Principles
There are three main principles at the heart of the Committee's work:
- Subsidiarity
This principle, written into the Treaties at the same time as the creation of the CoR, means that decisions within the European Union should be taken at the closest practical level to the citizen. The European Union, therefore, should not take on tasks which are better suited to national, regional or local administrations.
- Proximity
All levels of government should aim to be 'close to the citizens', in particular by organising their work in a transparent fashion, so people know who is in charge of what and how to make their views heard.
- Partnership
Sound European governance means European, national, regional and local government working together – all four are indispensable and should be involved throughout the decision making process.
Read more about this topic: Committee Of The Regions
Famous quotes containing the word principles:
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—Walter Bagehot (18261877)
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—Antoinette Brown Blackwell (18251921)
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—Frederick The Great (17121786)