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Louis Le Pensec 

Louis Le Pensec - News 2024

CEMR Mourns the Passing of Louis Le Pensec, a Distinguished Advocate for European Values and City Solidarity


On behalf of President Gunn Marit Helgesen, Co-presidents Philippe Laurent and Christoph Schnaudigel, Secretary-General Fabrizio Rossi, Members and Secretariat, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Louis Le Pensec. An exemplary figure, his tireless efforts championed European values and city solidarity.
 
Louis Le Pensec, former President of AFCCRE, Vice-President of CEMR, and a distinguished former French minister, leaves behind an enduring legacy marked by unwavering commitment and dedication to the European project. His significant contributions have indelibly shaped our community, advancing unity among cities. Twinning, a central tenet of Le Pensec’s advocacy, stands as a testament to his vision for fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among municipalities across Europe.
 
As we reflect on Louis Le Pensec’s impactful journey, CEMR extends its deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with those whom his remarkable influence has touched.

Smart City Expo

Smart City Expo - News 2023

CEMR Engages in a Vibrant Debate on Europe’s Green Transition at SMARTCITY Expo Barcelona


The Secretary-General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is set to participate in a high-stakes panel discussion at the SMARTCITY Expo Barcelona. The session, titled “Governance-in-Partnership to Achieve an Inclusive Green Transition,” will delve into the pivotal role of local and regional governments in delivering Europe’s green transition goals.
 
Local and regional authorities are at the forefront of Europe’s green transformation, playing an irreplaceable role in achieving autonomy through green energy sources within the EU while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This ambitious vision is central to the CEMR’s message as they work to create an inclusive, sustainable, and green future that leaves no one and no place behind.
 
The CEMR Secretary-General, Fabrizio Rossi, will discuss Europe’s challenges in garnering widespread support for this green transition. These include the fear of negative social impacts. He will also showcase how region-to-region cooperation and going beyond the traditional urban-rural dichotomy, can lead to more effective solutions for addressing Europe’s challenges in garnering widespread support for the green transition. 
 
In the context of the upcoming EU election, it is also crucial to understand that addressing the potential negative social impacts and inequalities is critical for the future of European democracy and social justice.
 
CEMR has recently become a supporting institution of SMARTCITY Expo Barcelona, the world’s largest urban innovation event, guiding cities towards a brighter future since 2011. The event brings together global leaders from innovative companies, governments, and organisations to promote urban innovation and empower cities to confront today’s pressing challenges.

Cultivate talents Initiative

Talent Hub - News 2023

CEMR, Eurocities, and UCLG World Secretariat join efforts under the Talent Hub for Cities and Regions, to attract and cultivate talents in the field of territorial diplomacy.


The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Eurocities, and UCLG World Secretariat are delighted to announce a groundbreaking HR collaboration, introducing the Talent Hub for Cities and Regions. This unparalleled partnership further establishes the three organizations as a World-leading hub for young professionals and practitioners in territorial diplomacy.

The Talent Hub for Cities and Regions is a pioneering initiative in human resources, focusing on three crucial objectives. First, conduct initiatives to attract new talent and nurture the next generation of leaders in the field of territorial diplomacy. Secondly, develop a pool of talents and knowledge via joint trainings, exchanges, and tailored mentoring. And finally, implement strategies to retain talent across all three organisations.

Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of CEMR, highlighted the essence of this collaboration: “Regrettably, the field of territorial diplomacy has not been able to attract and retain the talent it truly deserves. This is unfortunate because working as agents of European and international cooperation for local and regional governments and their organisations can offer immense career satisfaction while enabling us to forge a better future for our territories and communities. The Talent Hub for Cities and Regions takes a vital step in the right direction, aiming to attract and nurture the essential talents required to address the pressing challenges ahead of us.”

André Sobczak, Secretary General Eurocities, said: “We are striving to create new sense-making career paths for young professionals and build new standards for the market, in collaboration with public authorities, universities and research centres seeking to contribute to this field. Through this unprecedented cooperation, we are laying the foundation for the largest job market in the field of local and regional diplomacy. The new Talent Hub will inspire a new generation of leaders and practitioners in the field of territorial diplomacy and support those who wish to make a career in this field.”

Secretary General of the UCLG World Secretariat, Emilia Saiz, said:
“Through combining their unique strengths and specialised knowledge, CEMR, Eurocities, and UCLG World Secretariat aim to greatly improve the landscape of territorial diplomacy. The creation of the Talent Hub for Cities and Regions stands as a concrete expression of their shared commitment to cultivating a dynamic community of experts and propelling the field to new heights.”

