June 2025

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA In Energy, Environment, Impact community Climate, Latest

Local leaders urge a 2040 climate target

Local leaders urge European Commission to set a binding 90% domestic emissions-cut target for 2040

Mayors of Aalborg (Denmark), Athens (Greece), Barcelona (Spain), Braga (Portugal), Copenhagen (Denmark), Freiburg (Germany), Ghent (Belgium), Matosinhos (Portugal), Milan (Italy), Malmö (Sweden), Matosinhos (Portugal), Nantes (France), Oslo (Norway), Tallinn (Estonia), Utrecht (The Netherlands) and Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) among signatories of joint letter to Von der Leyen and Ribera, coordinated by C40, CEMR, Eurocities and ICLEI Europe

Today, European local leaders have sent a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the European Commission and Member States to set a binding EU target to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040 relative to 1990 numbers. The demand aligns with recommendations from the European Commission Impact Assessment on the 2040 target and the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC), which highlight how this target is feasible for Europe.

Coordinated by Europe’s largest networks of local and regional governments –C40, CEMR, Eurocities and ICLEI Europe- the letter reiterates that “climate neutrality is a strategic imperative”, and calls on the European Union to “reaffirm its global climate leadership” ahead of the crucial COP30 climate summit. The signatories stress the need for a “robust, science-based 2040 climate target”.

To achieve the 2050 climate neutrality goal, cities and regions call for a “clear and ambitious framework at the EU level” that will provide “long-term certainty to businesses, unlock investment, and accelerate innovation”.

Highlighting their own efforts, cities and regions state they are already “delivering results faster than anticipated and aligned with the Paris Agreement” but emphasise that they “cannot do this alone”. The letter urges that “national and EU frameworks must reflect the urgency and scale of the challenge and enable faster and deeper action from the local level”.

The signatories also call for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework to embed decarbonisation efforts, ensuring “that all regions and communities can access the resources, skills and infrastructure they need to succeed in the green transition”.

Finally, the letter underscores the importance of solid “multilevel governance structures and partnerships” to deliver an “ambitious and effective climate agenda”. This, they argue, is essential to “strengthen the EU’s credibility and influence on the global stage” at a “critical moment for international climate diplomacy”.

Signatories of the letter promoted by C40, CEMR, Eurocities and ICLEI Europe, as well as the following leaders from local and regional governments:

Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona and Eurocities Vice President
Matthias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent and Eurocities President
Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht
Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens
Maider Etxebarria, Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Vice-President of ICLEI Europe
Lasse Frimand Jensen, Mayor of Aalborg and Vice-President of ICLEI Europe
Gunn Marit Helgesen, Councillor of Telemark County, President of KS, Association for all Local and Regional Authorities in Norway, CEMR President
Martin Horn, Mayor of Freiburg, in his capacity as the President of ICLEI Europe
Jevgeni Ossinovski, Mayor of Tallinn
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga
Johanna Rolland, Mayor of Nantes, and President of Nantes Métropole
Luísa Salgueiro, Mayor of Matosinhos, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (CEMR member) and member of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy – Europe Political Board
Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and Vice Chair of C40 Cities
Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo and Vice Chair of C40 Cities
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, Mayor of Malmö and President of ICLEI
Lars Henrik Weiss, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen

For more information, contact:

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA

Head of Communications

SKAZLIC Ivana In Governance, Governance, Latest, Mindcraft, Mindcraft, Projects and programmes, Projects and Programmes, Publications

Country profile #1 – Poland

Country Profile on decentralised development cooperation: the case of Poland

Read full study

The country profiles offer a short overview of national models of (decentralised) development cooperation frameworks in selected EU Member States. The aim is to provide insights into specific mechanisms and modalities of analysed national frameworks and identify enabling factors as well as challenges related to practical implementation, focusing on the role and opportunities for local and regional governments and their associations.

Based on the study, Poland’s approach to DDC is characterised by:

1. Focusing on cooperation with Eastern European countries – with Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Polish local governments actively support partners through strategy development, peer learning, and implementation support.

2. Highlighting the vital role of direct local-level partnerships in times of crisis, including twinning and hands-on collaboration despite the ongoing war.

3. Polish municipalities have developed strong expertise in accessing EU funds and designing effective local strategies, which they can use in their partnerships.

This article is part of a series of 7 Country Profiles examining decentralised development cooperation frameworks across Europe. The second edition, focusing on Germany, will be published in September. Stay tuned!

Read the Country Profile, available in four languages:

CEMR encourages Polish authorities to strengthen the role of LRGs in development policy, not only as implementers, but also as strategic partners helping shape a more resilient, inclusive and effective development agenda.

This publication is produced within the Bridging and Mapping Knowledge Gaps in Decentralised Cooperation (Mindcraft), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

* The content of this publication is the responsibility of its author(s) and does not reflect the views of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

For more information, contact:

SKAZLIC Ivana

Research Analyst – Decentralised Cooperation

BORDELOT Federica In Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Publications

Position paper on migration

CEMR calls for a human‑centred and inclusive EU migration agenda by empowering local actors

Read full position paper

As Europe continues to navigate complex migration dynamics, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) stresses that migration is lived and managed locally. Cities, towns and regions are the first to welcome newcomers, support vulnerable groups, and build long‑term inclusion. Yet, most of the time, they remain under‑recognised and under‑resourced in EU migration governance.

With its new position paper, CEMR urges EU institutions and national governments to place local and regional governments (LRGs) at the heart of migration policy. This means shifting from an emergency mindset to a sustainable, human‑centred, and territorially grounded approach.

CEMR’s key asks

1. Empower LRGs

Reinforce their formal role in migration governance, supported by structured multilevel cooperation, predictable funding, and targeted capacity‑building.

2. Adopt a human‑centred EU migration policy

Ensure that all asylum and migration measures respect fundamental rights, legal clarity, and the real capacities of municipalities.

3. Include LRGs in the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact

Systematically involve cities and regions in reception, integration, and emergency responses, backed by clear procedures and real-time information.

4. Sustain coordinated support for Ukrainians under Temporary Protection

Move from emergency assistance toward long‑term integration, with a focus on housing, employment, and access to essential services.

5. Strengthen labour‑market inclusion

Improve skills recognition, reduce administrative burdens, and promote local partnerships with businesses to ease migrants’ path to employment.

6. Secure long‑term EU funding for inclusion

Protect and expand AMIF and ESF+ resources in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to enable municipalities to continue innovative integration work.

By recognising the essential role of local actors, Europe can build a migration agenda that is both effective and true to its values—supportive, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of people and places. CEMR stands ready to work with EU and national leaders to make this shift a reality.

For more information, please contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA In About CEMR, Latest

Call for democracy and sustainability in Olso

Local and regional leaders call for democratic and sustainable resource strategies in Europe at the Leaders’ Summit

Amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty and environmental challenges, local and regional governments reaffirmed their role as cornerstones of democratic resilience and sustainability in Europe.
Participants called on EU and national institutions to work more closely with local and regional governments, recognising their essential contribution to both democratic renewal and environmental transformation.

Over 100 mayors, regional leaders, policymakers and experts gathered in Oslo on 23–24 June 2025 for the CEMR Leaders’ Summit, hosted by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in cooperation with the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS). As part of the Summit, delegates visited VEAS, Scandinavia’s largest wastewater treatment plant, for a field visit that showcased how innovation and local partnerships can boost resilience.

