KS European Office Brussels

The office is located in the House of Cities, Municipalities and Regions at Square the Meeûs, close to the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions and the EFTA Surveillance Authority.

KS European office was established in Brussels in 1993 following Norway's signing the European Economic Area agreement (EEA), which integrates Norway fully into the European internal market.

The EEA provides the same rights and obligations concerning the internal market as any EU member state.

KS members have to comply with the same rules and regulations as local and regional authorities of the Member States of the European Union. The EEA agreement also offers possibilities to take part in a broad range of programs with the aim to support cooperation, development and cohesion in the 30 states presently covered by the EEA.

KS lobbying efforts on EU and EEA issues are done in close collaboration with our European organisations:

• CEMR (Council of European Municipalities and Regions, the organisation of local and regional government in Europe)
• CEEP (The European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public services, the official
  social partner for public employers in Europe)
• EFTA consultative committee (the advisory committee for Trade Unions and Employers' organisations from the four EFTA member states Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland)
• EEA EFTA Forum of Elected Representatives of Local and Regional Authorities

The office also disseminates information through a monthly newsletter and a half yearly report, in addition to the organisation of seminars and study tours and giving presentations on relevant topics upon
request. Secondments of three months periods are offered to staff of municipalities, regions and their enterprises, and KS itself.