The Committee of the Regions is the EU’s connection to each country’s provinces. The 344 members consist of representatives of regional and local bodies. They are appointed for a renewable four year term. The CoR has six specialized committees, which are called commissions, for Territorial Cohesion Policy, Economic and Social Policy, Sustainable Development, Culture and Education, Constitutional Affairs and European Governance and External relations. These commissions report to the plenary sessions which are held approximately five times a year. 

The European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament are obliged to consult with the CoR “where specific regional interests are involved” (Article 265 TEC). The CoR can also put issues on the EU agenda through the own-initiative option.

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