Opening the Summit, CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen and Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe highlighted the urgent need to protect Europe’s democratic values from disinformation, external interference and political polarisation. “We must ensure that democracy remains strong where it is most tangible—in cities, towns and regions,” said Helgesen.

Defending democracy in uncertain times

Through high-level discussions and the CEMR Policy Committee meeting, local leaders exchanged strategies to reinforce citizen participation, protect democratic institutions, and uphold human rights, even in times of instability.

These discussions come at a pivotal time as the EU prepares its next long-term budget. CEMR called for a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping the future of the EU through its ongoing campaign on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Read more about the campaign here.

Resource management as a pillar of democracy

Local and regional leaders, together with EU and national representatives, tackled the critical issue of water resilience, strategic autonomy, and the circular economy.

Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Minister of Business, Mineral Resources, Energy, Justice and Gender Equality in the Government of Greenland, joined the meeting remotely to share Greenland’s experience. “For Greenland, development is not a goal in itself, but a means to build resilience and economic independence. We won’t develop at any cost—our environment and communities come first.”

Echoing the priorities outlined in the CEMR’s Water Resilience Policy Paper, participants stressed that local solutions and strong public services are vital to address growing water stress across Europe.

To inspire and support local action, CEMR has also collected over 65 local initiatives on water management across Europe, now featured in an interactive Water Mural of Best Practices.

A common vision for Europe’s future

The Summit concluded with a strong political message: local democracy and sustainability must go hand in hand. Participants called on EU and national institutions to work more closely with local and regional governments, recognising their essential contribution to both democratic renewal and environmental transformation.

“CEMR will take the insights and commitments shared in Oslo to strengthen its advocacy at the European level,” said Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General. “Our collective voice is key to shaping a more resilient, fair, and sustainable Europe.”

Review the Leaders’ Summit here

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:

CEMR

Fiorella Lavorgna

Fiorella.lavorgna@ccer-cemr.org

(0039)3405761789

Ida Paulsen Slettevoll

Ida.Paulsen.Slettevoll@ks.no

(0047) 90501841

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA

Head of Communications

THOMAS Carol In Governance, Governance

Better regulation position paper

CEMR calls for stronger governance, placing local and regional governments at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness

Read full position paper

Europe cannot deliver competitiveness with legislation alone. It will only succeed if policies work on the ground.

And that depends on local and regional governments.

Across the European Union, towns, cities and regions implement more than 70% of EU legislation. They finance public investment, deliver essential services, and turn European priorities — from the Green Deal to digital transformation — into concrete results for citizens and businesses.

Yet too often, local and regional governments are brought into the process too late, faced with fragmented rules, overlapping obligations and growing administrative burdens — clear signs of the limits of the current system. Complex legislative packages, inconsistent timelines and layers of guidance have made implementation harder, slower and more expensive, forcing authorities to spend valuable time navigating procedures instead of delivering solutions. At a moment when Europe is striving to boost productivity, resilience and strategic autonomy, this is a luxury the EU cannot afford.

In this position paper, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for a fundamental shift in how EU policies are designed and implemented: from top-down regulation to genuine multilevel governance.

To make this shift a reality, CEMR calls for:

Systematic involvement of local and regional governments throughout the entire EU policy cycle — from design to implementation and evaluation.
Structured consultation mechanisms, ensuring meaningful and timely participation of subnational authorities.
Territorial and governance impact assessments to ensure policies are realistic and implementable across diverse local contexts.
Stronger political recognition of local and regional governments as equal partners in EU decision-making.
EU legislation and funding frameworks that reflect territorial realities, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
A governance model that prioritises implementability, ensuring policies can be effectively delivered on the ground.

Competitiveness goes beyond regulatory simplification. It requires public policies that are relevant to businesses and communities that they serve and capable of being effectively implemented.

CEMR and its members stand ready to contribute their expertise, data and on-the-ground experience. The time has come to move beyond ad hoc consultation and embed local and regional governments where they belong: at the decision-making table.

Because Europe’s competitiveness will be won — or lost — locally.

Discover CEMR’s full recommendations for a stronger multilevel governance framework in the position paper.

For more information, contact:

THOMAS Carol

Senior Adviser, Governance, Gender Equality, Local Democracy

BAIER Jessica In Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning

Results of SPICE Twinning Programme

CEMR announces grant recipients for SPICE 2025 Twinning Programme

Twinning plays a vital role in connecting municipalities and regions, encouraging them to tackle shared challenges — from climate action and digital transition to social cohesion and public service innovation. Beyond these policy priorities, Twinning also nurtures mutual understanding and a sense of European belonging among citizens and communities.

Since 1951, CEMR has championed Twinning as a powerful tool for peacebuilding, dialogue, and long-term collaboration. Today, these partnerships go beyond symbolic exchanges to become strategic platforms for co-creating solutions to the pressing challenges facing Europe’s towns and regions.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is pleased to unveil the selected recipients of the SPICE 2025 sub-granting scheme, part of the broader project “SPICE – Empowering Local and Regional Governments for Sustainable Policy Implementation and Civic Engagement in Europe”.

Funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, this grant scheme builds on the success of the 2024 pilot phase. It aims to support national associations of local and regional governments in strengthening Twinning initiatives and related activities across Europe.

The selected proposals reflect a strong commitment to EU values, civic participation, gender equality, social inclusion, and democratic governance. Each winning association will receive a sub-grant of up to € 30 000 to implement projects that bring together municipalities across borders in shared learning and joint action.

CEMR is proud to support the following local and regional government associations as recipients of the SPICE 2025 grant programme:

TÖOSZ – Települesi Önkormanyzatok Orszagos Szövetsege (Hungarian National Association of Local Authorities)

KEDE – Κεντρική Ένωση Δήμων Ελλάδας (ΚΕΔΕ) (Central Union of Municipalities of Greece)

LALRGA – Latvijas Pašvaldíbu Savieníba (Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments)

AFCCRE – Association Française du CCRE (French Association of CEMR)

CEMR warmly thanks all member associations who submitted proposals under the 2025 call and contributed to its success. Stay tuned as we share updates on these promising initiatives and their impact across Europe.

For more information, click here

For more information, contact

BAIER Jessica

Project Lead in Twinning & Partnership

TONHAUSER Boris In EU budget, Impact community Society, Latest, PLATFORMA, United Cities and Local Governments

UCLG meeting with EU Commissioner Síkela

“Local governments must be at the heart of the EU’s international partnerships”

UCLG President, Jan van Zanen, met with EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela: “Local governments must be at the heart of the EU’s international partnerships”

In a bilateral meeting on 10 June UCLG President and Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen met with the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela at the occasion of 10 years of strategic partnership agreements between key associations of local and regional governments with DG INTPA (2015–2025), to advocate for a stronger role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in EU development cooperation – and to secure long-term support for decentralised cooperation in the next EU budget.

The delegation of CEMR and PLATFORMA, led by Mayor van Zanen, and including CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi, found promising common ground with the Commissioner. Both sides agreed that the goals of the Global Gateway strategy and the objectives of the EU international action – from sustainable development to infrastructure investment – can only be met by empowering the actors who are closest to the people: local governments.

