It is consulted on upcoming EU decisions with a direct impact at the local or regional level in fields such as transport, health, employment or education. Its 317 members are often leaders of regional governments or mayors of cities.
 

It is responsible for managing the euro, for example, by setting interest rates. Its prime concern is ensuring price stability so that the European economy is not damaged by inflation.

 

It lends money for projects of European interest, particularly in the less well-off regions. It finances infrastructure projects such as rail and road links, airports or environmental schemes.