The Hungarian Association of the Local Governments, under the Presidency of György Gémesi, today organised a high level conference with the aim of sharing best practices of multi-level governance in order to be able to better frame and deliver on Europe's key strategies.

Speaking about the economic, social and territorial cohesion in Germany, Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group warned: "there is no single model that fits us all. Europe's different histories and traditions are the source of our wide diversity. But what can and should apply to all is subsidiarity, a cornerstone of the European Union."

Luc Van den Brande adressed participants on the topic of the European culture of multilevel governance and its development since the 2009 White Paper. "In my view, cities and regions have a strategic place in building a Common European Identity based on shared values" the CIVEX Chairman explained. "Through their position, they are able to promote multi-dimensional partnerships and networks bringing together all relevant actors in an intercultural dialogue resulting in joint actions on the ground. Multilevel governance is the way forward to a more involved and accountable Political Union" he concluded. 

Finally, the conference was also an occasion to look at the state of local self-government and decentralisation in Hungary, on which multi-level governance can be built.