Welcome to the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR). I am proud to be the President of an organisation whose main objective is to safeguard the interests of Swedish local and regional authorities.
In order to contribute to the improvement of the conditions of Swedish municipalities, county councils and regions with regard to their functions as employers, service providers, supervisory authorities and community developers, SALAR works proactively towards the Swedish government as well as European institutions.
In my opinion, local politics can not be isolated from what is going on in the rest of the world. Hence, an international perspective is a prerequisite for a local authority with the ambition to run its activities effectively.
This fact applies to SALAR as well. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each official to integrate an EU perspective into his or her everyday work. The Association must also be open to different solutions and work methods from around the world.
Finally, SALAR should not only promote local democracy in Sweden, but also globally, e.g. through decentralised cooperation projects.
If you would like further information concerning the political positions of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions or information regarding the responsibilities of Swedish municipalities, county councils and regions, please feel free to contact the Association.
Anders Knape
President
Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR)