BORDELOT Federica, Author at CEMR CCRE

BORDELOT Federica In Climate, Climate, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development

EU budget: Local Alliance action plan

Making the next EU budget work for cities and regions: the Local Alliance’s 10-point action plan

Read full position paper

The Local Alliance – a coalition of Europe’s leading local and regional governments: ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS, – aims at ensuring that our constituencies have the competencies and resources to implement and reinforce Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and decarbonisation.

We share a common vision for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to become a strong, democratic, and future-proof tool that drives cohesion across territories, reinforces Europe’s competitiveness, and enables a just transition towards climate-neutral and resilient transition.

Local and regional governments are Europe’s frontline for delivering change. They are the democratic level closest to citizens, trusted by a majority of Europeans, and directly or through shared responsibility in charge of implementing most EU legislation. They mobilise the bulk of climate-relevant investment, drive innovation and competitiveness, and safeguard cohesion and just transition by ensuring that no community is left behind. Without their leadership, Europe cannot succeed in meeting its green, digital, social, and competitiveness ambitions.

Yet instead of empowering this strength, the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF risks sidelining local and regional governments, who are best placed to deliver. A centralised approach, which does not reflect the local realities and priorities, not only threatens delivery on the ground, but also Europe’s long-term societal, democratic and economic resilience and competitiveness. As the Committee of the Regions’ most recent report highlights, European cities and regions need a budget to help build the Union from the ground up – where local and regional authorities are not only implementers but co-creators of Europe’s future.

With the negotiations already underway, the Local Alliance calls on the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to seize this opportunity to put democracy, territorial cohesion, and competitiveness at the heart of the next MFF by ensuring local and regional governments are recognised as indispensable partners. Europe cannot achieve its strategic objectives without working hand in hand with its towns, cities and regions. For this reason, the Local Alliance presents an 10 point action plan to ensure the EU budget delivers tangible results for people in every territory across Europe and beyond.

For the next MFF, we call on:

1. Stronger multilevel governance mechanisms to deliver both reforms and investments.

2. Stronger partnership principle for the implementation of the MFF.

For the National and Regional Partnership Plans:

3. Making regional and territorial chapters of the National and Regional Partnership Plans mandatory, with a clear section on cities.

4. Earmarking for a just transition & affordable living for all.

5. A real EU program for cities of all sizes under the proposed EU Facility.

6. Safeguarding mechanism for the local and regional level to guarantee their access to EU funds.

7. Linking performance indicators to EU law implementation and territorial delivery.

For the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe:

8. Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe should recognise cities and regions explicitly as innovators and investors.

For Horizon Europe:

9. Continuing the Mission approach under Horizon Europe.

For the Global Europe Facility:

10. Stronger support for accession cities and regions for the future of European cohesion.

Read the full position paper here

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Territorial development

The EU must hear its cities

Cities and regions unite to defend their role in Europe’s next budget

During this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities, Europe’s local and regional leaders sent a clear message: the future of the EU budget must not sideline those who make Europe work.

Through two major events — one under the #CohesionAlliance and another by The European Urban Forum and the Local Alliance — the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and its partners mobilised to defend the role of towns, cities and regions in shaping and delivering the EU’s next long-term budget for the period 2028–2034.

These engagements follow a broader advocacy effort launched right after the European elections, when the new EU institutions began to define the political priorities for the current mandate.

Standing up for partnership and cohesion

On 15 October, elected representatives from across Europe gathered in front of the European Parliament to call on EU institutions to give local and regional governments full partnership rights in the future Cohesion Policy, and to resist its nationalisation and centralisation.

In a symbolic action joined by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), the European Committee of the Regions and Europe’s territorial associations, the #CohesionAlliance partners adopted a seven-point call rejecting the European Commission’s current proposal .

“Bundling Cohesion Policy with policies on agriculture, defence or migration,” the statement warned, “would force local and regional authorities to compete for funds at the national level.” Such a shift, participants stressed, risks moving decision-making power away from regions and cities — the level where the EU’s goals are actually delivered.

“Competitiveness and cohesion are two sides of the same coin,” said Christoph Schnaudigel, CEMR Co-President and President of the County of Karlsruhe, Germany. “Businesses in our cities need infrastructure, housing, schools, and fibre networks. Cohesion is part of the Treaties — we need competitiveness and cohesion together. Otherwise, the money will disappear before reaching local communities. The European Commission must talk to us. You can’t know what territories need from Brussels or Berlin — we know it at the local level.”, he added.

Cities at the centre of Europe’s priorities

Later the same day, local leaders gathered again in the European Parliament for a debate titled “Shaping the Next EU Budget with Cities”, convened by the European Urban Forum in cooperation with the Local Alliance.

The message from city leaders, MEPs and European institutions was united: Europe’s priorities — from the green transition to digital transformation — cannot succeed without empowering cities and regions. As CEMR’s Christoph Schnaudigel put it: “You don’t know what the needs are from Brussels. We do — from the local level.”

Pascal Smet, Member of the Brussels-Capital Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, warned that the proposed setup risks creating “a Europe of nation states”.

Other leaders, such as Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenja (Slovenia), underlined the dangers of losing citizens’ trust if Europe fails to deliver on its promises in regions undergoing industrial transitions.

From Germany, Eckart Würzner, Mayor of Heidelberg, stressed that “cities are defenders of democracy” and that without adequate resources, “we will stand up” to protect the local dimension of Europe’s future.

Anna Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor of Bologna (Italy), urged the EU to use the forthcoming Agenda for Cities as “a lighthouse” to ensure the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) strengthens, rather than weakens, the role of local governments.

CEMR’s key asks on the next EU budget

CEMR is already working on an intense advocacy campaign to shape the current EU budget proposal made by the European Commission.

As stated in the document, ‘EU budget 2028-2034: Main changes, challenges and opportunities for local and regional governments’, CEMR has key asks on this topic:

Ensuring effective multilevel governance and meaningful partnership in the next MFF
Placing cohesion and territorial balance at the core of the next eu budget
Guaranteeing fair access to EU funding for local governments across all EU programmes
Enhancing support for local governments in EU enlargement and accession of candidate countries
Developing a dedicated EU programme to reinforce local democracy

These proposals echo the sentiment voiced by local leaders throughout the European Week: Europe’s strength lies in its territories. Cohesion and competitiveness can only coexist through real partnership between all levels of government.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Local democracy, Migration and inclusion, Press

Shaping Europe’s migration policies

CEMR meets with Baden-Württemberg cities

CEMR met this week with the working group of EU coordinators from the Association of Cities of Baden-Württemberg to discuss the evolving European and national context of migration and integration The exchange took place as EU Member States begin implementing key elements of the Asylum and Migration Pact, raising questions about how local and regional governments (LRGs) will be involved in shaping Europe’s migration governance framework.

The exchange followed CEMR’s renewed focus on migration and integration, building on the organisation’s longstanding commitment to support local and regional governments in this area through key priorities: the EU Asylum and Migration Pact, the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), housing, and labour market inclusion.

During the meeting, Annelies Coessens, CEMR’s Policy Officer for Equality, Diversity & Migration, outlined the current challenges shaping EU migration policy. While migration remains a central political priority — as reaffirmed in President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2025 State of the Union address — the implementation of the Asylum and Migration Pact still lacks the involvement of local and regional governments (LRGs). This limited coordination, coupled with security-driven national narratives, continues to hinder the development of sustainable, community-based approaches to migration.

Participants shared insights on local realities in Baden-Württemberg, including integration challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees —such as language barriers, childcare shortages, and limited access to employment. These issues particularly affect women, especially single mothers, whose limited access to childcare and job opportunities significantly delays their integration and economic independence. These examples highlighted the disconnect between EU-level policy and local realities, as well as the need for stronger support mechanisms for municipalities working directly with newcomers.

Looking ahead, the discussion turned to the upcoming EU budget negotiations (2028–2034), where migration funds — including AMIF and ESF+ — are expected to be integrated into the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). CEMR stressed that LRGs must have a seat at the table when shaping these plans to ensure that EU resources respond to real needs on the ground.

CEMR also highlighted ongoing initiatives supporting local action, including the Bridges of Trust project connecting EU and Ukrainian municipalities, and new twinning partnerships promoting peer learning on migration and integration. The newly launched CEMR Taskforce on Housing was also presented as a key space for collaboration.

