During the meeting, each party presented its system of local self-government and shared the experience in planning and implementing reforms or smaller adjustments to the system. Discussions also focused on the size of administrative units established on the territory of the state, their form of governance, competences and functions of municipalities, financial resources allocated for that matter, establishment of local authorities, their powers and internal relations, direct election of mayors, issues relating to local administrations (wards) and local communities (elderships), and other issues.
All the representatives who took part in the discussion acknowledged that such constructive cooperation brings considerable benefits, making it possible to avoid errors in the planning and implementation of reforms in each of the countries. It also strengthens the friendship between the Baltic nations and may serve as an example for other public authorities. Common positions and joint decisions on topical issues reached in events of various formats would enable the countries of the region to speak with one voice at the EU level as well. This would strengthen their influence in the EU and help to ward off the emerging threats.
It was agreed that such trilateral meetings of the committees of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania would take place at least once a year. The next meeting is planned in Tallinn.
