European and International

The West Midlands Regional Assembly works on behalf of the West Midlands LGA in this area.

Following the strategic review of regional European working and the production of the new regional European strategy, the European Strategy Board (Chair: Cllr Sir Albert Bore) was inaugurated in June 2008. The ESB brings together senior representatives of partners in the Region to provide a single coherent cross sector voice on European and International policy and funding issues of importance to the Region. Specifically ESB will

- Shape and champion the West Midlands' interests and priorities in Europe

- Develop and oversee the implementation of the European Strategy and its four priorities

- Set the policy framework for the West Midlands in Europe Brussels Office to work within

- Ensure West Midlands is influencing debate and policy on EU issues of strategic importance to the Region, including Cohesion, Enlargement and future Funding Programmes

The ESB is supported by a Strategic European Officers Group (SEOG), which draws on senior officers of the member bodies, and is chaired by Olwen Dutton, Chief Executive of WMRA/WMLGA. This group monitors, coordinates and communicates the delivery of the regional European Strategy, steering the activities of the four working groups that are aligned to the four key priorities identified for the Region:

1. Engaging with the EU Single Market
2. Engaging with Europe's Research and Innovation Agenda
3. Tackling Climate Change and Ensuring Environmental Protection
4. The Social Cohesion Dimension

Further Information:

- Contact details for the Region's MEPs
- Contact details for Committee of the Regions Members
- Contact Officer: Rebecca Johnson on 0121 245 0151.