COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS: MEMBERS SET OUT POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR 2006-2008.

• Position: Committee of the Regions - National security

The CoR's policy objectives are outlined in a resolution adopted at the Committee's plenary session in Brussels on February 16. The CoR notably pledges to make its opinions more "operational", to "target issues on which it is credible" and "where its actions can lend real added value to the decision-making process". It will, for example, strive in future to ensure its opinions are accompanied by concrete proposals for amendments to legislative proposals tabled by the European Commission. It will also enhance contacts with the European Parliament and strive, during plenary sessions, to introduce an "hour for questions" to the Commission in order to further promote dialogue between the two institutions. Its aims regarding the Council of Ministers are simply to "lay the foundations for more systematic cooperation".

The CoR is also keen to get more involved in evaluating the territorial impact of major EU policies. It would like to see local and regional authorities systematically consulted at an early stage in the drafting of European legislation.

In its resolution, the CoR signals its intention to continue to help local and regional authorities in the candidate countries adapt to the acquis communautaire, a role it regards as all the more important in view...