The role of local and regional authorities in the implementation of Europe 2020 : analysis of 2016 national reform programmes

Within the context of the European Semester the EU Member States (MS) have delivered their National Reform Programmes (NRP) in April 20161. The programmes are based on the priorities defined by the European Commission (EC) in the Annual Growth Survey. According to the Committee of the Regions (CoR), NRPs should follow a multi-level governance (MLG) approach which means being designed and implemented by all tiers of government in partnership. This was outlined in the Athens Declaration on the mid-term review of Europe 2020, presented at the 6th Summit of European Regions and Cities in March 2014. The Committee of the Regions advocates this approach which also includes the possibility of negotiated arrangements such as Territorial Pacts and that all public authorities relevant for Europe 2020 (national as well as local and regional authorities - LRA) follow coordinated and integrated agendas.