Ems Dollart Region

The Ems Dollard Region ( EDR ) is a cross-border purpose association in the northern German -Dutch border region. The aim of the EDR is to serve as a coordination and information, to promote cooperation between the East Frisian districts, the Emsland district, the district of Friesland and the district of Cloppenburg with the Dutch provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland and expand contacts. Thus, the advantages of a uniting Europe are recognized, supported and used in different areas. The office is located in Bad Neuschanz ( Bad Nieuweschans ) on the German -Dutch border.

Members

Currently, the purpose EDR Association has approximately 100 members. It is to various public institutions: churches, cooperation associations of municipalities, joint communities, cities, counties, Chamber of Commerce Noord -Nederland, industry and commerce, chambers of crafts and the East Frisian landscape.

Objectives and tasks

For all tasks, the EDR functions as a central, cross-border information and coordination center. Since its foundation in 1977, the EDR is striving to make the members on both sides of the border on common interests carefully. To achieve this goal, it is an object of the EDR among others in the strengthening and promotion of contacts between people and politics. Thus, existing barriers between countries are reduced. Furthermore, the advice and support of organizations, businesses and citizens in the Dutch-German affairs and representing the interests of the border region and its members in national and international bodies within the remit of the EDR falls. In addition to the tasks include the design and implementation of the INTERREG IV A Programme of the EU. To achieve these tasks are the EDR financial resources available with which the wide range of tasks covered. The basis of the financing of the activities, the contributions of the members, provinces and the European Union.

EDR Council

The EDR Council is the highest organ of EDR and shall be composed of two representatives from each EDR members. Twice a year the Council comes together for consultations to discuss the important joint projects and objectives.

Board of Directors

The Executive Board is elected by the EDR EDR Council for two years. It consists of eight German and Dutch eight members: the Chairman and the Treasurer and their representatives and twelve other members. Typically, the Board meets monthly and prepares cross-border projects and initiatives. The Executive Board represents the interests of the region in regional, national and European bodies. The Chairmanship of the Board rotates every two years between a German and a Dutch representative.