10/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - In a press release, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of the “Structural Funds” package for 2007-2013 (see EUROPE 9225), while stressing the need for balanced territorial development across Europe, between small and large, wealthy and less wealthy, urban and rural municipalities or regions. “This is excellent news for Europe's municipalities and regions,” said CEMR Secretary General Jeremy Smith. CEMR welcomed, too, the Parliament's support for the partnership principle. Birgit Hardt, CEMR Cohesion Policy Officer, said “The EU institutions have now recognised the need for all spheres of governance to be involved. It remains to be seen whether this will translate into reality within each Member States”.