The 8th ARLEM plenary session was attended by Republic of Srpska Representative

The Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) met in Malta in order to discuss the topic of greater cooperation between regions and cities in the EU and its neighbouring countries in the Mediterranean.

The 8th plenary session provided an opportunity to discuss the ongoing revision of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the management of migration in Mediterranean region, with the follow-up of ARLEM's report on this issue, as well as the adoption of ARLEM's Action plan for 2017. Furthermore, two draft ARLEM reports were submitted for approval: on energy and climate change, by rapporteur Mohamed Sadiki, Mayor of Rabat (Morocco) and on cross-border cooperation, by rapporteur Francesco Pigliaru (IT/PES), President of Sardinia Region. Additionally, the Nicosia initiative to support the Libyan municipalities and the European Neighbourhood Policy was also a topic of discussion.

Conclusively, a report on cross-border cooperation was adopted by ARLEM. Mr. Pigliaru was represented by

Mr. Vincenzo Bianco, mayor of Catania and head of the Italian delegation at the Committee of the Regions, for the presentation of the report at the ARLEM plenary session.

The report focuses on the contribution of local and regional authorities to cooperation processes in a changing Mediterranean and it was designed following consultations with ARLEM members, EU institutions, Ministries, networks, civil society organizations and managing authorities of cross-border cooperation programmes.

The 8th ARLEM Plenary Session was held on 22-23 February 2017 in Malta, during the Maltese Presidency of the European Union. It was co-organized by the European Committee of the Regions and Malta, to which all ARLEM

members were invited.