working group
Local Councillors' Forum
(Kommunalpolitikerforum)

(this workshops takes place on Friday AND Saturday though with a different set of questions)

(for Friday)

The Green movement emerged more than 20 years ago as a deliberate alternative to the existing political establishment. We made a point of distinguishing ourselves from the "old parties" and from existing political traditions, which we considered empty and meaningless, by taking a different approach - both politically and symbolically. Successful elections, however, soon presented us with political posts, especially on a municipal level. Green politicians consequently became part of the political system.

In the course of this workshop we want to discuss how Green mayors and city councillors have been dealing with this situation. To what extent have we been forced to adapt to established political structures and traditions? Have we been able to initiate changes to the existing system? Have we handled political responsibility on a municipal level in a new and different way? How loyal or fair have municipal administrations treated Green representatives? Let's take a critical look at the political practice of Green mayors and city councillors today and put it into perspective to Green principles and our political programme.

By exchanging experiences we intend to find out if we can take a common approach to political perspectives on a municipal level in Europe. The initial speech will be held by Mike Feinstein, former environmental activist and now mayor to the city of Santa Monica, U.S.A.

One of the principles of the Green movement as well as the ecological movement has been the practice of grass root democracy. This can be described as citizens working together to pursue their own interests and to counterbalance the conduct of governments and administrations that represent the interests of industry and economy rather than those of the general public, particularly when it concerns large scale projects that endanger the environment and threaten our vital interests. Due to this the Greens have been pushing for public participation, i.e. in city planning or traffic planning. Various ways of public participation have been tested and some have been established. The "Agenda 21" represents a form of public participation, which has been internationally established, in some places more successful than in others. We intend to talk about our experiences (positive as well as negative ones) and discuss perspectives of the various approaches to grass root democracy.

Hans-Jörg v. Berlepsch
dep. mayor in Mainz

Object of the workshop:

1) exchange of experiences of Green representatives
2) assessment of existing networks of Green local councillors in Europe and beyond
3) preparation of the Vienna meeting for Green local councillors in March of 2003

Initial statements by
Monika Vana, city councillor in Vienna, Austria - Die Grünen, Wien
Hans-Jörg von Berlepsch, mayor in Mainz, Germany - Bündnis 90/Die Grünen

The first European meeting of Green local councillors took place in the Vienna city hall on 21st June, 1996 (at the occasion of the first EFGP Congress). Since then many have expressed their interest in a follow-up.

This event will take place from 14-16th March 2003 in Vienna.
for information please contact: gerhard.jordan@gruene.at, monika.vana@gruene.at

The Vienna meeting:

Free movement of goods, liberalization and deregulation within the EU have had a severe impact on the scope of action of European city governments. 80% of EU citizens live in cities, social as well as ecological problems are concentrated in urban areas. Although municipal politics concern many vital interests of the community, decision-making and competence is being shifted increasingly from the local level to the EU level.

Foreign politics are consequently becoming more significant for city governments. It is important for Green local representatives to establish contacts and build international networks - not to lobby for their own national interests, but to discuss specific problems and work towards common solutions. Whether it concerns transport, environmental issues, social standards, rules on competition, public safety or equal opportunities for men and women - European politics cannot be efficient unless cities participate in the process of European integration.

At the Vienna meeting 2003 we intend to exchange experiences and discuss the role of Green representatives in local governments. We also want to focus on topics such as the enlargement of the European Union with special consideration to border regions, discuss strategies for the prevention of unemployment and poverty as well as concepts in a changing world of work. Preparing an outline for the Vienna meeting will be part of the Berlin workshop.

For any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either one of us:

Hans-Jörg von Berlepsch (Mainz): esther.rathke@stadt.mainz.de
Gerhard Jordan (Vienna): gerhard.jordan@gruene.at
Monika Vana (councillor in Vienna): monika.vana@gruene.at