International relations in local government areaLocal governments have the right to co-operate with local governments in other countries and to conclude agreements within their competence. Most of the municipalities in Estonia have relations and friendship agreements with local authorities abroad, the majority of them in the Baltic and Nordic countries. In recent years, EU Interreg III programmes have given a new impetus to different forms of cross-border co-operation. Local governments have the right to become members of corresponding international organisations and to co-operate with such organisations. Estonian local authorities are represented, via national associations, in the Committee of the Regions of the European Union (full membership since accession in 2004). Estonia has 7 seats in the committee. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) is another important international forum for Estonian local self-governments. The Association of Estonian Cities is a member of the Council of European Local authorities and Regions (CEMR) and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). AEC is also actively involved in the Local Governments Network of Central and Eastern European Countries for EU Enlargement (LOGON) and in the Baltic Sea States Sub-Regional Cooperation (BSSSC). |
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