European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation

The European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) is a European Union level form of transnational cooperation between countries and local authorities with legal personality. EU Council Regulation 1082/2006 of 5 July 2006 forms its legal basis. As of April 2016, 62 EGTCs are in existence.

An EGTC must have members from at least two member states (or 1 member and 1 neighbouring country or OCT) and members can include local or regional authorities, bodies "governed by public law within the meaning of the second subparagraph of Article 1(9) of Directive 2004/18/EC", or Member States. The composition and powers of an EGTC have to be described in a convention subject to approval by Member States with members in the body.

The organs of an EGTC must at least include:

The convention can provide for additional organs. It also must specify the extent of the territory under which it may execute its tasks.

When an EGTC is formed its convention has to define the objectives and powers of the entity and it is limited by the respective powers of its members under their national law. The law applicable to the interpretation and enforcement of the convention is the law of the Member State where the EGTC has its registered office.

The assembly of an EGTC approves an annual budget containing a component on running costs and, if necessary, an operational component. The EGTC or its Members are liable for any debts incurred.

An EGTC cannot exercise police and regulatory powers or powers in justice and foreign policy.

According to the regulation if an EGTC carries out any activity violating a Member State's provisions on public policy, public security, public health or public morality, or violates the public interest of a Member State, a competent body of that Member State may prohibit such activity on its territory or require those members which have been formed under its law to withdraw from the EGTC unless the EGTC ceases the activity in question. Such prohibitions can not be used as an arbitrary means to limit cooperation under the regulation and are subject to judicial review.

The Committee of the Regions maintains a register of EGTCs and as of January 2016 lists 59.

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