Régions de France was set up in December 1998 in response to the need for close consultation felt by the Presidents of Regional Councils, elected representatives and their departments. They wanted to share the experiences of the different Regions. Régions de France has four main functions: it represents the Regions in dealings with public authorities and European institutions; it promotes the regional dimension among citizens and economic and community stakeholders; it organises consultation and exchanges of best practices between the Regions; and it is the resource centre for regional elected representatives and their offices.