The Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament: An Evolving Relationship?

Abstract

This chapter proposes an analysis over time of the relationship between the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Parliament (EP). For a consultative body such as the CoR, nurturing connections with other players is a key for influencing the European decision-making process. Despite some initial distrust, the two institutions have achieved to build a strong partnership, materialized most recently by the conclusion of a cooperation agreement. However, concrete evidence shows that the CoR’s work still continues to be overlooked by the EP. Further action will hence be needed if the CoR is to strengthen its position within the European political game.