The Arab Center for the Rule of Law and Integrity (ACRLI) participated in a one day meeting organized by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Lebanon as part of its collaboration with local authorities. The meeting took place on March 21th 2012 at the Rotana Genifor Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon.

During the debate, the EU reiterated its support in the field of local development and decentralization. Workshops and discussions were held all day around the problems of local governance, the provision of services, decentralization, land use, and the different needs and challenges facing local authorities.

As Ambassador Angelina EICHHORST, Head of EU Delegation explained that day, the foundation of the EU relies on the principle of subsidiarity. As such the EU provides assistance to those who seek to reinforce "the legitimacy and capacity of local institutions closer to the end-user."

During her intervention, ACRLI’s Head of RND Unit, Ms. Joyce HAKMEH stressed the importance of cooperation between local authorities and CSOs, and the crucial role the European Union plays in supporting joint programs that facilitate structured dialogues between the two actors.

She emphasized on the need for in-depth discussion related to the work of local authorities and CSOs, particularly with CSOs working in the field of social and economic development. She also called for the development of a result oriented approach and the involvement of multiple stakeholders including donors, so as to strengthen the role of local institutions in terms of governance and avoid fragmentation in the process.