Europe's new architecture: Cities as the new pillar of foreign policy

Cities and regions could become a new pillar of European foreign policy, according to this perspective. The author Joško Klisović poses a compelling question: who better understands the challenges faced by local authorities in places like Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova, or Serbia than cities and regions that have already undergone similar transitions? This suggests a potential shift in how the European Union engages with its neighbors, moving beyond traditional state-to-state diplomacy to leverage the practical experience of local governance. The idea is that cities that have successfully managed reforms, decentralization, or post-conflict recovery can offer invaluable, on-the-ground advice and support. This approach could foster deeper, more sustainable relationships by empowering local actors and sharing best practices directly. It implies a recognition that effective foreign policy often requires understanding and addressing the needs and capacities of sub-national entities. The focus would be on practical, shared experiences rather than abstract political pronouncements, potentially making EU engagement more impactful and responsive to local realities.

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Tko bolje može savjetovati lokalne vlasti u Ukrajini, Crnoj Gori, Moldaviji ili Srbiji od gradova i regija koji su to već prošli?