CEMR agenda for the European Week of Regions and Cities
The European Week of Regions and Cities will take place from 13 to 15 October 2025.
Organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the European Committee of the Regions, the European Week of Regions and Cities is the biggest annual Brussels-based event during which cities and regions showcase their capacity to create growth and jobs, implement European Union Cohesion policy, and prove the importance of the local and regional level for good European governance.
If you are a CEMR member and plan to be in Brussels during this week, please let us know by completing this form so we can contact you regarding visibility opportunities.
CEMR event organised on the official programme of the European Week of Regions and Cities
‘Ukraine’s path to the EU: municipalities and partnerships for cohesion and growth’
Organised by EasyBusiness, CEMR and the Agency for Recovery and Development, with U-LEAD’s support, this session will focus on Ukraine’s EU accession progress under Chapter 22, municipalities’ pivotal role as ultimate beneficiaries and the power of international municipal partnerships. Acknowledging municipalities’ limited direct experience, the session will highlight how knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives facilitate vital learning, accelerate EU alignment and crucially contribute to Ukraine’s broader integration and cohesion with the EU, fostering sustainable reconstruction and future growth.
- Date and time: 15 October 2025, 16:30 – 18:00 CET
- Venue: VMA building – Rue Van Maerlant / Van Meerlantstraat 2, Brussels, VMA23
- Register here (until 30 September)
Other events taking place during the European Week of Regions and Cities (outside the official programme)
CEMR will also organise or co-organise several events alongside the European Week of Regions and Cities, taking advantage of the presence of numerous local leaders in Brussels.
Joint event with the Congress – The Charter turns 40: renewing democracy in the digital age
- Date and time: 13 October 2025, 14 – 16:30 CET
- Venue: ACE events, Avenue d’Auderghem 22, Brussels
- Register here
- Organisers: CEMR and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
2025 marks 40 years since the European Charter on Local Self-Government was opened for signature (the Charter), a milestone document that anchors local democratic governance. In today’s digital age, local democracy is facing unprecedented challenges from disinformation, misinformation, and deliberate efforts to erode trust in public institutions. That’s why CEMR and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe are bringing together policymakers, local leaders, academics, and civil society for a vital discussion on how to build democratic resilience.
This event will spotlight innovative local actions, feature the launch of CEMR’s new report on how local and regional governments are confronting the threats of mis/disinformation, and introduce the New Democratic Pact for Europe, a bold initiative to strengthen democracy for the future.
Bridges of Trust – Annual gathering
- Date and time: 16 October 2025, 13:30 – 19:00 CET
- Venue: CEMR, 1 square Meeûs, 1st floor, Brussels
- Organisers CEMR, U-LEAD with Europe
Bridges of Trust’s annual gathering brings together European and Ukrainian municipalities to strengthen cooperation and support Ukraine’s recovery. With local leaders, EU institutions, and partner organisations, the event fosters trust-based partnerships, knowledge exchange, and concrete actions for rebuilding communities and advancing EU integration.
EU Covenant of Mayors ceremony 2025
- Date and time: 16 October 2025, 8:00 – 13:30 CET
- Venue: European Parliament
- Register here
- Organiser: EU Covenant of Mayors
At a time of mounting geopolitical challenges and accelerating climate risks, the role of Europe’s towns, cities, and regions has never been more vital. This year’s Ceremony will bring together mayors, regional leaders, and top EU decision-makers to discuss how cities and towns are helping secure Europe’s future by providing citizens with clean and affordable energy while strengthening local resilience.
For over 15 years, the EU Covenant of Mayors has mobilised local leadership across Europe to plan, act and work with communities towards a more resilient, prosperous, and climate-neutral future – making them indispensable allies in shaping Europe’s vision.
This year’s Ceremony comes at a critical moment for Europe, as new priorities and strategies take shape and gather momentum under the freshly launched EU mandate. The event will shine a spotlight on the essential role of local governments in delivering on these priorities – highlighting how Europe’s security, resilience, and prosperity can only be achieved through close cooperation with its towns, cities, and regions.
The event will feature high-level speakers, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament; Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions; Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, European Commission, along with mayors and regional leaders from across Europe.
The Ceremony will also honour the winners of the 2025 EU Covenant of Mayors Award, celebrated for their outstanding leadership and achievements in decarbonising heating and cooling at the local level.
For more information, please contact:
Head of Communications