This meeting underscored the shared commitment of CEMR and its members to making migration policy work with and for local communities — ensuring that those closest to citizens are central to shaping Europe’s response.

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Press

Migration and inclusion start locally

Local responses to migration and inclusion: Challenges and opportunities for local and regional governments

Representatives from CEMR’s national associations of local and regional governments, alongside EU experts and civil society organisations, met on September 17^th to discuss how migration policy plays out where it matters most: in Europe’s municipalities and regions. The event “Local responses to migration and inclusion: Challenges and opportunities for local and regional governments” spotlighted the gap between EU policy design and the realities of local and regional implementation.

Local governments at the frontline

Local and regional governments (LRGs) are on the frontline of migration. They provide shelter, education, healthcare, and pathways to employment, often under pressure and with limited resources. Yet participants underlined that LRGs remain largely absent from the design of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum.

“Policy decisions are taken in Brussels or national capitals, but it is municipalities who face the reality on the ground,” said Emmanouil Dardoufas, from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). “Local leaders need a real say in shaping migration policy, not just in implementing it.”

Inclusion: the missing piece

Speakers stressed that while the Pact addresses border management and procedures, it is far weaker on integration and inclusion, the very areas where municipalities carry the heaviest responsibilities. “Integration doesn’t stop at six months, or nine”, said Annalisa Buscaini of the European Policy Centre, referring to labour-market access timelines and the support that effective integration requires. She also cautioned that the centralisation of EU funds at the national level risks sidelining municipalities, particularly smaller ones.

The gender dimension: overlooked and urgent

The lack of gender sensitivity in EU migration policy drew particular concern. “The word ‘women’ appears fewer than ten times in the Pact implying that migrant women and girls’ specific needs and challenges are at risk of being overlooked”, noted Frohar Poya from the European Network of Migrant Women. She described unsafe reception conditions where overcrowding, lack of privacy, and inadequate safeguards expose women and girls to violence and exploitation. Without gender-sensitive approaches, she warned, the EU risks perpetuating harm.

Housing and employment: pressing local challenges

Housing shortages and access to the labour market remain among the biggest challenges for municipalities. In Germany and the Netherlands, participants reported that limited housing stock feeds hostile narratives portraying migrants as “taking places” from locals. Employment pathways are also blocked by lengthy waiting periods, cumbersome paperwork, and the non-recognition of foreign qualifications.

“Many migrants are ready to work, but legal and administrative barriers prevent them from doing so. Local governments could play a bigger role as both facilitators and employers,” argued Josephine Liebl of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE).

Practice snapshots from across Europe

Participants shared examples of how municipalities are responding despite these pressures:

Tailored support for minors in the Canary Islands: individualised care and education plans that include health and socio-emotional assessment and equip them with essential life skills.
Local level coordination hub in Athens: the municipality’s centre provides needs-based services and a welcoming environment for minors, as well as facilitates the exchange of know-how between local authorities.
Inclusive education for minors in Łódź: school integration of Ukrainian children through native-language educators, cultural activities and additional Polish language lessons.
Child participation and facilitated transition into adulthood in Bouches-du-Rhône: the involvement of minors in shaping their support plans and providing feedback on services, and the extension of child services into early adulthood to improve employment prospects.

While contexts differ, these snapshots highlight the creativity of local actors. Yet participants stressed: there is no one-size-fits-all, and national/EU frameworks must allow for local flexibility.

A call for stronger multi-level governance

The debate converged on three core priorities, translated into concrete asks:

Integration funding: create direct-to-municipality micro-grants and flexible envelopes accessible to smaller towns; require partnership clauses in national allocation rules.
Housing capacity: explore targeted EU funding and state-aid flexibilities for affordable housing linked to local needs assessments; encourage national frameworks that allow municipal co-investment.
Employment pathways: pilot earlier labour-market access where feasible; fast-track recognition of foreign qualifications in shortage sectors; streamline local hiring of migrants by LRGs as employers.

Participants acknowledged the need for national authorities to ensure consistent rules and oversight. The challenge, they argued, is to calibrate that with the flexibility local implementers require.

As Merel Bentsink, Chair of CEMR’s Expert Group on Migration and Inclusion (VNG), concluded: “Europe’s cities and regions are ready to do their part. But if we want migration and inclusion policies to work, local voices must be heard and supported.”

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Press

What the EU budget proposal means locally

Analysis of the EU budget proposal of the European Commission: time to raise the voice of local and regional governments

On 16 July, the European Commission unveiled its proposals for the next EU long term budget: the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. This proposal represents a significant shift in the EU’s approach and governance to its long-term budget. While the Commission is proposing an overall budget increase compared to the current period, investment priorities are being substantially reshaped.

There is a marked shift towards funding for defence and security, as well as for competitiveness and support for European businesses and industries. However, this change comes at the expense of traditional EU policies such as Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which have long provided relevant funding to local and regional governments for structural investments in their communities.

In this context, the coming months will be crucial. CEMR and its members will engage with decision makers in the European Council and the European Parliament to ensure that local and regional governments are not sidelined in the negotiations.

These are the key areas for which CEMR will be advocating in the coming months:

1. Multi-level governance and funding for Cohesion Policy

The Commission proposes a major restructuring of all shared management funds, including Cohesion Policy, CAP, Common Fisheries Policy, and funding instruments for internal security, border management, asylum and migration. All these funds would now be brought together under comprehensive ‘National and Regional Partnership Plans’.

The proposed MFF represents a major turning point for the role of cities and regions in delivering economic, social, and territorial cohesion. While Member States may still choose to collaborate with local and regional governments as Managing Authorities – as currently practised under Cohesion Policy – the new framework grants them broader discretion in setting investment priorities. This increased flexibility, however, comes with a clear risk: a shift toward greater centralisation of funding decisions at both the European and national levels. Such a trend could weaken the place-based approach and marginalise the very actors – our cities and regions – who are best positioned to respond to local needs and deliver tangible results on the ground.

Another major concern is the reduced financial weight given the cohesion objectives. The proposed national and regional funding now merge resources from cohesion policy funds, CAP, fisheries, and other programme objectives (e.g. LIFE, Social Climate Fund), diluting the funding explicitly dedicated to economic, social, and territorial cohesion. CEMR estimates that Cohesion Policy could shrink to just 20% of the total EU budget, compared to nearly one-third in the current MFF. In addition, repayment of Next Generation EU has been integrated in the MFF first heading together with the national and regional partnership plans, which could raise an issue of additional decrease in this budget in case of increased interest rates.

2. Acknowledging the role of local and regional governments in competitiveness

The main spending priority in the European Commission proposal is competitiveness, with a focus on the new European Competitiveness Fund, a strengthened Horizon Europe programme, and flagship EU initiatives such as Erasmus +.

Local and regional governments are crucial drivers of economic and social ecosystems at the local level, leading innovation and fostering local economic development. Many municipalities and regions have already benefited from the Horizon programme. It will therefore be essential to clearly identify local and regional governments as key beneficiaries in order to achieve the dual objective of cohesive competitiveness.

Likewise, the increased focus on defence and security must be matched by a recognition of the role local and regional authorities play in securing resilient infrastructure and essential public services, including civil protection and crisis preparedness. This role must be reflected in both national and regional budget allocations, as well as in EU direct fundings.

3. Consistent approach in the role of local and regional in the Global Europe pillar

CEMR and PLATFORMA welcome the attention given to local governments in the proposed Global Europe regulation, particularly their inclusion in consultation, engagement, and capacity-strengthening in line with their respective mandate, as well as the support foreseen for local authority networks and alliances in Europe and partner countries.

However, this recognition is not applied consistently across all geographic pillars. It is notably absent for candidate and potential candidate countries, including Ukraine, and for the neighbourhood countries East and South. Furthermore, the regulation overlooks the potential of decentralised (city-to-city and region-to-region) cooperation as a proven modality to empower local authorities in partner countries, provide local public services for the populations, localise the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, and create an enabling environment for Global Gateway investments and for civil society organisations.

As inter-institutional negotiations begin, CEMR will actively engage with EU institutions, building on existing coalitions such as the Local Alliance and the Cohesion Alliance to amplify the messages of united local and regional governments in Europe.

Note: This is an initial analysis of the proposal presented by the European Commission. CEMR will provide its members with a more in-depth assessment in the coming weeks, once all the regulations have been thoroughly reviewed.

