions (through consultations and events), the European Urban Initiative, the URBACT programme, the Civil Society Dialogue on Cohesion Policy (DG REGIO), and stakeholder consultations on the European Social Fund Plus (DG EMPL). Members / partners / associates As a newly established network, EUrbanLAG Net is currently in the process of consolidating partnerships and expanding its membership base. The Network was initiated by founding members from Romania and Czechia and is developing cooperation with Urban LAGs in other Member States. At present, it represents around 40 Urban Local Action Groups (LAGs) from Romania and has initial cooperation with partners from Czechia, Lithuania, Poland and Portugal, together with their associated local public authorities (mayors and deputy mayors).

Organisation Members

The European Urban LAG Network (EUrbanLAG Net) is a newly established organisation. Its founding members are Urban Local Action Groups (LAGs) from Romania and Czechia. The Network is currently in the process of consolidating its membership base and developing partnerships with Urban LAGs from other EU Member States, including Lithuania, Poland and Portugal. At present, the Network represents around 40 Urban LAGs from Romania through their membership. A full list of members and affiliated organisations will be made available on the Network’s website: www.urbanclld.eu .

Additional Information

The European Urban LAG Network (EUrbanLAG Net) has been formally established in 2025 and is therefore at the very beginning of its financial operations. The organisation does not intend to apply for or manage EU funds in its own name. Instead, its role is to create opportunities for funding, cooperation and visibility for its members, namely the Urban Local Action Groups across the EU. The Network positions itself as a support and advocacy platform, not as a competitor to its member organisations. The organisation currently does not receive direct EU funding. Most activities are carried out on a voluntary basis by the founding members, and the President is also not remunerated for his role. The estimated budget indicated mainly reflects pro-bono work, limited administrative costs, and expenses for the organisation of events, travel and communication activities in Brussels.