Leaders' Summit

Programme

The CEMR Leaders’ Summit brings together over 150 international leaders from 41 member countries and partners to explore Europe’s most urgent challenges. This two-day gathering includes an internal CEMR Policy Committee meeting on Day 1 and strategic political discussions on Day 2, focused on the needs of CEMR members and the broader international context.

Day one will cover CEMR’s statutory and financial matters, alongside a strategic discussion on the challenges facing local and regional governments in defending democracy amid global instability. Topics will include misinformation, external influence, and political polarisation. Local leaders will explore how to protect democratic values through transparency, inclusivity, and citizen engagement.

Day two will focus on sustainable resource management and its role in democratic governance. Discussions will highlight how local authorities can tackle resource scarcity, environmental challenges, and social inequality. Emphasis will be placed on local leadership in promoting circular economy practices, climate resilience, and fair resource access to support both sustainability and democratic strength.