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In EU budget, Press

Local Alliance reacts to EU budget proposal

EU Budget proposals risk cutting out cities and regions

The Local Alliance – a coalition of eight leading networks of local and regional governments – is raising the alarm over the European Commission’s proposal for the next EU budget, warning it could sideline cities and regions and undermine the delivery of key EU priorities.

The Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, presented on 16 July, introduces new ‘National and Regional Partnership Plans’, intended to simplify EU funding and reduce disparities. However, the Local Alliance argues that this approach risks centralising the EU budget, weakening Cohesion Policy, and marginalising local and regional governments in the policy design and implementation.

Without a clear earmarking of Cohesion Funds for all territories, including cities, and robust multilevel governance, local and regional authorities are unlikely to access the tools they need to implement EU priorities on the ground. Building on the Court of Auditors’ warnings of the limited impact and quality of projects funded through Recovery Funds, the Local Alliance fears that this new structure of National- Regional Plans might not be able to respond to the real transition and cohesion needs of communities.

The proposal also fails to clarify how cities and regions would be affected if national governments fall short on reform commitments or breach horizontal conditions such as the Rule of Law. This could jeopardise progress on critical local goals, from clean transport and affordable housing to inclusive communities, the creation of jobs and quality public services, while weakening democratic governance and the principle of multilevel democracy.

The Alliance welcomes the proposed European Competitiveness Fund and the FP10 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, recognising their potential to address productivity and innovation gaps across regions. However, both instruments must ensure meaningful involvement of cities and regions in priority setting and delivery, as competitiveness and cohesion are two sides of the same coin, as highlighted in the Letta Report.

As the budget negotiations move forward, the Local Alliance calls on the European Parliament and the European Council to seize this crucial opportunity to strengthen the role of cities and regions, safeguard cohesion policy, and ensure the EU budget delivers tangible results for people across Europe.

Ahead of the EU budget negotiations, local leaders call for:

Reforms and investments are to be defined through a multilevel governance approach. Safeguards must be included in the National and Regional Partnerships Plans to ensure mandatory cooperation with local governments in the design and implementation of the plan.
The territorial chapter of these plans must be clearly stated as an obligation and not as an option left to the discretion of central governments.
Clear and enforceable safeguarding mechanisms to ensure that local and regional authorities can directly access EU funds, especially in cases where national governments delay or restrict disbursements.
Concrete institutionalised cooperation with cities and regions in the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and FP10, and we urge the EU institutions to involve local and regional governments as partners in setting priorities and strengthening place-based innovation.

Notes to editors:

The Local Alliance represents the eight leading networks of European local and regional governments, ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS working together to ensure the next EU budget 2028- 2034 delivers for people by empowering local and regional governments in delivering the transition on the ground.

Christoph Schnaudigel, Co-President of CEMR; Vice-President of the German Section of CEMR (RGRE); President of the County of Karlsruhe, German County Association, said:

“After analysing the European Commission’s proposal for the EU budget, it is clear that local and regional governments across Europe must mobilise. The proposal fails to uphold economic, social, and territorial cohesion as a core objective. As a result, the share of the budget allocated to Cohesion Policy — including social and territorial development — has been reduced, with real consequences for the quality of life across Europe. Furthermore, centralising decision-making towards member states will not help address the realities and challenges of the territories, making EU funding less efficient. We must act decisively in the coming months to reverse this and defend a strong, inclusive Cohesion Policy, as well as the respect of multilevel governance”.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In EU budget, Press

What do we want from the EU budget

Don’t repeat Recovery and Resilience Facility mistakes: local governments must shape EU’s long-term budget

As the European Commission prepares to unveil its proposal for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework today, Wednesday (16 July), attention is turning to how the EU will shape its long-term investment strategy.

What is at stake is not just the amount of funding, but how and with whom those resources will be planned and implemented.

At the EU annual budget conference in May, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a shift in tone.

For the first time, she spoke not only of “national” plans, but of “national and regional partnerships for investments and reforms.”

This is more than a semantic change, but words must be followed by action. Without concrete steps, even the most inclusive language risks remaining just words.

The new proposed investment architecture is set to build on lessons from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). But unless a key flaw of the RRF is addressed — namely, the lack of involvement of local actors — the same mistakes will be repeated.

If we want these partnerships to succeed, they must be co-created with the local and regional governments that will implement them. From green mobility to housing and digital infrastructure, success also depends on getting the governance right.

Luckily, we do not need to start from scratch. The word “partnership” recalls an existing model: the Partnership Agreements used in the Cohesion Policy. These already require member states to involve local and regional governments in shaping investment strategies.

In countries like Poland and Portugal, it has led to investments aligned with real local needs—revitalising industrial areas, developing green transport—showing that when local actors are at the table, EU funding delivers real impact.

But this is about more than funding. As the EU aims to pair investments with reform, multilevel governance must become a central principle of the reform agenda itself. We are therefore calling for:

1. A co-creation approach that underpins new investment and reform partnerships, with transparent and structured mechanisms to involve local and regional governments in shaping priorities, both at the national level and within EU processes such as the European Semester.

2. Multi-level governance must be embedded in the reform dimension of these partnerships, ensuring that Member States not only consult but also empower local and regional governments to act as both planners and implementers.

3. A funding model that respects the principle of subsidiarity, with flexible, bottom-up approaches and less stringent thematic concentration decided at the Commission level to avoid the repetition of the challenges recalled in the mid-term revision of the RRF.

The EU stands at a turning point. The next long-term budget is a chance to move towards a more democratic, grounded, and effective policymaking, or to repeat the mistakes of the past. Let’s not miss this chance. Let’s make partnership the rule, not the exception.

Signatories:

Christopher Schnaudigel is co-president of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), vice-president of the German Section of CEMR (RGRE), and president of the county of Karlsruhe (German County Association)
Ľubica Karvašová is an MEP, vice-chair of the Committee on Regional Development, Renew Europe coordinator in REGI Committee
Vladimir Prebilič is an MEP, rapporteur on Simplification of the Cohesion Policy, Greens/EFA Coordinator in the REGI Committee.

*****

This opinion article was published on EU Observer on 15 July 2025. You can read it here

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications

Position paper on migration

CEMR calls for a human‑centred and inclusive EU migration agenda by empowering local actors

Read full position paper

As Europe continues to navigate complex migration dynamics, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) stresses that migration is lived and managed locally. Cities, towns and regions are the first to welcome newcomers, support vulnerable groups, and build long‑term inclusion. Yet, most of the time, they remain under‑recognised and under‑resourced in EU migration governance.

With its new position paper, CEMR urges EU institutions and national governments to place local and regional governments (LRGs) at the heart of migration policy. This means shifting from an emergency mindset to a sustainable, human‑centred, and territorially grounded approach.

CEMR’s key asks

1. Empower LRGs

Reinforce their formal role in migration governance, supported by structured multilevel cooperation, predictable funding, and targeted capacity‑building.

2. Adopt a human‑centred EU migration policy

Ensure that all asylum and migration measures respect fundamental rights, legal clarity, and the real capacities of municipalities.

3. Include LRGs in the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact

Systematically involve cities and regions in reception, integration, and emergency responses, backed by clear procedures and real-time information.

4. Sustain coordinated support for Ukrainians under Temporary Protection

Move from emergency assistance toward long‑term integration, with a focus on housing, employment, and access to essential services.

5. Strengthen labour‑market inclusion

Improve skills recognition, reduce administrative burdens, and promote local partnerships with businesses to ease migrants’ path to employment.

6. Secure long‑term EU funding for inclusion

Protect and expand AMIF and ESF+ resources in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to enable municipalities to continue innovative integration work.

By recognising the essential role of local actors, Europe can build a migration agenda that is both effective and true to its values—supportive, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of people and places. CEMR stands ready to work with EU and national leaders to make this shift a reality.

For more information, please contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In Climate, Impact community Climate, Local Insights, Water

Water management best practices

Every Drop Counts: Water Resilience Begins Locally

“Every Drop Counts” was created to put the spotlight on the essential role of local governments in building water resilience in Europe.
In the face of increasing droughts, floods, and water scarcity, municipalities and regions are already developing concrete, innovative solutions on the ground. Yet, these efforts often remain invisible at the European level.

