The Committee of the Regions and the implementation and monitoring of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality in the light of the Constitution for Europe

As is highlighted by this study, the CoR is well placed to establish a link between subsidiarity, proportionality and good governance, on the one hand, and the protection and promotion of cultural diversity in the Union, on the other, since it is itself an expression of that cultural diversity, representing the RLAs whose organisation, functions, size, resources and powers vary considerably from one country of the Union to another. It is also a challenge that the CoR has to meet by organising itself to deal with the various perceptions, expectations and fears which arise in relation to the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. It is by developing its thinking, role, structures and procedures for monitoring application of these principles that it will be able to fulfil its ambition to promote the establishment of a subsidiarity culture in the institutions, bodies and offices of the Union.