06/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - The representatives from local and regional authorities in Europe, gathered on 31 May and 1 June in Malmo under the co-Presidency of Luc van den Brande (Vice-President of the EU Committee of the Regions) and Ilmar Reepalu (President of the Association of local authorities), to exchanged their ideas on job creation at the local level. The cities and regions may play their part of catalyst in the creation of long-term jobs through the understanding of specific regional economic situations, stated Luc Van den Brande. Moreover, the President of the Employment Committee in the Committee of the Regions Annelie Stark, underlined that through this conference, delegates have wanted to send a clear signal to the EU institutions, namely that the regional and local authorities are working hard towards the development of local employment policies, in conjunction with the social partners, organised civil society and the teaching and training sector.