These graphics respond to this gap by making local actions visible, connecting good practices across borders, and strengthening the voice of local governments in water-related policymaking.

Austria

Implementing multifunctional urban plant beds in Graz ▶

Organisation: City Council of Graz

Country: Austria

Title of the initiative: Implementing multifunctional urban plant beds in Graz

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Underground root zone extensions with biochar-based structural substrates.
Infiltration troughs sown with wildflower mixtures.
Greening and addressing biodiversity by improvement of the urban water cycle and permanent urban carbon sinks with biochar.

Czech Republic

“Behind the village” ▶

Organisation: State Land Office of the Czech Republic

Country: Czech Republic

Title of the initiative: Set of landscape measures “Behind the village”

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

By creating several polders north of the village, part of the built-up area was protected from floods.
These landscape features were made possible thanks to the State Land Office, which offers a unique service to municipalities, farmers and landowners – land consolidation.

Denmark

Climate resilient neighbourhoods ▶

Organisation: Copenhagen

Country: Denmark

Title of the initiative: Climate resilient neighbourhoods

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

Copenhagen has developed water-sensitive urban design solutions, including rain gardens and green roofs, that capture and reuse rainwater while increasing urban resilience.

France

Challenge ecod’o ▶

Organisation: Métropole Grand Nancy

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Challenge ecod’o

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

It reduces water consumption.
77% of participants to Ecod’o surveyed started limiting their consumption after starting.

Etudes de l’État quantitatif des ressources en eau▶

Organisation: Région Grand Est

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Etudes de l’État quantitatif des ressources en eau du Grand Est : prospective à milieu et fin de siècle et propositions d’actions

Category: Securing Water Supply and climate Resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Etude de l’état quantitatif des ressources en eau et prospective 2030, 2050 et 2070: The study titled “État quantitatif des ressources en eau du Grand Est : prospective à milieu et fin de siècle et propositions d’actions” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at assessing and anticipating the future availability and demand for water resources in the Grand Est region of France. Structured in multiple phases, the study begins with a regional analysis that includes a synthesis of existing data and the definition of homogeneous sectors. Subsequent phases evaluate the balance between water resources and needs for the mid-century (2030-2050) and end-of-century (2080-2100) timeframes. The study identifies areas at risk of water deficits and proposes adaptive measures to address potential imbalances. By providing detailed reports and annexes for each phase, the study serves as a vital tool for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies for sustainable water management in the face of climate change and evolving regional demands.

Les gardiennes de l’eau ▶

Organisation: Métropole Européenne de Lille (Lille Métropole)

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Les gardiennes de l’eau

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Commitment of Lille Metropole and 29 of its municipalities to a water protection project in the southern part of the metropolis.
It addresses sustainable development and quality of life by supporting local actors.
The initiative rethinks housing, agriculture, mobility, public services, and non-polluting economic activities to protect groundwater.

Préservation de la ressource en eau ▶

Organisation: Tours

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Préservation de la ressource en eau

Category: Smart Infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Reorganises water meter management to gain more precise knowledge of water usage and detect leaks.
Promotes the use of natural water by reducing impermeable surfaces and planting rain trees.
Introduces drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping projects.

Reuse of the filter backwash water ▶

Organisation: Sete Agglopole Mediterranée

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Reuse of the filter backwash water from the Sète drinking water treatment plant

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

The spring water for Sète is filtered before becoming drinkable.
During filter cleaning, around 100,000 m³ of dirty water was previously discarded into the wastewater system.
The new system captures and treats this backwash water with a parallel filtration system.
The cleaned water is reinjected into the beginning of the treatment process.
This saves approximately 80,000 m³ of water per year.

Terres de sources ▶

Organisation: Eau du Bassin Rennais

Country: France

Title of the initiative: Terres de Sources: A local label to reconcile water quality, agriculture and food supply

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

It supports agricultural practices and increases the economic value of engaged farms. Based on water analysis, the project orders producers’ specifications. It stimulates product demand issued from municipalities. The label is built collaboratively to bring together citizens and actors in food production around water protection.

Germany

Interreg NSR FIER▶

Organisation: Oldenburg Municipality

Country: Germany

Title of the initiative: Interreg NSR FIER (Floodings, Infrastructure, Evacuation, Resilience)

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Development of routines and tools to enable governments, crisis management organisations, and citizens in the North Sea Region to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-induced floods by 2027.

Latvia

Life goodwater IP ▶

Organisation: Jelgava and Tukums municipalities

Country: Latvia

Title of the initiative: Life goodwater IP

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

Improvement of the ecological quality of Latvia’s rivers and lakes by 2027.
Targets 530 water bodies at risk by reducing pollution from urban wastewater, agriculture, and forestry.
Restores river ecosystems and strengthens water management practices.
Promotes stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and policy improvement.
Supports implementation of Latvia’s River Basin Management Plans in line with EU Water Framework Directive goals.

Valmieras ūdens – metering system ▶

Organisation: Jelgava and Tukums municipalities

Country: Latvia

Title of the initiative: Valmieras ūdens – metering system

Category: Smart Infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Implementation of an innovative ultrasonic meter system for cold water consumption with remote data reading in Valmiera municipality.
Objective is to provide high-quality, convenient, and safe water management services to citizens.
Allows remote and accurate data acquisition on water consumption and facility-specific water supply monitoring.

Norway

B-WaterSmart ▶

Organisation: Bodø Municipality

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: B-WaterSmart

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Part of a European collaboration on smart water management and circular economy models.
The project targets reduced reliance on freshwater and better reuse strategies.

Skoppum eco village ▶

Organisation: Horten Municipality

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: “Miljølandsbyen Skoppum” (The Skoppum eco village)

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

A pilot housing area aiming for complete energy and water self-sufficiency.
The project integrates local water reuse, treatment of greywater, and biogas production from waste.
Collaboration includes the municipality, local water cluster, and universities.

TransformAr ▶

Organisation: Gjøvik Municipality

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: TransformAr Project

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Gjøvik is participating in the EU-funded project TransformAr, testing innovative technologies to climate-proof its wastewater infrastructure and protect Mjøsa, a key drinking water source.
Workshops brought together participants from various municipal departments, the Innlandet County Council, and other local stakeholders to better understand local context, impacts, and risks.
Main climate risks include heavy rainfall and torrential rains, drought and forest fires, erosion, flooding, and subsequent quickclay slides.

Wider uptake ▶

Organisation: Hamar and Stavange

Country: Norway

Title of the initiative: Wider uptake project

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

These municipalities work with public utility companies to recover resources from wastewater, including nutrients and biogas, supporting a circular and sustainable system.

Poland

Saving water ▶

Organisation: The City of Opole

Country: Poland

Title of the initiative: Saving water

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Modernisation of The Koras Square through planting tree and plants. Reuse of rain water to water all the plant thanks to two underground tanks build to collect rain water.

Sustainable water management in the Lamus stream valley ▶

Organisation: City of Lodz Office

Country: Poland

Title of the initiative: An innovative and comprehensive concept of urban biodiversity development for local governments in Europe – restoration of the urban water ecosystem of the City of Lodz: Blue-green Lodz: Sustainable water management in the Lamus stream valley. Restoring the Lamus stream in J. Kilinski Park to the city.

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

The project aims to restorate the urban water ecosystem by shielding the Lamus River bed. It implements innovative methods of collecting rainwater and meltwater to strengthen the river bed. It has a positive impact on mitigating climate change. It will create a new biodiverse space in the city center.

Portugal

2% é H20 ▶

Organisation: Loures Municipality

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: 2% é H20

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

2% is H20 is a water efficiency project developed in the municipal swimming pools, whose equipment daily, by legal requirement, renews 2% of its total volume of water. Every 50 days is reused the water of a complete pool, which represents 7 pools per year. The 2% is H2O provides a new form of water reuse in urban environment, completely integrated into the dynamics of the city.

Açude de Mosteiros ▶

Organisation: Município de Arronches

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Açude de Mosteiros

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

The project aims to rehabilitate a wooden dam with a new inflatable structure to prevent sudden floods in winter and maintain a water area in summer. Creating green areas with biodiversity, recreational and leisure spaces, valuing nature and enhancing the mobility of users, is a proposal that aims to give new dynamics to the Region through the Rehabilitation of the dam system and urban facilities, in harmony between man and biodiversity.

