NALAS – Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe

NALAS is a network of 14 associations that roughly represent 9,000 local authorities in South-East Europe, directly elected by the 80 million citizens of the region. It was created in 2001 following the first Forum of Cities and Regions of South-East Europe, organised in November 2000 in Skopje.

The Network was established under the auspices of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe and the Council of Europe. In July 2005, NALAS became an officially registered association and has been sitting since then in the European Parliament of Strasburg. The network’s Secretariat, based in Skopje, was established in March 2007.

NALAS, a delegate from the Western Balkans states

The network submits policy positions and recommendations for South East Europe’s (SEE) local governments on contemporary issues. Based on data from regional studies and benchmarking tools, the recent submissions focused on a wide range of topics, such as:

• the EU integration process
• regional management of the water and sanitation sector
• solid waste management
• gender equality at the local level
• the management of disaster risk and migration, etc.

Strengthening democracy in South-East Europe

The network actively supports the development of strong local self-governments in South-East Europe. It supports the creation of smart, sustainable, inclusive and resilient local communities, based on innovative solutions.

NALAS stimulates the exchange of information and experiences among its members. To this end, the organisation developed the NALAS Knowledge Centre – a knowledge platform for local governments. The platform brings together the network’s members and topical experts and knowledge management assistants.

The regional network also organises international and regional events and offers dissemination tools to all the SEE governments. Thanks to a unique regional partnership, a wide knowledge base and strong policy-making influence, NALAS promotes democracy, stability and prosperity throughout South-East Europe.

Sources: Joachim ROTH, EU Officer for the network; NALAS Unique Selling Points (March 2022); official website;