AER has been calling for an improved implementation of the partnership principle in the context of cohesion policy since 1988. Recently, we led and participated in many lobbying initiatives, aiming at supporting the European Commission’s initiative to draft a European Code of Conduct on Partnership (ECCP).

In December 2012, thanks our efforts and the support of the European Parliament, an agreement has been found and the ECCP has been endorsed by both MEPs and the Council. On 5 February 2013, the AER welcomed this major step forward at the occasion of a structured dialogue with the European Commission and insisted on the need to monitor the implementation of the ECCP and the role of AER and European institutions in supporting capacity-building to support regions and member states in the implementation of the partnership principle.