Água é vida ▶

Organisation: Município da Sertã

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Água é vida

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

Water is a precious commodity. In the municipality of Sertã, we live surrounded by this natural treasure: more than 80% of the municipality’s territory is bathed by rivers and streams. Water fuels our economy, gives us more life, and makes this region more beautiful and unique. But excessive and unnecessary consumption of this limited resource can lead to its scarcity. That’s why it’s so important that we know how to save today, so we can have and live tomorrow.

Água para a Vida ▶

Organisation: Mourão

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Água para a Vida

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

Awareness-raising actions in the school context.

Águeda Drainage System – Flood Control ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Águeda Drainage System – Flood Control

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Every year there are floods in Águeda that cause damage and disruption. The General Drainage Plan for the City of Águeda presents a series of structural and complementary interventions aimed at improving the hydraulic performance of the drainage system, including pumping stations, helping to mitigate the risk of flooding, particularly in the lower part of the city, as well as protecting the city’s riverside areas from flooding when the river reaches higher levels.

Aproveitamento da água das piscinas ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Coruche

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Aproveitamento da água das piscinas – Sistema de recolha e valorização

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Use water, from the water supply resulting from washing the filters of municipal swimming pools, rain from cobertura and transbordos. It is possible to remove all of the battery systems from reusing water.

Aqualastic: educate, reduce and revalue ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Aqualastic: educate, reduce and revalue

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

It promotes plastic reduction and waste recovery through the installation of an EcoBarrier and custom filters in Guimarães. The project includes environmental education activities, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of circular economy strategies, focusing on single-use plastics and the recovery of waste collected through green infrastructures.

Ave for all ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Ave for all

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

The project revitalized the Ave River, once one of the most polluted in Europe, promoting sustainable water management and engaging 45,000 residents across 14 parishes in Guimarães. It involved schools, volunteers, and local leaders in ecological restoration and environmental education. With visible improvements in river health and community engagement, it became a model for sustainable development and civic participation.

BluePoint ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: BluePoint

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

It tackles marine plastic waste with sustainable, circular solutions. It builds a multi-stakeholder ecosystem to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and internationalization, unlocking the value of marine plastics. By promoting a replicable circular economy model in the Atlantic region, the project reduces environmental impact, creates new business opportunities, and drives the maritime sector toward a Blue Circular Economy.

Caparide Stream Restoration with Nature-Based Solutions in Cascais ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Caparide Stream Restoration with Nature-Based Solutions in Cascais

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

The Renaturalisation of the Caparide Stream relies on nature-based solutions that enable the restoration of the riparian ecosystem and the recolonisation by naturally associated communities, fostering the recreation and development of new natural habitats and increasing biodiversity. It also includes the regulation of water flow, preventing floods and protecting people and property in response to climate change.

CApt2 ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda and Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: CApt2 – Circularity of water, by all and for all

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

CApt2 is a network project with eight partners in the thematic area of the Urban Water Cycle. The project aimed to improve water efficiency and increase the circularity of water use by applying an effective methodology to develop a plan that meets the main challenges of the different partners. In this context, the Municipality of Águeda has created a Local Action Group, involving citizens, and developed the Local Integrated Action Plan, which comprises nine actions spread over three main themes.

Citizen Awareness sessions – natural engineering ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Citizen Awareness sessions – natural engineering

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

The Municipality of Leiria promoted public Awareness Sessions in order to promote a set of basic skills that enable the population to act in areas related to the cleaning of watercourses. The sessions mainly focused on: River, riverbed and banks, Water domain, General implications, Water Law, Responsibility of owners, Measures for the conservation and rehabilitation of the hydrographic network, Importance of riparian vegetation.

CLEANUP4Guimarães ▶

Organisation: Laboratório da Paisagem

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: CLEANUP4Guimarães – Innovative CLEANing of unprecedented contamination of plastic waste from rivers in Guimarães

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

It tackles river plastic pollution through innovation, active citizenship, and sustainability. In partnership with the Landscape Laboratory and the University of Minho, Guimarães leads an ecological and circular initiative to protect biodiversity, turn waste into value, and inspire the country toward a cleaner, more conscious future.

Comemoração do Dia Mundial da Água 2025 ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Comemoração do Dia Mundial da Água 2025

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

Every year the Municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores marks the water world day. This year,it was organised guided tour to a water reservoir in the municipality. These visits were carried out in collaboration with the Escola Básica e Secundária das Flores and their respective teachers and included 11 classes and more than 100 students, being the largest turnout recorded so far for this type of activity in the Municipality.

Control and monitoring of leaks ▶

Organisation: Municipio do Funchal

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Control and monitoring of leaks in the water supply networks associated with the existing remote management system

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Need to address the high water losses, unsustainable from both an economic and environmental point of view. Improvement of the hydraulic system, namely by correctly managing pressure, replacing obsolete pipes, sectoring the network and centralising all the information via a command center.

Control of water loss reduction ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Tavira

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Control of water loss reduction

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

The efficient management of water supply systems is currently one of the main objectives of the Municipality of Tavira. In this regard, a series of interventions is being carried out, mainly consisting of the installation of control devices, the reduction of water losses, and the replacement of pipelines with significant leaks.

Drop by Drop, the Waste Stop! ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Drop by Drop, the Waste Stop! – Smart Water Use in Cascais Schools

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

According to the Cascais Water Matrix, municipal schools are responsible for 13% of the municipality’s water consumption. Therefore, the Smart Water Use Project in Cascais Schools is essential to reduce water waste and raise awareness within the school community about water conservation. Water audits are being carried out in 64 schools, and measures are being implemented, such as installing flow reducers on taps and showers, dual-flush toilet systems, and rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing.

Eficiência Hídrica no Combate à Poluição das linhas de àgua no Norte Interior ▶

Organisation: Águas do Interior Norte

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Eficiência Hídrica no Combate à Poluição das linhas de àgua no Norte Interior

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

AdIN – Águas do Interior Norte, has as its corporate purpose the operation and management of water supply and distribution systems for public consumption, as well as the sewage systems of the Municipalities that make up its share capital.

Exhibition: Until the Last Drop at Cascais Museum of the Sea ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Exhibition: Until the Last Drop at Cascais Museum of the Sea

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

With an interactive component,the exhibition “Until the Last Drop” aims to serve as a call to action. It is a futuristic essay, where this life-giving resource becomes inaccessible in its original form, with technological mediation as the only means of access. The proposed setting is one of worship: a space for contemplation. An altar that floats and reacts to interaction, undulating endlessly. This artistic installation opens a space for reflection on the heavy water footprint of the Anthropocene.

Flood-Smart Stream ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Flood-Smart Stream: Rehabilitation and Renaturalisation of Sassoeiros Stream in Cascais

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

The Requalification of the Sassoeiros Stream promotes the improvement of river flow conditions through the construction of flood attenuation basins. This intervention, implemented using natural engineering methods, aims to ensure flood control, promoting the safety of people and property. The project also includes the creation of an 11-hectare green infrastructure equipped with rest areas, leisure and fitness facilities, featuring 5km of renaturalised watercourse and 5km of soft mobility pathways.

Heróis da água ▶

Organisation: Empresa Municipal de Água e Saneamento de Beja

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Projeto heróis da água

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

It aims to address the efficient use of water as water scarcity is a reality today. It focuses on environmental awareness, ensured through the initiative “EMAS in schools”. It focuses on community engagement, playing an active role in social integration and participation. It promotes innovation, research and development.

In Faro Council public water supply network ▶

Organisation: Faro City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: In Faro Council public water supply network

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

Installation of District Metered Areas and telemetry of the biggest clients.

Integrated Management of Supply Systems ▶

Organisation: Águas de Santarém – Empresa Municipal, S.A.

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Integrated Management of Supply Systems

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

Over the past two years, Águas de Santarém has been rolling out an advanced system that unifies all field data into a single, intelligent platform for end-to-end water cycle management. By enabling real-time monitoring of network performance, it pinpoints high-pressure zones before they cause ruptures or outages, driving efficiency, sustainability, and a significant reduction in water losses.

LIFE natural adapt 4 rural areas ▶

Organisation: Município de Vila Nova de Famalicão

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: LIFE natural adapt 4 rural areas

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

It aims to implement innovative climate adaptation measures for sustainable water management in the Ribeira de Fradelos Basin, such as the implementation of wastewater reuse and community engagement. It addresses increasing droughts, flash floods and soil erosion, balancing economic activities with Portuguese and EU environmental goals.