“Mayors and local leaders are not just implementers. They are political actors, democratically elected and accountable to their communities“, Mayor Jan van Zanen said. “They have a unique role to play in achieving the EU’s goals – but they need the means and the recognition to do so“.

Commissioner Síkela acknowledged the critical contribution of cities and regions to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and international partnerships. As a former Czech Minister of Industry and Trade and a representative of the liberal “Mayors and Independents” party, Síkela expressed strong political sensitivity to the added value of local and regional leadership in global cooperation.

The meeting was part of a coordinated advocacy effort based on the PLATFORMA Political Declaration on the Role of Local and Regional Governments in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and EU External Action, adopted by local leaders in April 2025. CEMR and PLATFORMA underlined the need for a dedicated financial mechanism in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034) that would allow LRGs and their associations to scale up their international cooperation and support peer-to-peer partnerships with their counterparts in partner countries.

They also called for improved dialogue with EU Delegations on the ground, clearer distinction between LRGs and civil society organisations in EU instruments, and tailored, realistic and impactful calls for proposals.

Beyond financial tools, CEMR and PLATFORMA emphasised the importance of political recognition of the role of local and regional governments and their associations and networks in the implementation and governance of the Global Gateway strategy. As Europe’s largest network of municipalities and regions, CEMR highlighted the importance of structured policy dialogue and inclusive governance – especially in fragile contexts where local actors are often the last line of defence of democratic values, and provision of basic public services to the local populations.

The exchange with Commissioner Síkela comes ahead of the “2025 Cities and Regions for International Partnerships” conference, scheduled for December, where the Commissioner is invited to continue the dialogue with the presidents of five key associations, signatories of a strategic partnership agreement with DG INTPA.

As the EU begins to shape its upcoming budget cycle, the message from Europe’s mayors and local leaders is clear: for EU development cooperation to succeed, and for the Global Gateway strategy to deliver on its ambition as a value-based offer to partner countries, the local level must be included.

For more information, contact:

TONHAUSER Boris

Director – PLATFORMA

BORDELOT Federica In Climate, Impact community Climate, Local Insights, Water

Water management best practices

Every Drop Counts: Water Resilience Begins Locally

“Every Drop Counts” was created to put the spotlight on the essential role of local governments in building water resilience in Europe.
In the face of increasing droughts, floods, and water scarcity, municipalities and regions are already developing concrete, innovative solutions on the ground. Yet, these efforts often remain invisible at the European level.

These graphics respond to this gap by making local actions visible, connecting good practices across borders, and strengthening the voice of local governments in water-related policymaking.

Austria

Implementing multifunctional urban plant beds in Graz ▶

Organisation: City Council of Graz

Country: Austria

Title of the initiative: Implementing multifunctional urban plant beds in Graz

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Underground root zone extensions with biochar-based structural substrates.
Infiltration troughs sown with wildflower mixtures.
Greening and addressing biodiversity by improvement of the urban water cycle and permanent urban carbon sinks with biochar.

Czech Republic

“Behind the village” ▶

Organisation: State Land Office of the Czech Republic

Country: Czech Republic

Title of the initiative: Set of landscape measures “Behind the village”

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

By creating several polders north of the village, part of the built-up area was protected from floods.
These landscape features were made possible thanks to the State Land Office, which offers a unique service to municipalities, farmers and landowners – land consolidation.

Denmark

Climate resilient neighbourhoods ▶

Organisation: Copenhagen

Country: Denmark

Title of the initiative: Climate resilient neighbourhoods

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

Copenhagen has developed water-sensitive urban design solutions, including rain gardens and green roofs, that capture and reuse rainwater while increasing urban resilience.

France

Challenge ecod’o ▶

Organisation: Métropole Grand Nancy

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Challenge ecod’o

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

It reduces water consumption.
77% of participants to Ecod’o surveyed started limiting their consumption after starting.

Etudes de l’État quantitatif des ressources en eau▶

Organisation: Région Grand Est

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Etudes de l’État quantitatif des ressources en eau du Grand Est : prospective à milieu et fin de siècle et propositions d’actions

Category: Securing Water Supply and climate Resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Etude de l’état quantitatif des ressources en eau et prospective 2030, 2050 et 2070: The study titled “État quantitatif des ressources en eau du Grand Est : prospective à milieu et fin de siècle et propositions d’actions” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at assessing and anticipating the future availability and demand for water resources in the Grand Est region of France. Structured in multiple phases, the study begins with a regional analysis that includes a synthesis of existing data and the definition of homogeneous sectors. Subsequent phases evaluate the balance between water resources and needs for the mid-century (2030-2050) and end-of-century (2080-2100) timeframes. The study identifies areas at risk of water deficits and proposes adaptive measures to address potential imbalances. By providing detailed reports and annexes for each phase, the study serves as a vital tool for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies for sustainable water management in the face of climate change and evolving regional demands.

Les gardiennes de l’eau ▶

Organisation: Métropole Européenne de Lille (Lille Métropole)

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Les gardiennes de l’eau

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Commitment of Lille Metropole and 29 of its municipalities to a water protection project in the southern part of the metropolis.
It addresses sustainable development and quality of life by supporting local actors.
The initiative rethinks housing, agriculture, mobility, public services, and non-polluting economic activities to protect groundwater.

Préservation de la ressource en eau ▶

Organisation: Tours

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Préservation de la ressource en eau

Category: Smart Infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Reorganises water meter management to gain more precise knowledge of water usage and detect leaks.
Promotes the use of natural water by reducing impermeable surfaces and planting rain trees.
Introduces drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping projects.

Reuse of the filter backwash water ▶

Organisation: Sete Agglopole Mediterranée

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Reuse of the filter backwash water from the Sète drinking water treatment plant

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

The spring water for Sète is filtered before becoming drinkable.
During filter cleaning, around 100,000 m³ of dirty water was previously discarded into the wastewater system.
The new system captures and treats this backwash water with a parallel filtration system.
The cleaned water is reinjected into the beginning of the treatment process.
This saves approximately 80,000 m³ of water per year.

Terres de sources ▶

Organisation: Eau du Bassin Rennais

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Terres de Sources: A local label to reconcile water quality, agriculture and food supply

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

It supports agricultural practices and increases the economic value of engaged farms. Based on water analysis, the project orders producers’ specifications. It stimulates product demand issued from municipalities. The label is built collaboratively to bring together citizens and actors in food production around water protection.

Germany

Interreg NSR FIER▶

Organisation: Oldenburg Municipality

Country: Germany

Title of the initiative: Interreg NSR FIER (Floodings, Infrastructure, Evacuation, Resilience)

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Development of routines and tools to enable governments, crisis management organisations, and citizens in the North Sea Region to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-induced floods by 2027.

Latvia

Life goodwater IP ▶

Organisation: Jelgava and Tukums municipalities

Country: Latvia

Title of the initiative: Life goodwater IP

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

Improvement of the ecological quality of Latvia’s rivers and lakes by 2027.
Targets 530 water bodies at risk by reducing pollution from urban wastewater, agriculture, and forestry.
Restores river ecosystems and strengthens water management practices.
Promotes stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and policy improvement.
Supports implementation of Latvia’s River Basin Management Plans in line with EU Water Framework Directive goals.

