European Issues

1. To support the development of project initiatives through maximising use of ERDF and ESF. 
   Objective 2 status covers 9 of the Borough's 24 wards. This status was hard fought for as, in general, Dudley is not deemed to be a deprived Borough. However it does have concentrations of deprivation comparable to the worst in the country. Therefore in the period up to the end of 2008, Dudley is developing a package of initiatives to create greater prosperity and to ensure that everyone is able to share in this prosperity.
2. To continue to develop Bremen links consistent with the Community Plan and other Council policies. 
   Dudley has long established sport exchange and civic links with Bremen in north Germany. Dudley is keen to develop closer working links in areas where additional benefit can be gained by joint consideration of issues that face us both. Bremen in July 2002 had an unemployment rate of 13.7% compared to 4.1% in Dudley. Yet Bremen as a major German city, has undertaken many exciting regeneration initiatives. There must be scope to share experience and good practice to maintain the regeneration momentum.
3. To broaden understanding and experience of other cultures and maximise learning opportunities, especially for young people. 
   The Council supports a range of exchanges via: - Youth Connect and Commonwealth Youth Exchange - The Council's Sports and Recreation Division - Schools Dudley has also become an international leader in developing the understanding of young people through the Dudley Challenges. These started in 2000 when through the Internet, a virtual balloon journey around the world was created. Progress on the journey involves solving a range of problems and clues and collecting information about each destination. Anyone can take up the challenge by logging on to: www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/c2000 The Council is keen to explore any activities that will enrich the knowledge, understanding and experience of other cultures.
4. To develop and market Council skills and expertise in transnational partnership working 
   In an organisation the size of Dudley MBC (approx 11,000 employees), there is a wealth of skills in the wide range of services provided. In addition, there are particular skills in accessing European Structural Funds and project delivery. The Council is keen to deploy these skills where there is mutual benefit in supporting international partners. 
   Examples include:

   • Moscow partnership for Childcare and Fostering - 
   • EQUAL: Black Country Learning Kitchen partnering Portugal, Sweden and Finland using ICT to help more isolated communities to develop their employment prospects. 
   • Officer hosting, Walbrzych in Lower Silesia, Poland as part of a Regional initiative to support accession countries. 
5. To continue to develop the use of support organisations and services. 
   The Council supports the West Midlands in Europe Office in Brussels and places great value on the services it provides. The possibility of secondments to the Brussels office is under consideration. Twice yearly meetings with the 3 MEPs that have major responsibilities for the Dudley area, are now well established. These are valued opportunities to exchange news and views. Dudley along with it's 3 neighbouring Black Country authorities, contributes to the post of the Black Country European Liaison Officer. The post is invaluable in providing a sub-regional resource to promote our interests at the more strategic level. Other organisations we engage with include the British Council and the Local Government International Bureau.
6. 
   The Council supports the West Midlands in Europe Office in Brussels and places great value on the services it provides. The possibility of secondments to the Brussels office is under consideration. Twice yearly meetings with the 3 MEPs that have major responsibilities for the Dudley area, are now well established. These are valued opportunities to exchange news and views. Dudley along with it's 3 neighbouring Black Country authorities, contributes to the post of the Black Country European Liaison Officer. The post is invaluable in providing a sub-regional resource to promote our interests at the more strategic level. Other organisations we engage with include the British Council and the Local Government International Bureau.

The Council supports the West Midlands in Europe Office in Brussels and places great value on the services it provides. The possibility of secondments to the Brussels office is under consideration. Twice yearly meetings with the 3 MEPs that have major responsibilities for the Dudley area, are now well established. These are valued opportunities to exchange news and views. Dudley along with it's 3 neighbouring Black Country authorities, contributes to the post of the Black Country European Liaison Officer. The post is invaluable in providing a sub-regional resource to promote our interests at the more strategic level. Other organisations we engage with include the British Council and the Local Government International Bureau.