Lisbon parks and gardens ▶

Organisation: Lisbon City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Lisbon parks and gardens: the same green, the water is different. Sustainable irrigation with water

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

First licensed project in Portugal to reuse water for irrigation in municipal gardens, where reclaimed water started being used in an area of 30 hectares with an annual volume of 300,000 m³ and later extended to a new 38 hectares park rehabilitated to receive the World Youth Day in 2023. Addressing topics of concern such as droughts, greening the city, heatwaves or water efficiency, this was developed under the scope of the Lisbon’s Strategic Water Reuse Plan, enabling to save 3 mm3 of drinking water soon.

Marvão +Sustentável ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Marvão

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Marvão +Sustentável

Category: Governance and partnerships (public-private and public-public

Explanation of the initiative:

25 awareness raising activities among the population of the municipality, economic agents, institutions and youth to promote the consumption of tap water and the protection of water resources.

Mosaic Decorative Panel Project in the Calhau Bathing Area ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Lajes do Pico

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Mosaic Decorative Panel Project in the Calhau Bathing Area

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

Work is underway at the Calhau swimming pool, which includes the application of a decorative mosaic panel, with aesthetic value and also an essential ecological purpose. The aim of this project is to prevent the paints used in washing and repainting from being directed into the ocean, thus polluting the environment. The municipality of Lajes do Pico, at the suggestion of Monika Ehrensperger, began work on a decorative mosaic panel in the Calhau bathing area. The design is by Mrs. Mara.

Municipal Water Management Plan of Leiria (PMGA) ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Municipal Water Management Plan of Leiria (PMGA)

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

The Municipal Water Management Plan (PMGA) is a planning tool that aims to ensure the sustainable management of water resources at the municipal level. This plan establishes 32 priority measures and actions to guarantee the availability, quality and efficient use of water, taking into account local specificities of Leiria´s territory and the guidelines of national plans.

Ovil river rehabilitation and enhancement ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Baião

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Ovil river rehabilitation and enhancement project

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

It requalifies the main watercourses in the municipality in order to conserve biodiversity, protect water resources and adapt to climate change. It is characterised by enormous cultural and environmental potential and is approximately 16 km long, from its source to its mouth on the Douro River.

Palmela: investimento na redução de perdas de água ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Palmela

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Palmela: investimento na redução de perdas de água

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Monitoring abnormal consumption in private networks. Replacement and upgrading of pipelines. Installation of water meters and monitoring of irrigation consumption. Controlling water losses in both public water supply networks and building-level (domestic) networks.

Pateira de fermentelos ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Pateira de fermentelos – rehabilitation and enhancement project

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

Clearing the invasive weeds (water hyacinth) from the lagoon, through mechanical removal, using a water harvester; to normalize the natural bed of the Pateira by dredging the excess sediment; rebuilding the small weir located at the confluence of Pateira and Águeda river are some of the measures implemented to promote nature conservation and protection and, consequently, the environmental and landscape restoration of the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula – Pateira de Fermentelos.

PERLA – strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses ▶

Organisation: Município de Mafra

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: PERLA – strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Mafra

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Aims to rehabilitate and enhance several watercourses in the municipality of Mafra. Focuses on ecological restoration and the environmental and landscape valorisation of rivers and streams. Promotes the reduction of flood risks, improvement of water quality, and recovery of riparian habitats. Encourages community involvement and environmental awareness. Supports the sustainable management of water resources within a long-term strategic framework.

“Preciosos 1%”; “Água da Torneira com todo o Gosto”; “O Roubo de água é Crime” ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria/ Municipal Water and Sanitation Services of Leiria (SMAS)

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Citizen Awareness campaigns: “Preciosos 1%”; “Água da Torneira com todo o Gosto”; “O Roubo de água é Crime”

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

SMAS de Leiria has promoted awareness campaigns aimed for the efficient and rational use of water, and also against the fraudulent use of water, such as: “Água da Torneira com Todo o Gosto”: The aim is to encourage the consumption of tap water in the Leiria region, avoiding bottled water consumption; “Preciosos 1%”: The aim was to alert the population to the scarcity of fresh drinking water on the planet ; “O Roubo de água é Crime” : is part of the plan to detect unauthorised water use.

Rehabilitation of the hydrographic network ▶

Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Albergaria-a-Velha

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Rehabilitation of the hydrographic network

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The project aimed to rehabilitate and enhance several streams that are tributaries of the Antuã and Jardim rivers, as well as the Fontão stream and the Canela estuary. It covered a total length of approximately 7 km, mainly crossing agricultural and forest areas. The project included the planting of 26,000 trees. The investment exceeded €250,000.

River restoration ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Águeda

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: River restoration project: promoting the ecological rehabilitation of the river area

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

Serviço Municipal de Proteção Ambiental ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Serviço Municipal de Proteção Ambiental

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The Municipal Environmental Surveillance Service (SMVA) has the mission of protecting and monitoring the environment in our municipality, including water resources. The major goal is to prevent and reduce environmental incidents and violations, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the environment and natural resources in Leiria.

Smart irrigation system of Colinas do Cruzeiro Urbanization ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Odivelas

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Smart irrigation system of Colinas do Cruzeiro Urbanization

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

Solem Wi-Fi enables smart irrigation with remote control, real-time monitoring, and integration with urban systems. The management is base on the meterological factors such as temperature, moisture, solar radiation and wind. Solar panels ensure an energy-autonomous, eco-friendly solution aligned with public environmental goals and green space management best practices. With this it is possible to save around 40 to 50% of water consumption. This system is implemented and operating.

Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

About 2% of the total volume of water in public pools must be renewed daily for sanitary reasons.To improve water use efficiency, Cascais City Council has implemented measures in the municipality’s swimming pools: All sanitary facilities were subject to water audits and equipped with more water / Efficient taps,toilet flushes and showers -Pool renewal water is reused for toilet flushing through the implementation of an intelligent water reuse system. These measures have enabled savings of 20%.

Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Leiria (PERLA) ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Leiria

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Leiria (PERLA)

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Provides a diagnosis of the Leiria municipality’s 1,600 kilometres of water lines, where interventions are planned for recovery and maintenance over the coming years. Establish a strategy for management, protection and restoration of municipal waterways at the 44 critical points and sections identified, namely by establishing measures to reduce sources of pollution, to improve the quality of riparian vegetation and coordinate nature conservation with agricultural and forestry activities.

TRAN Lighthouses ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Lagoa – Azores

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: TRAN Lighthouses

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Translighthouses aims to understand the strenghts and limitations of NBS design. It integrates 19 European partners, of wich 8 are pilot cases. The pilot case “Janela do Inferno” objective is to set a NBS at a local pedestrian trail, used with the sole purpose of leisure. The trail is over the waterpipe that supplies the Lagoa Municipality. This implies that the NBS must take in to account co-managment of infrastrutures, water security and quality and the preservation of the natural ecosystem.

Urjalândia a circular ▶

Organisation: Município de Amares

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Urjalândia a circular

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

It occupies a vacant primary school in a low-density area and promotes a circular economy. One of the spaces created is the ‘biological ponds’, which reuse water from irrigation channels, rain, and surrounding drains. This water is stored and reused for irrigation, cleaning, and sanitation. Treatment is carried out using filtering plants, in a sustainable, nature-based solution.

Use of water from alternative sources ▶

Organisation: Municipalité of Loulé

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Use of water from alternative sources for non-potable urban uses

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Innovative water reuse system: 500 m³ of high-quality water per month is pumped from access wells to the rock salt mine — water that was previously discharged into the stormwater drainage system. This water is pressurised using photovoltaic energy, stored in a 15 m³ reservoir, and used daily for irrigation and urban cleaning. The initiative reduces the use of potable water and delivers both environmental and economic benefits.

Várzea Urban Park ▶

Organisation: Setúbal Municipality

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Várzea Urban Park

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

The Várzea Urban Park project, in its final stages of implementation, aims to establish itself as a green and blue infrastructure, combining climate regulation and water flows (controlling urban floods and combating “urban heat islands” through the creation of a climate refuge), the creation of an ecological corridor associated with the Livramento river, promoting ecosystem services, and the development of a recreational and leisure space for the population to enjoy.