Valmieras ūdens – metering system ▶

Organisation: Jelgava and Tukums municipalities

Country: Latvia

Title of the initiative: Valmieras ūdens – metering system

Category: Smart Infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Implementation of an innovative ultrasonic meter system for cold water consumption with remote data reading in Valmiera municipality.
Objective is to provide high-quality, convenient, and safe water management services to citizens.
Allows remote and accurate data acquisition on water consumption and facility-specific water supply monitoring.

Norway

B-WaterSmart ▶

Organisation: Bodø Municipality

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: B-WaterSmart

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Part of a European collaboration on smart water management and circular economy models.
The project targets reduced reliance on freshwater and better reuse strategies.

Skoppum eco village ▶

Organisation: Horten Municipality

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: “Miljølandsbyen Skoppum” (The Skoppum eco village)

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

A pilot housing area aiming for complete energy and water self-sufficiency.
The project integrates local water reuse, treatment of greywater, and biogas production from waste.
Collaboration includes the municipality, local water cluster, and universities.

TransformAr ▶

Organisation: Gjøvik Municipality

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: TransformAr Project

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Gjøvik is participating in the EU-funded project TransformAr, testing innovative technologies to climate-proof its wastewater infrastructure and protect Mjøsa, a key drinking water source.
Workshops brought together participants from various municipal departments, the Innlandet County Council, and other local stakeholders to better understand local context, impacts, and risks.
Main climate risks include heavy rainfall and torrential rains, drought and forest fires, erosion, flooding, and subsequent quickclay slides.

Wider uptake ▶

Organisation: Hamar and Stavange

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: Wider uptake project

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

These municipalities work with public utility companies to recover resources from wastewater, including nutrients and biogas, supporting a circular and sustainable system.

Poland

Saving water ▶

Organisation: The City of Opole

Country: Poland

Title of the initiative: Saving water

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Modernisation of The Koras Square through planting tree and plants. Reuse of rain water to water all the plant thanks to two underground tanks build to collect rain water.

Sustainable water management in the Lamus stream valley ▶

Organisation: City of Lodz Office

Country: Poland

Title of the initiative: An innovative and comprehensive concept of urban biodiversity development for local governments in Europe – restoration of the urban water ecosystem of the City of Lodz: Blue-green Lodz: Sustainable water management in the Lamus stream valley. Restoring the Lamus stream in J. Kilinski Park to the city.

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

The project aims to restorate the urban water ecosystem by shielding the Lamus River bed. It implements innovative methods of collecting rainwater and meltwater to strengthen the river bed. It has a positive impact on mitigating climate change. It will create a new biodiverse space in the city center.

Portugal

2% é H20 ▶

Organisation: Loures Municipality

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: 2% é H20

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

2% is H20 is a water efficiency project developed in the municipal swimming pools, whose equipment daily, by legal requirement, renews 2% of its total volume of water. Every 50 days is reused the water of a complete pool, which represents 7 pools per year. The 2% is H2O provides a new form of water reuse in urban environment, completely integrated into the dynamics of the city.

Açude de Mosteiros ▶

Organisation: Município de Arronches

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Açude de Mosteiros

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

The project aims to rehabilitate a wooden dam with a new inflatable structure to prevent sudden floods in winter and maintain a water area in summer. Creating green areas with biodiversity, recreational and leisure spaces, valuing nature and enhancing the mobility of users, is a proposal that aims to give new dynamics to the Region through the Rehabilitation of the dam system and urban facilities, in harmony between man and biodiversity.

Água é vida ▶

Organisation: Município da Sertã

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Água é vida

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

Water is a precious commodity. In the municipality of Sertã, we live surrounded by this natural treasure: more than 80% of the municipality’s territory is bathed by rivers and streams. Water fuels our economy, gives us more life, and makes this region more beautiful and unique. But excessive and unnecessary consumption of this limited resource can lead to its scarcity. That’s why it’s so important that we know how to save today, so we can have and live tomorrow.

Água para a Vida ▶

Organisation: Mourão

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Água para a Vida

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

Awareness-raising actions in the school context.

Águeda Drainage System – Flood Control ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Águeda Drainage System – Flood Control

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Every year there are floods in Águeda that cause damage and disruption. The General Drainage Plan for the City of Águeda presents a series of structural and complementary interventions aimed at improving the hydraulic performance of the drainage system, including pumping stations, helping to mitigate the risk of flooding, particularly in the lower part of the city, as well as protecting the city’s riverside areas from flooding when the river reaches higher levels.

Aproveitamento da água das piscinas ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Coruche

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Aproveitamento da água das piscinas – Sistema de recolha e valorização

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Use water, from the water supply resulting from washing the filters of municipal swimming pools, rain from cobertura and transbordos. It is possible to remove all of the battery systems from reusing water.

Aqualastic: educate, reduce and revalue ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Aqualastic: educate, reduce and revalue

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

It promotes plastic reduction and waste recovery through the installation of an EcoBarrier and custom filters in Guimarães. The project includes environmental education activities, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of circular economy strategies, focusing on single-use plastics and the recovery of waste collected through green infrastructures.

Ave for all ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Ave for all

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

The project revitalized the Ave River, once one of the most polluted in Europe, promoting sustainable water management and engaging 45,000 residents across 14 parishes in Guimarães. It involved schools, volunteers, and local leaders in ecological restoration and environmental education. With visible improvements in river health and community engagement, it became a model for sustainable development and civic participation.

BluePoint ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: BluePoint

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

It tackles marine plastic waste with sustainable, circular solutions. It builds a multi-stakeholder ecosystem to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and internationalization, unlocking the value of marine plastics. By promoting a replicable circular economy model in the Atlantic region, the project reduces environmental impact, creates new business opportunities, and drives the maritime sector toward a Blue Circular Economy.

Caparide Stream Restoration with Nature-Based Solutions in Cascais ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Caparide Stream Restoration with Nature-Based Solutions in Cascais

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

The Renaturalisation of the Caparide Stream relies on nature-based solutions that enable the restoration of the riparian ecosystem and the recolonisation by naturally associated communities, fostering the recreation and development of new natural habitats and increasing biodiversity. It also includes the regulation of water flow, preventing floods and protecting people and property in response to climate change.

CApt2 ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda and Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: CApt2 – Circularity of water, by all and for all

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

CApt2 is a network project with eight partners in the thematic area of the Urban Water Cycle. The project aimed to improve water efficiency and increase the circularity of water use by applying an effective methodology to develop a plan that meets the main challenges of the different partners. In this context, the Municipality of Águeda has created a Local Action Group, involving citizens, and developed the Local Integrated Action Plan, which comprises nine actions spread over three main themes.

Citizen Awareness sessions – natural engineering ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Citizen Awareness sessions – natural engineering

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

The Municipality of Leiria promoted public Awareness Sessions in order to promote a set of basic skills that enable the population to act in areas related to the cleaning of watercourses. The sessions mainly focused on: River, riverbed and banks, Water domain, General implications, Water Law, Responsibility of owners, Measures for the conservation and rehabilitation of the hydrographic network, Importance of riparian vegetation.

CLEANUP4Guimarães ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: CLEANUP4Guimarães – Innovative CLEANing of unprecedented contamination of plastic waste from rivers in Guimarães

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

It tackles river plastic pollution through innovation, active citizenship, and sustainability. In partnership with the Landscape Laboratory and the University of Minho, Guimarães leads an ecological and circular initiative to protect biodiversity, turn waste into value, and inspire the country toward a cleaner, more conscious future.

