The Nordic and Italian Councils of Shopping Centres have agreed to work more closely with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in the future, strengthening the voice of the global membership organisation, ICSC said. The two councils are the latest national shopping centre bodies to sign such agreements in the last six months, bringing ICSC's European membership to close to 4,000 and giving it more clout in its negotiations with policymakers, particularly in Brussels.

The Nordic and Italian Councils of Shopping Centres have agreed to work more closely with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in the future, strengthening the voice of the global membership organisation, ICSC said. The two councils are the latest national shopping centre bodies to sign such agreements in the last six months, bringing ICSC's European membership to close to 4,000 and giving it more clout in its negotiations with policymakers, particularly in Brussels.

In May, the 900-strong membership of the German Council of Shopping Centers (GCSC) was the first to commit to ICSC. Under the agreements, each German, Nordic and Italian council member automatically becomes a member of ICSC, receiving all member benefits.

ICSC Europe managing director Mike Morrissey said: 'We are delighted to welcome the 1,100 members of the Nordic Council into ICSC, and cement a previously informal arrangement with the Italian Council, bringing the total membership of ICSC Europe close to 4,000. Retail real estate plays a vital economic role in communities across the region and this will foster better communication amongst European industry professionals.'

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