Water reuse for production of biofuel ▶

Organisation: Mangualde Municipality

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Water reuse for production of biofuel – Public/Private partnership

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Reuse of the water from our two biggest Sewer water treatment plant in the production of Green Methanol for descarbonization of the shipbuilding Industry. Private investment on a Private-Public cooperation providing the tools and the engagment necessary for a wide range of positive impacts not only for the region but also for the country given the project commitment to renewable energy, ecological conservation, sustainable and circular economic prosperity.

Water-Saving Kits for Cascais residents ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Water-Saving Kits for Cascais residents

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

The highest water consumption in Cascais occurs in households, mainly using taps and showers, accounting for 70% of the city’s total water consumption. The Municipality of Cascais has promoted various campaigns to encourage water savings among families and residents. The Water-Saving Kit, which includes 7 flow reducers for taps and showers, was distributed free of charge to 4,000 residents, also raising awareness about adopting good practices to save water in daily life.

Water Wise: Saving Resources in Cascais Municipal Offices ▶

Organisation: Cascais City Council

Country: Portugal

Title of the initiative: Water Wise: Saving Resources in Cascais Municipal Offices

Category: Environmentally responsible water management

Explanation of the initiative:

As part of the Environmental Management System of the Cascais City Council, municipal offices are undergoing studies and water audits to improve water efficiency in the buildings and reduce waste. This is being achieved through the installation of more efficient water devices (taps, showers, and toilet flush systems) and the use of rainwater for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. These water efficiency measures will help reduce water consumption for a total of 1,084 municipal employees.

Romania

RESTORIVER ▶

Organisation: Tulcea Municipality

Country: Romania

Title of the initiative: RESTORIVER – Climate resilient, natural water retention focused restoration of riversides and riparian areas adversely affected by human interventions along the Danube and its tributaries within the Danube Region

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

RESTORIVER increases climate adaptation capacities of riversides and riparian areas – potentially reducing risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves – by harmonising, adapting and connecting higher level water management, climate adaptation and flood protection policies with local interventions, effectively serving complex, transnational water and climate adaptation systems and stakeholder networks.

Serbia

RESTORIVER ▶

Organisation: The City of Sombor

Country: Serbia

Title of the initiative: RESTORIVER

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

It increases climate adaptation capacities of riversides and riparian areas. It reduces the risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves by harmonising, adapting and connecting higher-level water management, climate and flood protection policies with local interventions.

Spain

AKUAL ▶

Organisation: eLankidetza – Basque Agency for Development and Solidarity

Country: Spain, El Salvador, Costa Rica

Title of the initiative: AKUAL – Interinstitutional Cooperation Programme on Water and Sanitation between Central America and the Basque Country

Category: Technical cooperation North-South-South

Explanation of the initiative:

It improves water and sanitation infrastructure in municipalities in El Salvador, strengthening the capacity of national water utilities in El Salvador and Costa Rica. It incorporates a gender perspective into both components. The third edition of the project will conclude in 2027.

Green water route and Pauleja’s wetland ▶

Organisation: Ayuntamiento Zambrana

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: Green water route and Pauleja’s wetland

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The goal of the project is to restore this natural gem so that it continues to be a place for biodiversity and also to recover the original path of its waters so that it once again flows into the town’s wash house. Through the Green Water Route, improvements were created, and they range from creating an environmental information point midway along the route, to an amphibian pond and a butterfly oasis, installing insect hotels, cleaning up trash, improving the riverbed or installing nesting boxes for birds.

Municipal programme for the naturalisation of streams ▶

Organisation: City Council of Donostia/San Sebastian

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: Municipal programme for the naturalisation of streams and waterways in Donostia/San Sebastián

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The aim is to restore the natural morphology of the watercourses and associated ecosystems of streams and waterways that have been artificialised. Bioengineering techniques and nature-based solutions are employed, and native species are planted. Since 2017, work has been carried out on the Atxutxar, Landarbaso, Errekatxulo and Santa Teresa streams, and further work is planned for the coming years. Some of the actions are financed by European LIFE and NextGenerationEU funds.

Naturalisation of the Artikutza reservoir ▶

Organisation: City Council of Donostia/San Sebastian

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: Naturalisation of the Artikutza reservoir

Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity

Explanation of the initiative:

The project includes three phases: draining of the Artikutza reservoir (2017-2019); recovery of the stream, the potential habitats of the emerged area and the associated fauna (in progress); and the partial demolition of the dam to ensure the continuity of the stream (work planned for 2026). The entire Artikutza estate is part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its natural values. The second and third phases are financed by European LIFE funds.

The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation ▶

Organisation: Lasarte-Oria town hall

Country: Spain

Title of the initiative: The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) of Digitalization of the Water Cycle / El Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica (PERTE) de Digitalización del Ciclo del Agua

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

The Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation (PERTE) of Digitalization of the Water Cycle aims to modernize the water cycle in order to improve the efficiency of the urban water cycle, reducing water losses in distribution systems and improving waste water treatment infrastructures. In order to carry out all this, the DIGURBE project, led by the company Añarbe, S.A (AGASA), with the participation of the municipalities of Errenteria, Hernani, Lasarte-Oria, Pasaia, Oiartzun.

Sweden

Cloudburst mapping with tips and advice ▶

Organisation: Jönköpings kommun

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Cloudburst mapping with tips and advice

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Collection of information about stormwater and how to prevent and protect properties during torrential rain and flooding.

Dagvattenparken (stormwater park – Malmö stad) ▶

Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Dagvattenparken (stormwater park – Malmö stad)

Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation

Explanation of the initiative:

The stormwater park in Hyllie consists of a 23,000 square metre lawn that invites play and socialising and a stormwater reservoir that will be able to receive a large amount of water in the event of a downpour.

Grönare Möllan ▶

Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Grönare Möllan

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Möllevången is one of the areas in Malmö with the fewest number of trees, which means that the total of 150 new trees has become a long-awaited addition to the cityscape and our common ecosystem. Trees provide protection against torrential rain35 of the street trees planted on Möllevången are in a plant bed that allows them to receive and store water.

Mammas Park (Rosengård – Radararkitektur) ▶

Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Mammas Park (Rosengård – Radararkitektur)

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

An important part of the design of the site is the premise that it should function as a torrential reservoir during heavy rainfall, also known as a hydrodrome.

Rain playground ▶

Organisation: Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute

Country: Sweden

Title of the initiative: Rain playground in Gothenburg – a playful solution to a wet challenge

Category: Equitable access to water and social inclusion

Explanation of the initiative:

It combines play with water management by involving citizens in its design. The result of the playground is not only fun and safe but also a role model for more inclusive climate adaptation. The playground is equipped with large, leaf-shaped canopies and gutters that collect and direct the rainwater in an educational manner.

The Netherlands

Gemeente Vlissingen ▶

Organisation: Gemeente Vlissingen

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Herinrichting Coosje Buskenstraat

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Implementation of an innovative climate adaptation project by redesigning Coosje Buskenstraat to function as a controlled waterway during extreme weather events. This approach aims to manage the risks associated with rising sea levels and increased storm intensity without resorting to traditional methods like raising dikes, which could necessitate the demolition of existing structures. Coosje Buskenstraat, which connects the elevated boulevard to the lower-lying city center, has been restructured to channel excess seawater safely inland during severe storms. The street’s surface has been contoured to direct water towards its sides, where specially designed parking spaces with raised edges and a zigzag layout slow down the flow, mimicking a meandering river.

Interreg NSR FIER ▶

Organisation: Provincie Zeeland

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Interreg NSR FIER (Floodings, Infrastructure, Evacuation, Resilience)

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

Development of routines and tools to enable governments, crisis management organisations, and citizens in the North Sea Region to better prepare to respond and recover from climate-induced floods by 2027.

Rotterdams WeerWoord ▶

Organisation: Municipality of Rotterdam

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Rotterdams WeerWoord – Urban Water Buffer in Hart van Zuid

Category: Water reuse and circularity

Explanation of the initiative:

Collection of rainwater from Zuidplein Shopping Centre and Gooilandsingel.
Purification of water using natural, plant-based methods.
Storage of purified water underground.
Reuse of water for non-drinking purposes (e.g. toilet flushing, cleaning).

