Plans by the EU to cut administration costs and improve regional working have been given the green light. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) backed proposals to draw-up a common post-2013 EU strategic framework for a number of European funds. Frédéric Vallier, CEMR secretary general, said: ‘The CEMR has been hoping for such a proposal for years as it would enable a more efficient local and regional development.'