Comemoração do Dia Mundial da Água 2025 ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Comemoração do Dia Mundial da Água 2025

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

Every year the Municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores marks the water world day. This year,it was organised guided tour to a water reservoir in the municipality. These visits were carried out in collaboration with the Escola Básica e Secundária das Flores and their respective teachers and included 11 classes and more than 100 students, being the largest turnout recorded so far for this type of activity in the Municipality.

Control and monitoring of leaks ▶

Organisation: Municipio do Funchal

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Control and monitoring of leaks in the water supply networks associated with the existing remote management system

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Need to address the high water losses, unsustainable from both an economic and environmental point of view. Improvement of the hydraulic system, namely by correctly managing pressure, replacing obsolete pipes, sectoring the network and centralising all the information via a command center.

Control of water loss reduction ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Tavira

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Control of water loss reduction

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

The efficient management of water supply systems is currently one of the main objectives of the Municipality of Tavira. In this regard, a series of interventions is being carried out, mainly consisting of the installation of control devices, the reduction of water losses, and the replacement of pipelines with significant leaks.

Drop by Drop, the Waste Stop! ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Drop by Drop, the Waste Stop! – Smart Water Use in Cascais Schools

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

According to the Cascais Water Matrix, municipal schools are responsible for 13% of the municipality’s water consumption. Therefore, the Smart Water Use Project in Cascais Schools is essential to reduce water waste and raise awareness within the school community about water conservation. Water audits are being carried out in 64 schools, and measures are being implemented, such as installing flow reducers on taps and showers, dual-flush toilet systems, and rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing.

Eficiência Hídrica no Combate à Poluição das linhas de àgua no Norte Interior ▶

Organisation: Águas do Interior Norte

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Eficiência Hídrica no Combate à Poluição das linhas de àgua no Norte Interior

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

AdIN – Águas do Interior Norte, has as its corporate purpose the operation and management of water supply and distribution systems for public consumption, as well as the sewage systems of the Municipalities that make up its share capital.

Exhibition: Until the Last Drop at Cascais Museum of the Sea ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Exhibition: Until the Last Drop at Cascais Museum of the Sea

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

With an interactive component,the exhibition “Until the Last Drop” aims to serve as a call to action. It is a futuristic essay, where this life-giving resource becomes inaccessible in its original form, with technological mediation as the only means of access. The proposed setting is one of worship: a space for contemplation. An altar that floats and reacts to interaction, undulating endlessly. This artistic installation opens a space for reflection on the heavy water footprint of the Anthropocene.

Flood-Smart Stream ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Flood-Smart Stream: Rehabilitation and Renaturalisation of Sassoeiros Stream in Cascais

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

The Requalification of the Sassoeiros Stream promotes the improvement of river flow conditions through the construction of flood attenuation basins. This intervention, implemented using natural engineering methods, aims to ensure flood control, promoting the safety of people and property. The project also includes the creation of an 11-hectare green infrastructure equipped with rest areas, leisure and fitness facilities, featuring 5km of renaturalised watercourse and 5km of soft mobility pathways.

Heróis da água ▶

Organisation: Empresa Municipal de Água e Saneamento de Beja

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Projeto heróis da água

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

It aims to address the efficient use of water as water scarcity is a reality today. It focuses on environmental awareness, ensured through the initiative “EMAS in schools”. It focuses on community engagement, playing an active role in social integration and participation. It promotes innovation, research and development.

In Faro Council public water supply network ▶

Organisation: Faro City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: In Faro Council public water supply network

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

Installation of District Metered Areas and telemetry of the biggest clients.

Integrated Management of Supply Systems ▶

Organisation: Águas de Santarém – Empresa Municipal, S.A.

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Integrated Management of Supply Systems

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Over the past two years, Águas de Santarém has been rolling out an advanced system that unifies all field data into a single, intelligent platform for end-to-end water cycle management. By enabling real-time monitoring of network performance, it pinpoints high-pressure zones before they cause ruptures or outages, driving efficiency, sustainability, and a significant reduction in water losses.

LIFE natural adapt 4 rural areas ▶

Organisation: Município de Vila Nova de Famalicão

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: LIFE natural adapt 4 rural areas

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

It aims to implement innovative climate adaptation measures for sustainable water management in the Ribeira de Fradelos Basin, such as the implementation of wastewater reuse and community engagement. It addresses increasing droughts, flash floods and soil erosion, balancing economic activities with Portuguese and EU environmental goals.

Lisbon parks and gardens ▶

Organisation: Lisbon City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Lisbon parks and gardens: the same green, the water is different. Sustainable irrigation with water

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

First licensed project in Portugal to reuse water for irrigation in municipal gardens, where reclaimed water started being used in an area of 30 hectares with an annual volume of 300,000 m³ and later extended to a new 38 hectares park rehabilitated to receive the World Youth Day in 2023. Addressing topics of concern such as droughts, greening the city, heatwaves or water efficiency, this was developed under the scope of the Lisbon’s Strategic Water Reuse Plan, enabling to save 3 mm3 of drinking water soon.

Marvão +Sustentável ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Marvão

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Marvão +Sustentável

Category: Governance and partnerships (public-private and public-public

Explanation of the initiative:

25 awareness raising activities among the population of the municipality, economic agents, institutions and youth to promote the consumption of tap water and the protection of water resources.

Mosaic Decorative Panel Project in the Calhau Bathing Area ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Lajes do Pico

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Mosaic Decorative Panel Project in the Calhau Bathing Area

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

Work is underway at the Calhau swimming pool, which includes the application of a decorative mosaic panel, with aesthetic value and also an essential ecological purpose. The aim of this project is to prevent the paints used in washing and repainting from being directed into the ocean, thus polluting the environment. The municipality of Lajes do Pico, at the suggestion of Monika Ehrensperger, began work on a decorative mosaic panel in the Calhau bathing area. The design is by Mrs. Mara.

Municipal Water Management Plan of Leiria (PMGA) ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Municipal Water Management Plan of Leiria (PMGA)

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

The Municipal Water Management Plan (PMGA) is a planning tool that aims to ensure the sustainable management of water resources at the municipal level. This plan establishes 32 priority measures and actions to guarantee the availability, quality and efficient use of water, taking into account local specificities of Leiria´s territory and the guidelines of national plans.

Ovil river rehabilitation and enhancement ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Baião

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Ovil river rehabilitation and enhancement project

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

It requalifies the main watercourses in the municipality in order to conserve biodiversity, protect water resources and adapt to climate change. It is characterised by enormous cultural and environmental potential and is approximately 16 km long, from its source to its mouth on the Douro River.

Palmela: investimento na redução de perdas de água ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Palmela

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Palmela: investimento na redução de perdas de água

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Monitoring abnormal consumption in private networks. Replacement and upgrading of pipelines. Installation of water meters and monitoring of irrigation consumption. Controlling water losses in both public water supply networks and building-level (domestic) networks.

Pateira de fermentelos ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Pateira de fermentelos – rehabilitation and enhancement project

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

Clearing the invasive weeds (water hyacinth) from the lagoon, through mechanical removal, using a water harvester; to normalize the natural bed of the Pateira by dredging the excess sediment; rebuilding the small weir located at the confluence of Pateira and Águeda river are some of the measures implemented to promote nature conservation and protection and, consequently, the environmental and landscape restoration of the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula – Pateira de Fermentelos.

