Bodies acting as intermediaries between the State, local self-government authorities and regions
The Conference for State-Cities and Local Autonomies, the Permanent Conference for relations between the State, regions, autonomous provinces of Trent and Bolzano and the Joint Conference build up relations and maintain continued dialogue between the State, municipalities, provinces and regions on issues related to the whole system of local self-government. They are joint committees performing advisory and decision-making functions aimed at facilitating, even through the exchange of data, cooperation between central government, local authorities and regions, in pursuance of the principle of fair collaboration between institutions.
The Conference for State-Cities and Local Autonomies
Set up in 1996, the Conference deals with carrying out research and information activities concerning general policy guidelines-related issues which may have implications for the functions, including delegated ones, exercised by provinces, municipalities and mountain communities. Furthermore, it examines any issues related to the legal frame for and functioning of local authorities, with a special attention to any legislative and governmental measure concerning them. The Conference avails itself of the collaboration provided by the Prefectures to implement general coordination measures between the State and local authorities.
It is made up of central administrations and associations representing municipalities and provinces (National Association of Italian Municipalities (Anci) – Association of Italian Provinces (Upi) – National Association of Municipalities and Mountain Communities and Authorities (Uncem).
Permanent Conference for relations between State, Regions and Autonomous Provinces of Trent and Bolzano
Set up in 1997, it is the ideal place for dialogue and political cooperation between central and local authorities, where regions are allowed to take part in government decision-making processes. It enables central government to acquire the opinions expressed by regions and autonomous provinces on major administrative and legal measures adopted.
The conference convenes an ad hoc session to deal with EU policy matters which may be of interest at regional and provincial level.
Joint Conference
It is a joint forum comprising the Conference State-Regions, the Conference State-Cities and local self government authorities. It was established in 1997 with the aim of favouring cooperation between the State and the system of local self-government authorities in case either regions, provinces, municipalities and mountain communities or the Conference State-Regions, Conference State-Cities and local self-government authorities are asked to express their opinion in regard of any issue of common interest. In particular, the Joint Conference expresses its opinion on both the annual finance bill and related measures and the economic and financial planning document. Furthermore, it provides advice on general personnel policy guidelines intended for public administration as well as on reorganisation processes and staff mobility arising from transfer of functions and responsibility to regions and local authorities.
