On occasion of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy (COTER) meeting held on 2 July, a round table discussion was organised on the European Commission's working document on elements on the Code of conduct on partnership. The Rapporteur for this controversial proposal is Mr Stanislaw Szwabski, Chairman of the municipality of Gdynia. The discussion saw participation by the representatives of the European Commission (DG EMPL and DG REGIO), Cypriot Presidency, European Economic and Social Committee, and several associations of local and regional authorities, such as Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions, Council of European Municipalities and Regions, and EUROCITIES.

Opening the discussion, Mr Szwabski stressed the importance of partnerships as the key method for the successful implementation of the EU2020 strategy. The participants called, however, for a clearer terminology in the proposal and better explanation of the role of local and regional authorities in partnership contracts, particularly in reference to Territorial Pacts. They also asked for precise clarification of the competences of local and regional authorities in respect to economic and social partners, bodies and NGOs. Referring to the European Council's opposition to the proposal, Mr Brian Meaney stressed the importance of insisting on the interests of local and regional authorities in situations when they are not complementary with those of the Council members.

The opinion is due to be discussed and adopted at the COTER commission meeting on 26 September 2012 and scheduled for the plenary session on 29 and 30 November 2012.