For media inquiries:

CEMR
Fiorella Lavorgna
Communication Officer
email: fiorella.lavorgna@ccre-cemr.org
Tel: +32 25000535

Eurocities
Andrew Kennedy
Communications Advisor
email: Andrew.kennedy@eurocities.eu
Tel: +32 470650173

UCLG World Secretariat
Xavi Castellanos
Statutory Officer
email: communication@uclg.org

AFCCRE – European University

AFCCRE - European University - News 2023

CEMR Secretary General Delivers Keynote Address at Marseille Event on EU Enlargement and Local Partnerships


Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), delivered a keynote speech in Marseille during an event organised by the Université européenne de l’AFCCRE. The gathering aimed to explore the critical role of regional and local partnerships in the context of the European Union’s enlargement.

The event comes at a pivotal moment in the EU’s history, stressing the importance of examining the active involvement of regional and local entities, which play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and shaping policies that resonate with the diverse needs of communities.

In his address, Rossi highlighted the indispensable role that regional and local partnerships play in shaping the European Union’s future. He emphasised that involving these entities in policy-making and collaboration is crucial for creating policies that truly understand and address the distinct requirements of different communities.

Fabrizio Rossi summed up the sentiment, stating, “Local and regional authorities are the backbone of our societies. Their active engagement is vital for a successful and cohesive European Union. Let us join hands and work towards a stronger, more unified Europe, where the voices of local and regional entities are at the forefront of policy-making and progress.”

The Secretary expressed warm appreciation towards the Association Française du Conseil des Communes et Régions d’Europe (AFCCRE) for arranging the event and lauded their steadfast dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding regarding EU enlargement. The event acts as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to a stronger, more unified Europe where local and regional perspectives hold significant value and are integrated.

CEMR – Development Aid

Development Aid - News 2023

CEMR and DevelopmentAid partner for a more sustainable and innovative local communities


The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has signed a partnership agreement with DevelopmentAid, at a time when CEMR is working to make sustainable innovation accessible to local and regional governments.
 
DevelopmentAid is an innovative membership organisation founded in 2007. It provides essential information to donors, agencies, consultancies, non-governmental organisations, and individuals working in the international development sector. With a network of 500,000 aid stakeholders, the organisation aims to bring together the international development community.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, CEMR members will benefit from a number of services, including free access to the Calls4Partners Service and the DevelopmentAid Job Board.
 
CEMR will soon provide its members with information on how to access the DevelopmentAid platform and take advantage of the partnership benefits.

Internships

Internships - News

CEMR is offering 3 internships


Are you currently enrolled in a university programme?
Are you interested in EU policy issues?
Are you ready to learn a lot about European regions and municipalities?

Then an internship at CEMR might be what you are looking for!

CEMR is currently looking to recruit interns as follows:

  • 2 interns for policy work for a minimum of 4 months during the period September to December 2023 (exact dates to be agreed)

While policy interns will work across various topics, candidates are invited to indicate their areas of interest among the thematic areas described below.

  • 1 intern for the PLATFORMA project for a minimum of 4 months during the period September to December 2023 (exact dates to be agreed)

Find more information on the internships and how to apply here. Deadline for applications is 30 June 2023.

Digital Communications Officer

Digital Communications Officer - News 2023

CEMR is hiring


The Council of European Municipalities and Regions is #hiring!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven and creative Digital Communications Officer, passionate for digital content with a good understanding of digital technologies. We would like someone ambitious who can be a champion for our upcoming campaigns, and with a deep insight of the Pan-European media landscape and its trends.
We are offering a 6-month contract with a possibility of renewal.

Tragedy in Türkiye

Tragedy in Türkiye - News 2023

Earthquake: CEMR expresses its support to the Turkish association TBB


With the devastating earthquake striking Turkey and Syria, the CEMR President and Secretary General addressed a letter to the President of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey (TBB), Fatma Sahin, and its Secretary General, Hayri Baraçli. 

The quake struck at 4 am local time at a depth of about 18 km near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, whose mayor is Fatma Sahin, also Vice-President of the CEMR.

The co-signed document states: “It was with emotion that we learned the terrible news of the earthquake at the Turkish-Syrian border today. On behalf of CEMR and its members, we wish to express our support to your association at this difficult time. We share our deepest condolences with the families of the victims and with the Turkish people for the loss of their loved ones.”

CEMR and its member associations will continue to closely monitor the situation and are ready to provide support and assistance to the Union of Municipalities of Turkey (TBB).