A joint CEMR–EPSU project explores how digitalisation is transforming local and regional governments across Europe and its impact on workers, services and governance
Digital transformation is reshaping local public services across Europe, from how services are delivered to how public employees work and engage with citizens. To understand these changes and support effective responses, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the European Public Service Union (EPSU) launched a joint project: “Local, Social, Digital”, co-funded by the European Commission and implemented between 2023 and 2024.
This initiative explored the challenges, opportunities and impact of digitalisation in local and regional governments (LRGs), with a particular focus on working conditions, skills development, social dialogue, and inclusive governance.
At the heart of the project is a comprehensive research report prepared by an independent expert, based on desk research, interviews with national CEMR and EPSU affiliates, and key insights from international conferences and webinars held in Cagliari, Tallinn and online.
The research revealed a wide range of digital practices and challenges across European LRGs. Digital tools are enhancing flexibility, accessibility and efficiency, but also raising important questions around workers’ rights, surveillance, data privacy, and fair access to training and upskilling. The study also found growing awareness around the gendered impact of digitalisation, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key themes included:
- Telework and hybrid work: The shift to remote working has been widely adopted, but requires clearer frameworks on rights, disconnection, and workplace safety.
- Digital skills and employment: There is a pressing need to train and support public employees in using digital tools, with strong involvement from both trade unions and employers.
- Ethics and AI: The use of Artificial Intelligence in local governance raises new ethical challenges and calls for stronger social partner dialogue.
- Smart cities and services: Digitalisation of public services must remain people-centred, focusing on inclusiveness, accessibility, and transparency.
Many national and local social partners have already launched strategies, tools and agreements to manage this transformation, including practical guidelines, awareness-raising events and training programmes.
As Europe enters its Digital Decade, local and regional governments stand at the forefront of this transformation. The “Local, Social, Digital” project reinforces the crucial role of social dialogue in managing digital change, ensuring fair working conditions, and promoting inclusive public services.
CEMR and EPSU call for continued EU support and structured collaboration among employers, trade unions and institutions to empower local administrations in navigating digital change, sustainably, socially, and with dignity.
For more information, contact:
Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services
