Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore has once again been appointed to the European Committee for the Regions - meaning he will have been a member for 26 years when his term ends in 2020.
The Labour council leader was a founder member of the group in 1992 and is one of 24 leading UK local politicians on the Committee representing local authorities in Europe.
Members are nominated for the 350-strong Committee for the Regions assembly based on national party lines, joining colleagues from all European Union member states. They meet in Brussels several time a year to discuss local authority issues and give opinions on EU legislation.
Sunderland council leader and leader of the UK delegation Paul Watson said, “We well understand the need for UK local councils and devolved bodies to engage with EU policy-makers and decision-takers.
“We want to shape EU initiatives to help regenerate our local economies and strengthen our communities, whilst respecting all sectors of society and protecting our environment. At the same time we continue to scrutinise new laws to ensure that they are fit for purpose and do not impose unnecessary burdens on those who have to implement them.”
