European Summit of Local Governments
Barcelona, 22-24 February 2010

Presentation

2010 will be a key year for the citizens of Europe. On one hand, it is thought that it will be the first year of recovery from the global economic and financial crisis. On the other hand, European project will confront new challenges and new scenarios: the newly approved legislature of the European Parliament, the renewal of the European Commission, the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the formulation of the "EU 2020" strategy for growth and competitiveness. 2010 will also be European Year of Combating Social Exclusion and Poverty.

The Lisbon Treaty, which includes elements such as recognition of local autonomy, strengthening the principle of subsidiarity, increasing the powers of the Committee of the Regions, cultural diversity and the introduction of the concept of territorial cohesion, presents new opportunities and challenges for European local governments.

In this context, from 22 to 24 February 2010, Barcelona will host the European Summit of Local Governments, which will debate the role of local authorities at European and local level, and the measures necessary for adoption in the current context. The primordial question around which this summit will revolve is that of how local governments should act to achieve more cohesive cities and therefore a more cohesive Europe.