Benefits:

It saves around 20,000 m³ of drinking water per year.
It replenishes groundwater.
It helps prevent urban flooding.

Wadi Kershage – Vlissingen ▶

Organisation: Gemeente Vlissingen

Country: The Netherlands

Title of the initiative: Wadi Kershage – Vlissingen

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

One of the newest neighbourhoods in Vlissingen is Claverveld. Located on the northern side of the city, this district is characterized by its very green and spacious design. What makes Claverveld unique is that rainwater is not drained through the sewer system, but instead naturally flows across the paving into watercourses and swales.

Türkiye

Agricultural practices compatible with climate change ▶

Organisation: Antalya Metropolitan Municipality

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

It encourages the use of gray water to avoid water shortages during the summer months. It uses treated water in some areas for landscape irrigation in the city.

Atakoy project ▶

Organisation: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipalitu and ISKI

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: Atakoy project

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

Improving various treatment plants to treat wastewater for use in industrial zones and park irrigation. For example, the Ataköy Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant plans to use the treated water for park and garden irrigation.

Çiğli advanced biological wastewater treatment ▶

Organisation: Izmir Metropolitan Municipality

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: 4th phase of the Çiğli advanced biological wastewater treatment

Category: Wastewater management and sanitation

Explanation of the initiative:

In Izmir, some of the advanced treated water from the Çiğli Waste Water Treatment Plant is offered for industrial use.

Strengthen the infrastructure of Konak and Karabağlar ▶

Organisation: Izmir Metropolitan Municipality

Country: Türkiye

Title of the initiative: Strengthen the infrastructure of Konak and Karabağlar

Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience

Explanation of the initiative:

Installation of in-building gray water recovery systems in some new housing projects through pilot gray water projects.

United Kingdom

Make rain happy ▶

Organisation: Essex County Council

Country: United Kingdom

Title of the initiative: Make rain happy scheme

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

Use of rain gardens, swale (a shallow grassy drainage channel for water to run through), tree planting, and over 1,300 plants to reduce surface water flooding. It includes a footbridge to the green space, ‘X-grid parking’, and an information board that explains its features.

Making Margate a cooler, greener place ▶

Organisation: Kent County Council

Country: United Kingdom

Title of the initiative: Making Margate a cooler, greener place

Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Explanation of the initiative:

It reduces the risk of flooding and the impact of increasing summer temperatures. Over 30 new trees have been planted across two urban residential streets, 11 of which are planted within specialist sustainable drainage (SuDS) tree pit systems. It contributes towards reducing heat stress and surface water flood risk while also providing attractive spaces for residents, visitors and wildlife.

York five-year plan ▶

Organisation: York Five Year Plan

Country: United Kingdom

Title of the initiative: York five-year plan

Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention

Explanation of the initiative:

It details business cases and designs for schemes in 19 flood cells across the city have been delivered. It is an adaptive approach to flood resilience has been created, work programmes to develop increased flood storage and the incentivised delivery of natural flood risk management measures have commenced.

Western Balkans

Research collaboration – local and public ▶

Organisation: NALAS

Country: Western Balkans

Title of the initiative: Regional research on collaboration between the local governments and the public utility companies

Category: Governance and partnerships

Explanation of the initiative:

It examines the state of cooperation between local governments and public utility companies in six Western Balkans economies. The research involved piloting methods, desk research, conducting surveys and interviews, and compiling recommendations, from strengthening the institutional frameworks, improving operational coordination, to encourage regionalization through inter-municipal cooperation.

Regional capacity development network for water ▶

Organisation: Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe

Country: Western Balkans

Title of the initiative: Regional capacity development network for water and sanitation services

Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising

Explanation of the initiative:

It connects local governments, water utilities and their associations from Western Balkans to work together on developing capacities of the water and sanitation service sector, helping to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of water and sanitation services. It has developed more than 30 programs in operation and maintenance, integrated asset management, capital infrastructure projects, non-revenue water management, wastewater management and more. It is supported by SECO and BMZ/GIZ.

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Press

Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

Safeguarding Democracy in the Digital Age: CEMR Hosts Event on Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

On 21 May 2025, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) gathered policymakers, experts, and local leaders at ACE Events in Brussels to spotlight a growing threat to democracy: cyberviolence directed at women in politics.

The event, “Online Violence Against Women in Politics: Safeguarding Democracy in the Digital Age”, convened the participants to examine the digital harassment, intimidation, and abuse that disproportionately target women politicians. This phenomenon, recognised as a form of gender-based violence, not only silences women’s voices but threatens the very fabric of democratic institutions.

Framing the Issue

Building on the CEMR’s Women in Politics study, Annelies Coessens, CEMR’s Policy Officer for gender equality, diversity and migration, highlighted a harsh reality: 32% of women in politics report experiencing violence, with nearly one in three facing cyberviolence. These statistics reflect the challenges that women politicians can face in public life.

Estela Bulku from UN Women provided a global perspective, noting, “Violence against women transcends political ecosystems and societies. New technologies are creating new channels for intimidation and harassment.” Bulku referenced initiatives, including Bolivia’s groundbreaking law against political harassment and ongoing efforts in countries such as Brazil and Zimbabwe to raise awareness and provide capacity-building support.

Carina Ohlsson, rapporteur for the Committee of the Regions, presented the local dimension, pointing out that “cyberviolence is a new form of gender-based violence, and it affects democracy. We need good legislation and action on all levels. Men must be part of the conversation.” She emphasised the role of local authorities in creating safe political spaces.

Insights from Media and Local Governance

Shada Islam, a prominent commentator on EU affairs, shared her personal experiences of online abuse, underscoring the power imbalance in public discourse. “In this world, there is no impartiality. We all must become advocates,” she remarked. Islam called for stronger enforcement of existing directives, a focus on intersectionality, and media literacy efforts to empower younger generations.

Flo Clucas, Chair of CEMR’s Gender Equality Committee and local councillor from the United Kingdom (UK), emphasised the need for enforcement: “There is no enforcement. We must challenge the European Union, the United Nations, all levels of government, and the media: this has got to stop. We need action” Drawing on local initiatives in the UK, Clucas highlighted grassroots collaborations with schools, families, and institutions to combat gender stereotypes and foster mutual respect.

Looking Ahead: EU and Local Actions

Ana Carla Pereira from the European Commission (DG JUST) provided insights into the new EU Directive to combat violence against women, with a significant focus on cyberviolence. She acknowledged the challenges of ensuring member state compliance and highlighted the role of voluntary cooperation with online platforms to tackle content moderation issues. “The decrease of women in politics in the last European Parliament elections is also a symptom of the backlash on democracy,” she warned.

She concluded with a call to action, urging participants to contribute to ongoing consultations at the European level and to draw inspiration from local and regional initiatives. The final remarks reminded all that safeguarding women’s participation in politics is not merely a gender issue but a democratic imperative.

Collective Responsibility and Next Steps

CEMR’s initiative to set up an Observatory on Gender Equality was widely applauded as a necessary step to tracking trends and sharing good practices. The event left a lasting impression: the fight against online violence is a shared responsibility, demanding legislative action, grassroots engagement, media reform, and societal reflection.

As Flo Clucas aptly stated, “We need action. If not us, who?”.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica

EU budget: Local Alliance action plan

Making the next EU budget work for cities and regions: the Local Alliance’s 10-point action plan

The EU must hear its cities

Cities and regions unite to defend their role in Europe’s next budget

Cities at the centre of Europe’s priorities

Shaping Europe’s migration policies

CEMR meets with Baden-Württemberg cities

Migration and inclusion start locally

Local responses to migration and inclusion: Challenges and opportunities for local and regional governments

What the EU budget proposal means locally

Analysis of the EU budget proposal of the European Commission: time to raise the voice of local and regional governments

Local Alliance reacts to EU budget proposal

EU Budget proposals risk cutting out cities and regions

What do we want from the EU budget

Don’t repeat Recovery and Resilience Facility mistakes: local governments must shape EU’s long-term budget

Position paper on migration

CEMR calls for a human‑centred and inclusive EU migration agenda by empowering local actors

Water management best practices

Every Drop Counts: Water Resilience Begins Locally

Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

Safeguarding Democracy in the Digital Age: CEMR Hosts Event on Cyberviolence Against Women in Politics

Useful Links

Language

Resonance

About CCRE CEMR