PERLA – strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses ▶

Organisation: Município de Mafra

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: PERLA – strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Mafra

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Aims to rehabilitate and enhance several watercourses in the municipality of Mafra. Focuses on ecological restoration and the environmental and landscape valorisation of rivers and streams. Promotes the reduction of flood risks, improvement of water quality, and recovery of riparian habitats. Encourages community involvement and environmental awareness. Supports the sustainable management of water resources within a long-term strategic framework.

“Preciosos 1%”; “Água da Torneira com todo o Gosto”; “O Roubo de água é Crime” ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria/ Municipal Water and Sanitation Services of Leiria (SMAS)

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Citizen Awareness campaigns: “Preciosos 1%”; “Água da Torneira com todo o Gosto”; “O Roubo de água é Crime”

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

SMAS de Leiria has promoted awareness campaigns aimed for the efficient and rational use of water, and also against the fraudulent use of water, such as: “Água da Torneira com Todo o Gosto”: The aim is to encourage the consumption of tap water in the Leiria region, avoiding bottled water consumption; “Preciosos 1%”: The aim was to alert the population to the scarcity of fresh drinking water on the planet ; “O Roubo de água é Crime” : is part of the plan to detect unauthorised water use.

Rehabilitation of the hydrographic network ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Albergaria-a-Velha

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Rehabilitation of the hydrographic network

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The project aimed to rehabilitate and enhance several streams that are tributaries of the Antuã and Jardim rivers, as well as the Fontão stream and the Canela estuary. It covered a total length of approximately 7 km, mainly crossing agricultural and forest areas. The project included the planting of 26,000 trees. The investment exceeded €250,000.

River restoration ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: River restoration project: promoting the ecological rehabilitation of the river area

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

Serviço Municipal de Proteção Ambiental ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Serviço Municipal de Proteção Ambiental

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The Municipal Environmental Surveillance Service (SMVA) has the mission of protecting and monitoring the environment in our municipality, including water resources. The major goal is to prevent and reduce environmental incidents and violations, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the environment and natural resources in Leiria.

Smart irrigation system of Colinas do Cruzeiro Urbanization ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Odivelas

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Smart irrigation system of Colinas do Cruzeiro Urbanization

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

Solem Wi-Fi enables smart irrigation with remote control, real-time monitoring, and integration with urban systems. The management is base on the meterological factors such as temperature, moisture, solar radiation and wind. Solar panels ensure an energy-autonomous, eco-friendly solution aligned with public environmental goals and green space management best practices. With this it is possible to save around 40 to 50% of water consumption. This system is implemented and operating.

Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

About 2% of the total volume of water in public pools must be renewed daily for sanitary reasons.To improve water use efficiency, Cascais City Council has implemented measures in the municipality’s swimming pools: All sanitary facilities were subject to water audits and equipped with more water / Efficient taps,toilet flushes and showers -Pool renewal water is reused for toilet flushing through the implementation of an intelligent water reuse system. These measures have enabled savings of 20%.

Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Leiria (PERLA) ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Leiria (PERLA)

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Provides a diagnosis of the Leiria municipality’s 1,600 kilometres of water lines, where interventions are planned for recovery and maintenance over the coming years. Establish a strategy for management, protection and restoration of municipal waterways at the 44 critical points and sections identified, namely by establishing measures to reduce sources of pollution, to improve the quality of riparian vegetation and coordinate nature conservation with agricultural and forestry activities.

TRAN Lighthouses ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Lagoa – Azores

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: TRAN Lighthouses

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Translighthouses aims to understand the strenghts and limitations of NBS design. It integrates 19 European partners, of wich 8 are pilot cases. The pilot case “Janela do Inferno” objective is to set a NBS at a local pedestrian trail, used with the sole purpose of leisure. The trail is over the waterpipe that supplies the Lagoa Municipality. This implies that the NBS must take in to account co-managment of infrastrutures, water security and quality and the preservation of the natural ecosystem.

Urjalândia a circular ▶

Organisation: Município de Amares

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Urjalândia a circular

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

It occupies a vacant primary school in a low-density area and promotes a circular economy. One of the spaces created is the ‘biological ponds’, which reuse water from irrigation channels, rain, and surrounding drains. This water is stored and reused for irrigation, cleaning, and sanitation. Treatment is carried out using filtering plants, in a sustainable, nature-based solution.

Use of water from alternative sources ▶

Organisation: Municipalité of Loulé

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Use of water from alternative sources for non-potable urban uses

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Innovative water reuse system: 500 m³ of high-quality water per month is pumped from access wells to the rock salt mine — water that was previously discharged into the stormwater drainage system. This water is pressurised using photovoltaic energy, stored in a 15 m³ reservoir, and used daily for irrigation and urban cleaning. The initiative reduces the use of potable water and delivers both environmental and economic benefits.

Várzea Urban Park ▶

Organisation: Setúbal Municipality

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Várzea Urban Park

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

The Várzea Urban Park project, in its final stages of implementation, aims to establish itself as a green and blue infrastructure, combining climate regulation and water flows (controlling urban floods and combating “urban heat islands” through the creation of a climate refuge), the creation of an ecological corridor associated with the Livramento river, promoting ecosystem services, and the development of a recreational and leisure space for the population to enjoy.

Water reuse for production of biofuel ▶

Organisation: Mangualde Municipality

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Water reuse for production of biofuel – Public/Private partnership

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Reuse of the water from our two biggest Sewer water treatment plant in the production of Green Methanol for descarbonization of the shipbuilding Industry. Private investment on a Private-Public cooperation providing the tools and the engagment necessary for a wide range of positive impacts not only for the region but also for the country given the project commitment to renewable energy, ecological conservation, sustainable and circular economic prosperity.

Water-Saving Kits for Cascais residents ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Water-Saving Kits for Cascais residents

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

The highest water consumption in Cascais occurs in households, mainly using taps and showers, accounting for 70% of the city’s total water consumption. The Municipality of Cascais has promoted various campaigns to encourage water savings among families and residents. The Water-Saving Kit, which includes 7 flow reducers for taps and showers, was distributed free of charge to 4,000 residents, also raising awareness about adopting good practices to save water in daily life.

Water Wise: Saving Resources in Cascais Municipal Offices ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Water Wise: Saving Resources in Cascais Municipal Offices

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

As part of the Environmental Management System of the Cascais City Council, municipal offices are undergoing studies and water audits to improve water efficiency in the buildings and reduce waste. This is being achieved through the installation of more efficient water devices (taps, showers, and toilet flush systems) and the use of rainwater for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. These water efficiency measures will help reduce water consumption for a total of 1,084 municipal employees.

Romania

RESTORIVER ▶

Organisation: Tulcea Municipality

Country: Romania

Title of the initiative: RESTORIVER – Climate resilient, natural water retention focused restoration of riversides and riparian areas adversely affected by human interventions along the Danube and its tributaries within the Danube Region

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

RESTORIVER increases climate adaptation capacities of riversides and riparian areas – potentially reducing risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves – by harmonising, adapting and connecting higher level water management, climate adaptation and flood protection policies with local interventions, effectively serving complex, transnational water and climate adaptation systems and stakeholder networks.

