Monitoring EU policies through CoR platforms, networks and expert groups - future opportunities

Based on an evaluation of the activities of the CoR platforms and network, this study makes 'recommendations on how to better link their activities with the political work of the CoR in the mid-long term, focusing on what the platforms could deliver.' In this context, the study suggests 'how to make better use of these existing platforms for the benefit of the local and regional authorities in the EU, improving its effectiveness, visibility and political impact, looking at them from an external perspective. The study should focus more on the future rather than evaluate the work done until date, therefore it should be examined in the context of the future role of the CoR' and the [Challenges at the Horizon 2025] study.' The three platforms/network of the CoR examined in this study - the Europe 2020 Monitoring Platform, the EGTC Platform and the SMN - were set up in order to support and reinforce the work of the CoR. Over the years, these platforms/network have evolved, making it appropriate to take stock of their realizations, and challenges with a forward-looking focus. This is the ambition of the current study. In a previously-released CoR study on 'Challenges at the Horizon 2025', it has been noted that '[a]s an advisory body, the consultative role is likely to gain in importance based on its representative function and voice of the LRAs. Moreover, the CoR will be increasingly consulted for its network capabilities as coordinator, interlocutor, mediator and expert.' Hence, the potential of the platforms/network is also examined in this study in relation to the future role of the CoR.