Calendar

Event Programme:

8:30 – 9:00 | Welcome and networking breakfast

9:00 – 9:10 | Welcome remarks by CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi

9:10 – 9:20 | Presentation of EU Semester’s study findings by CEMR Secretariat

9:20 – 10:20 | Panel debate Moderation by Federica Bordelot, CEMR Director for Policy and Impact, on:

• How does Cohesion Policy link with the EU Semester?
• The next programming period wants to create a stronger link between investments and reforms: what does this mean for local and regional governments?
• How does the EU economic governance impact local finance and investments?
• Is the EU Semester compatible with multi-level governance? examples and reflections on needed changes.

10:20 – 10:30 | Q&A and discussion

10:30 – 10:45 | Wrap up with panel speakers and conclusions

Why attend?

• Discover Practical Insights: Gain an in-depth understanding of how the European Semester impacts local governance, from taxation and public services to territorial administration and cohesion investments.
• Hear from Experts: The event will feature detailed country case studies and commentary from CEMR members who have firsthand experience navigating these challenges.
• Engage in Forward-Looking Discussions: With the European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizing the link between reforms and future investments, learn how local governments can advocate for principles of partnership, subsidiarity, and multi-level governance.

Organized by UN Women and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions

Join us for an insightful online event focused on leveraging gender responsive budgeting (GRB) to enhance women’s safety in cities. Despite significant global progress in addressing violence against women, gaps persist, particularly at the municipal level. This session will explore how GRB can help cities integrate women’s safety needs into urban planning and public policy. Participants will gain insights into practical applications of GRB, hear examples of successful initiatives, and discuss how diverse women’s voices can shape city investments. Learn from real-world lessons and discover how GRB can drive safer, more inclusive urban environments for all. 

Opening Remarks: 

• Kathryn Travers, Policy Specialist, Ending Violence against Women, UN Women 
• Annelies Coessens, Policy Officer – Gender Equality, Diversity and Migration, CEMR 

Moderator: 

• Scherie Nicol, Lead – Gender Budgeting, OECD 

Speakers: 

• Vanesa Corrales Argumánez, Technician for 2030 Agenda and European Projects, Fons Mallorquí, Spain 
• Dr. Nino Rukhadze, Member, Tbilisi City Assembly, Georgia 
• Annika Dalén, Gender Equality and Strategic Development Officer, City of Umeå, Sweden 
• Marek Hudák, Local Councillor of Bardejov and Regional Councillor of Prešov Region, Slovakia