Serbia

RESTORIVER ▶

Organisation: The City of Sombor

Country: Serbia

Title of the initiative: RESTORIVER

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

It increases climate adaptation capacities of riversides and riparian areas. It reduces the risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves by harmonising, adapting and connecting higher-level water management, climate and flood protection policies with local interventions.

Spain

AKUAL ▶

Organisation: eLankidetza – Basque Agency for Development and Solidarity

Country: Spain, El Salvador, Costa Rica

Title of the initiative: AKUAL – Interinstitutional Cooperation Programme on Water and Sanitation between Central America and the Basque Country

Category: Technical cooperation North-South-South

Explanation of the initiative:

It improves water and sanitation infrastructure in municipalities in El Salvador, strengthening the capacity of national water utilities in El Salvador and Costa Rica. It incorporates a gender perspective into both components. The third edition of the project will conclude in 2027.

Green water route and Pauleja’s wetland ▶

Organisation: Ayuntamiento Zambrana

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: Green water route and Pauleja’s wetland

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The goal of the project is to restore this natural gem so that it continues to be a place for biodiversity and also to recover the original path of its waters so that it once again flows into the town’s wash house. Through the Green Water Route, improvements were created, and they range from creating an environmental information point midway along the route, to an amphibian pond and a butterfly oasis, installing insect hotels, cleaning up trash, improving the riverbed or installing nesting boxes for birds.

Municipal programme for the naturalisation of streams ▶

Organisation: City Council of Donostia/San Sebastian

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: Municipal programme for the naturalisation of streams and waterways in Donostia/San Sebastián

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The aim is to restore the natural morphology of the watercourses and associated ecosystems of streams and waterways that have been artificialised. Bioengineering techniques and nature-based solutions are employed, and native species are planted. Since 2017, work has been carried out on the Atxutxar, Landarbaso, Errekatxulo and Santa Teresa streams, and further work is planned for the coming years. Some of the actions are financed by European LIFE and NextGenerationEU funds.

Naturalisation of the Artikutza reservoir ▶

Organisation: City Council of Donostia/San Sebastian

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: Naturalisation of the Artikutza reservoir

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The project includes three phases: draining of the Artikutza reservoir (2017-2019); recovery of the stream, the potential habitats of the emerged area and the associated fauna (in progress); and the partial demolition of the dam to ensure the continuity of the stream (work planned for 2026). The entire Artikutza estate is part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its natural values. The second and third phases are financed by European LIFE funds.

The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation ▶

Organisation: Lasarte-Oria town hall

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) of Digitalization of the Water Cycle / El Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica (PERTE) de Digitalización del Ciclo del Agua

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

The Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation (PERTE) of Digitalization of the Water Cycle aims to modernize the water cycle in order to improve the efficiency of the urban water cycle, reducing water losses in distribution systems and improving waste water treatment infrastructures. In order to carry out all this, the DIGURBE project, led by the company Añarbe, S.A (AGASA), with the participation of the municipalities of Errenteria, Hernani, Lasarte-Oria, Pasaia, Oiartzun.

Sweden

Cloudburst mapping with tips and advice ▶

Organisation: Jönköpings kommun

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Cloudburst mapping with tips and advice

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Collection of information about stormwater and how to prevent and protect properties during torrential rain and flooding.

Dagvattenparken (stormwater park – Malmö stad) ▶

Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Dagvattenparken (stormwater park – Malmö stad)

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

The stormwater park in Hyllie consists of a 23,000 square metre lawn that invites play and socialising and a stormwater reservoir that will be able to receive a large amount of water in the event of a downpour.

Grönare Möllan ▶

Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Grönare Möllan

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Möllevången is one of the areas in Malmö with the fewest number of trees, which means that the total of 150 new trees has become a long-awaited addition to the cityscape and our common ecosystem. Trees provide protection against torrential rain35 of the street trees planted on Möllevången are in a plant bed that allows them to receive and store water.

Mammas Park (Rosengård – Radararkitektur) ▶

Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Mammas Park (Rosengård – Radararkitektur)

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

An important part of the design of the site is the premise that it should function as a torrential reservoir during heavy rainfall, also known as a hydrodrome.

Rain playground ▶

Organisation: Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Rain playground in Gothenburg – a playful solution to a wet challenge

Category: Equitable access to water and social inclusion

Explanation of the initiative:

It combines play with water management by involving citizens in its design. The result of the playground is not only fun and safe but also a role model for more inclusive climate adaptation. The playground is equipped with large, leaf-shaped canopies and gutters that collect and direct the rainwater in an educational manner.

The Netherlands

Gemeente Vlissingen ▶

Organisation: Gemeente Vlissingen

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Herinrichting Coosje Buskenstraat

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Implementation of an innovative climate adaptation project by redesigning Coosje Buskenstraat to function as a controlled waterway during extreme weather events. This approach aims to manage the risks associated with rising sea levels and increased storm intensity without resorting to traditional methods like raising dikes, which could necessitate the demolition of existing structures. Coosje Buskenstraat, which connects the elevated boulevard to the lower-lying city center, has been restructured to channel excess seawater safely inland during severe storms. The street’s surface has been contoured to direct water towards its sides, where specially designed parking spaces with raised edges and a zigzag layout slow down the flow, mimicking a meandering river.

Interreg NSR FIER ▶

Organisation: Provincie Zeeland

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Interreg NSR FIER (Floodings, Infrastructure, Evacuation, Resilience)

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Development of routines and tools to enable governments, crisis management organisations, and citizens in the North Sea Region to better prepare to respond and recover from climate-induced floods by 2027.

Rotterdams WeerWoord ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Rotterdam

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Rotterdams WeerWoord – Urban Water Buffer in Hart van Zuid

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Collection of rainwater from Zuidplein Shopping Centre and Gooilandsingel.
Purification of water using natural, plant-based methods.
Storage of purified water underground.
Reuse of water for non-drinking purposes (e.g. toilet flushing, cleaning).

Benefits:

It saves around 20,000 m³ of drinking water per year.
It replenishes groundwater.
It helps prevent urban flooding.

Wadi Kershage – Vlissingen ▶

Organisation: Gemeente Vlissingen

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Wadi Kershage – Vlissingen

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

One of the newest neighbourhoods in Vlissingen is Claverveld. Located on the northern side of the city, this district is characterized by its very green and spacious design. What makes Claverveld unique is that rainwater is not drained through the sewer system, but instead naturally flows across the paving into watercourses and swales.

Türkiye

Agricultural practices compatible with climate change ▶

Organisation: Antalya Metropolitan Municipality

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

It encourages the use of gray water to avoid water shortages during the summer months. It uses treated water in some areas for landscape irrigation in the city.

Atakoy project ▶

Organisation: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipalitu and ISKI

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: Atakoy project

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

Improving various treatment plants to treat wastewater for use in industrial zones and park irrigation. For example, the Ataköy Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant plans to use the treated water for park and garden irrigation.

Çiğli advanced biological wastewater treatment ▶

Organisation: Izmir Metropolitan Municipality

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: 4th phase of the Çiğli advanced biological wastewater treatment

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

In Izmir, some of the advanced treated water from the Çiğli Waste Water Treatment Plant is offered for industrial use.

