Local authorities across Europe should create a ‘databank' of ideas designed to combat the recession, the mayor of Paris has said. Bertrand Délanoe told a meeting of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions on 9 December that local authorities across the Continent were best placed to tackle the impact of the downturn. ‘Innovative solutions often emanate from towns and regions. Besides, our local and regional authorities are the engines which drive economic growth through public investment,' he said. Speaking to the CEMR's policy committee, Mr Délanoe also urged Europe to create a ‘databank gathering the best ideas in terms of local economic development'. Echoing the mayor's view, CEMR president, Michel Háupl, said: ‘This financial crisis is global, but its solutions are first and foremost local'. But, amid news of a slump in the value of sterling, attendees aimed a thinly-veiled attack at Britain's reluctance to join the euro. Louis Le Pensec, CEMR president, said: ‘The euro shielded us from the crisis' worst effects. I can only express regret that it takes crises for some to hear and appreciate the European message and ideal.'