Systems of multilevel governance[1]

Representation[2]: There are no deliberative representative bodies at the regional level. However, on a case-by-case approach, Municipalities and Communities can participate in parliamentary meetings and express their views and opinions on the issues examined. Consequently, the Union of Cyprus Municipalities (UCM) and the Union of Cyprus Communities are the main associations of local authorities in the country. Their core functions are to contribute to the development of local government autonomy, as well as to speak for local government interests vis-à-vis the central government.

Information[3] and consultation[4]: During the legislative process, information is provided to the local and regional authorities by means of being published on the parliament’s website.
There is no formal consultation procedure defined between the local authorities and the state. The Ministry of the Interior undertakes consultation processes on an ad hoc basis and only on some subjects of direct interest for the Union of Cyprus Municipalities.
However, the Union of Cyprus Municipalities and the Union of Cyprus Communities participate in the decision-making process concerning Cyprus’ national positions on EU matters through frequent consultations with the national ministries on various issues. This is nonetheless not an automatic procedure.

Coordination[5]: The local authorities are invited by the Parliament to present their position on matters of direct interest to them, during the legislative process.
However, on European issues, the Union of Cyprus Municipalities and the Union of Cyprus Communities participate in the decision-making process concerning Cyprus’ national positions on EU matters through frequent consultations with the national ministries on various subjects.[6]



[1] Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Consultation procedures within European States, 2007.

[2] Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Consultation procedures within European States, 2007.

[3] From E-mail consultation with different services of national Cyprus ministries.

[4] Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Consultation procedures within European States, 2007.

[5] From E-mail consultation with different services of national Cyprus ministries.

[6] Report on ‘Subsidiarity in the multilevel framework of the Lisbon Treaty’, Committee of the Regions, drafted by EIPA, 2011. Not published.​