Strengthen the infrastructure of Konak and Karabağlar ▶

Organisation: Izmir Metropolitan Municipality

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: Strengthen the infrastructure of Konak and Karabağlar

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Installation of in-building gray water recovery systems in some new housing projects through pilot gray water projects.

United Kingdom

Make rain happy ▶

Organisation: Essex County Council

Country: United Kingdom

Title of the initiative: Make rain happy scheme

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Use of rain gardens, swale (a shallow grassy drainage channel for water to run through), tree planting, and over 1,300 plants to reduce surface water flooding. It includes a footbridge to the green space, ‘X-grid parking’, and an information board that explains its features.

Making Margate a cooler, greener place ▶

Organisation: Kent County Council

Country: United Kingdom

Title of the initiative: Making Margate a cooler, greener place

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

It reduces the risk of flooding and the impact of increasing summer temperatures. Over 30 new trees have been planted across two urban residential streets, 11 of which are planted within specialist sustainable drainage (SuDS) tree pit systems. It contributes towards reducing heat stress and surface water flood risk while also providing attractive spaces for residents, visitors and wildlife.

York five-year plan ▶

Organisation: York Five Year Plan

Country: United Kingdom

Title of the initiative: York five-year plan

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

It details business cases and designs for schemes in 19 flood cells across the city have been delivered. It is an adaptive approach to flood resilience has been created, work programmes to develop increased flood storage and the incentivised delivery of natural flood risk management measures have commenced.

Western Balkans

Research collaboration – local and public ▶

Organisation: NALAS

Country: Western Balkans

Title of the initiative: Regional research on collaboration between the local governments and the public utility companies

Category: Governance and partnerships

Explanation of the initiative:

It examines the state of cooperation between local governments and public utility companies in six Western Balkans economies. The research involved piloting methods, desk research, conducting surveys and interviews, and compiling recommendations, from strengthening the institutional frameworks, improving operational coordination, to encourage regionalization through inter-municipal cooperation.

Regional capacity development network for water ▶

Organisation: Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe

Country: Western Balkans

Title of the initiative: Regional capacity development network for water and sanitation services

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

It connects local governments, water utilities and their associations from Western Balkans to work together on developing capacities of the water and sanitation service sector, helping to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of water and sanitation services. It has developed more than 30 programs in operation and maintenance, integrated asset management, capital infrastructure projects, non-revenue water management, wastewater management and more. It is supported by SECO and BMZ/GIZ.

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

GRIFFON Axelle In Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Waste, Water, Water

On the EU Water Resilience Strategy

CEMR priorities on the European Commission Water Resilience Strategy

The European Commission has just published its Water Resilience Strategy, a much-needed step toward safeguarding one of our most vital common goods.

At CEMR, we welcome the Strategy’s alignment with many of our long-standing priorities:
✅ Recognition of water as a public good
✅ Acknowledgement of the role of multi-level governance, cross-border cooperation and stakeholder engagement
✅ Emphasis on nature-based solutions, including the new Sponge Facility
✅ Improved tools for data access, drought management, and awareness-raising

We also welcome the reinforcement of the Polluter Pays Principle, especially for persistent pollutants like PFAS. However, we are particularly concerned by the provision for an updated study on the costs and potential impacts of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

As addressed in our recent joint letter to President von der Leyen decision risks delaying the deployment of quaternary treatment technologies essential to remove micropollutants and could hinder the timely implementation of the recast Directive.

We strongly believe that local and regional governments are best placed to address water challenges — but to do so effectively, they must be empowered with the tools, flexibility, and funding they need.

The Strategy would benefit from:
🔹 Clear and firm commitment to dedicated funding for water management in the next MFF
🔹 Better access to emergency EU funds for municipalities and regions affected by extreme events
🔹 Stronger legal safeguards and technical support for public sector water services
🔹 Concrete support for urban-rural cooperation in integrated water management

Read our full position paper

These issues will be front and centre at the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in Oslo, 23–24 June, under the theme: “Local Solutions for Equitable and Sustainable Resource Management.”

Let’s ensure Europe’s water resilience starts where it matters most — in our cities and regions.

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

BORDELOT Federica In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Latest

Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

Safeguarding Democracy in the Digital Age: CEMR Hosts Event on Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

On 21 May 2025, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) gathered policymakers, experts, and local leaders at ACE Events in Brussels to spotlight a growing threat to democracy: cyberviolence directed at women in politics.

The event, “Online Violence Against Women in Politics: Safeguarding Democracy in the Digital Age”, convened the participants to examine the digital harassment, intimidation, and abuse that disproportionately target women politicians. This phenomenon, recognised as a form of gender-based violence, not only silences women’s voices but threatens the very fabric of democratic institutions.

Framing the Issue

Building on the CEMR’s Women in Politics study, Annelies Coessens, CEMR’s Policy Officer for gender equality, diversity and migration, highlighted a harsh reality: 32% of women in politics report experiencing violence, with nearly one in three facing cyberviolence. These statistics reflect the challenges that women politicians can face in public life.

Estela Bulku from UN Women provided a global perspective, noting, “Violence against women transcends political ecosystems and societies. New technologies are creating new channels for intimidation and harassment.” Bulku referenced initiatives, including Bolivia’s groundbreaking law against political harassment and ongoing efforts in countries such as Brazil and Zimbabwe to raise awareness and provide capacity-building support.

Carina Ohlsson, rapporteur for the Committee of the Regions, presented the local dimension, pointing out that “cyberviolence is a new form of gender-based violence, and it affects democracy. We need good legislation and action on all levels. Men must be part of the conversation.” She emphasised the role of local authorities in creating safe political spaces.

Insights from Media and Local Governance

Shada Islam, a prominent commentator on EU affairs, shared her personal experiences of online abuse, underscoring the power imbalance in public discourse. “In this world, there is no impartiality. We all must become advocates,” she remarked. Islam called for stronger enforcement of existing directives, a focus on intersectionality, and media literacy efforts to empower younger generations.

Flo Clucas, Chair of CEMR’s Gender Equality Committee and local councillor from the United Kingdom (UK), emphasised the need for enforcement: “There is no enforcement. We must challenge the European Union, the United Nations, all levels of government, and the media: this has got to stop. We need action” Drawing on local initiatives in the UK, Clucas highlighted grassroots collaborations with schools, families, and institutions to combat gender stereotypes and foster mutual respect.

Looking Ahead: EU and Local Actions

Ana Carla Pereira from the European Commission (DG JUST) provided insights into the new EU Directive to combat violence against women, with a significant focus on cyberviolence. She acknowledged the challenges of ensuring member state compliance and highlighted the role of voluntary cooperation with online platforms to tackle content moderation issues. “The decrease of women in politics in the last European Parliament elections is also a symptom of the backlash on democracy,” she warned.

She concluded with a call to action, urging participants to contribute to ongoing consultations at the European level and to draw inspiration from local and regional initiatives. The final remarks reminded all that safeguarding women’s participation in politics is not merely a gender issue but a democratic imperative.

Collective Responsibility and Next Steps

CEMR’s initiative to set up an Observatory on Gender Equality was widely applauded as a necessary step to tracking trends and sharing good practices. The event left a lasting impression: the fight against online violence is a shared responsibility, demanding legislative action, grassroots engagement, media reform, and societal reflection.

As Flo Clucas aptly stated, “We need action. If not us, who?”.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

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Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

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