About Us

About US

Network of associations of local authorities of South-East Europe

NALAS is a network of associations of local authorities of South East Europe. The Network brings together 13 Associations which represent roughly 9000 local authorities, directly elected by more than 80 million citizens of this region.

The NALAS Secretariat, based in Skopje, is responsible for the overall coordination and the implementation of the activities.

Some facts about NALAS

2001

NALAS was created following the first Forum of Cities and Regions of South-East Europe

13

The Network brings together 13 Associations together

9000

Roughly 9000 local authorities are represented directly elected by 80 million citizens

2005

In July 2005 NALAS became an officially registered association with its seat in Strasbourg

NALAS was created in 2001 following the first Forum of Cities and Regions of South-East Europe (Skopje, November 2000), organised by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The Network was established under the auspices

of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe (Working Table 1) and the Council of Europe. During the first years, NALAS functioned as an informal organisation with regular meetings, seminars and training programmes.

In July 2005 NALAS became an officially registered association with its seat in Strasbourg. The NALAS Secretariat was established in March 2007.

Observer status in the Committee of the Regions of the European Union

Observer status in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

Our Mission

Promoting the process of Decentralisation

NALAS promotes the process of decentralisation in cooperation with central governments and international organisations, considering local self-government as a key issue in the current process of transition affecting the various countries in South-East Europe.

NALAS builds partnerships in order to contribute to the reconciliation and stabilisation process in the region and henceforth contributes to the process of the European integration of the whole region.

Initiating & Carrying out regional initiatives

NALAS initiates and carries out regional initiatives for its members and helps the associations to become viable representatives of local authorities vis-à-vis central government.

Providing beneficial services to local governments

NALAS initiates and carries out regional initiatives for its members and helps the associations to become viable representatives of local authorities vis-à-vis central government.

Activities

Organizing the NALAS Task Force

In line with its action plan, the NALAS Secretariat organizes task forces on specific themes important to local government in South-East Europe. NALAS focuses primarily on local finances, urban planning, waste management, institutional development and energy efficiency. The task forces on each of these topics develop the different projects and concrete activities.

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Key NALAS Documents

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