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BORDELOT Federica

Director - Policy & Impact

BORDELOT Federica
In IncluCities [closed project], Press, Projects and Programmes

IncluCities

IncluCities - News 2020

Launching ‘IncluCities’, a new CEMR project to improve long-term migrant integration

With the launch of IncluCities, eight European cities and local government associations are joining forces to improve the integration of migrants. The initiative, managed by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), pairs more and less experienced cities to learn find and spread sustainable local solutions.

Over the past years, migrant and refugee arrivals have often faced negative public attitudes, stereotypes and misconceptions. While there are challenges in some areas, the reality is that there are  thousands of good examples and practices from cities and towns.

While many cities have managed to find sustainable solutions for migrant integration, others, especially smaller and medium-sized often lack the necessary human and financial resources, knowledge and experience.

To bridge this gap the IncluCities project has been brought to life, designed to share knowledge, experiences and good practices among cities in a mentoring process. For that purpose, a network of eight cities with varying degrees of migration-related experience and their corresponding local government associations has been established.

The participating cities, accompanied by their respective associations, are ‘paired’ in groups of two, in which one city acts as a mentor and the other as a mentee. Mechelen, for instance, will be paired with Partinico in Italy.

“For the Municipality of Partinico, participation in the IncluCities project represents an opportunity to create a territory of multicultural dialogue, shifting the focus from reception, seen as emergency management, to a rigorous  inclusion strategy ”, said Pietro Puccio,  CEMR’s spokesperson for migration and integration. “Cooperation between cities experiencing migration phenomena seems to be of great value, especially in light of searching for sustainable solutions.”

Participating municipalities will collaborate closely at every stage of the project. The cities will organise study visits to identify where integration policy can be improved and co-design action plans to enhance their performance. What’s more, training academies will be organised at a later stage, open to other cities and local government associations, so as to spread the lessons learned and strengthen their capacity to integrate migrants.

IncluCities aims not only to spread successful local practices among cities, but also to contribute to the development of improved EU policies on migration that better reflect local needs and realities. Associations of local and regional governments will play a pivotal role, both by disseminating good practices to the rest of their network and by interfacing with national governments and the EU institutions to feed into policymaking and scale up good practices.

Participating cities and associations:

  • The city of Livadia and the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE)
  • Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle and the French Association of CEMR (AFCCRE)
  • Capaci and the Italian Association of CEMR (AICCRE)
  • Fuenlabrada and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP)
  • Brussels and Schaerbeek, together with the Association of the City and Municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region (BRULOCALIS)
  • Mechelen and the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG)
  • The city of Jelgava with Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LPS)

IncluCities is a three-year project led by CEMR and funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) of the European Union.

BORDELOT Federica
In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Press

Equality in Poland

Equality in Poland - News 2020

Local and regional leaders across Europe oppose self-declared “LGBTI-free zones” in Poland

Whereas in Poland around 100 municipalities have instituted “anti-LGBTI” zones or other discriminatory measures, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls on Europe’s local and regional officials to support their peers fighting against homophobia.

Frédéric Vallier, CEMR’s Secretary General, and Emil Broberg, Regional Councillor of Östergötland (Sweden) and Chair of CEMR standing committee for Equality, have jointly penned an open letter opposing these measures to Polish municipalities, counties and regions. They call on local and regional governments throughout Europe to express their support by signing on to the letter. To date, CEMR has collected 120 signatures from 14 European countries.

Expressing his view on the situation in Poland, CEMR President and President of the Emilia-Romana Region Stefano Bonaccini said: “Equality is for all Europeans. It is a core European value. As we are striving to build a better and brighter future for all, we simply cannot turn back the clock on human rights and sweep aside decades’ worth of progress.”

“In the world we live in today, equality must be built from the ground up”, said Emil Broberg. “Local and regional governments should not give way to national political movements opposing equality. On the contrary, municipalities and regions can set an example by holding firm to the principles of human rights and to the progress we have made so far.”

Further confirmation of the gravity of the situation came last week with the publication of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ survey on LGBTI equality, which revealed that 40% surveyed people in Europe said they experienced harassment due to their sexual orientation. In the case of Poland, intolerance towards LGBTI people has increased overall and the country has the highest rates of physical or sexual attacks motivated by the victim being LGBTI (15%).

The open letter also seeks to counter the rise in anti-LGBTI rhetoric. It affirms the signatories’ support for Polish local and regional governments that have rejected and resisted discriminatory measures and who continue to champion the common fundamental European values of freedom and human rights.

Many local and regional officials in Poland are fighting against these anti-LGBTI measures. Marta Mazurek, Municipal Councillor for Poznan, is one of them. “As a Polish elected representative and as a European, I am very grateful for any international support for human rights and gender equal policies”, she said. “Such support energises our efforts and fortifies our courage.”

With this action, CEMR calls for dialogue and invites European cities who have relations with the concerned Polish municipalities and regions to raise the issue. Local and regional governments across Europe should share their experiences in addressing issues of discrimination and equal rights, for the benefit of all.

List of signatories (as of 25 August):

Stefano Bonaccini, CEMR President and President of the Emilia-Romana Region – Italy | Emil Broberg, Chair of CEMR’s standing committee for Equality, Regional Councillor of Östergötland – Sweden | Frédéric Vallier, CEMR Secretary General and:

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris – France | Dagur B. Eggertsson, Mayor of Reykjavík – Iceland | Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon – Portugal | Zoran Janković, Mayor of Ljubljana – Slovenia | Dieter Reiter, Lord Mayor of Munich – Germany | Anders Knape, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, SALAR President, Lord Mayor of Karlstad – Sweden | Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of the Chamber of Regions of the Congress (Council of Europe), Councillor of Telemark – Abel Caballero Álvarez, FEMP President, Mayor of Vigo – Spain | Aldis Hafststeinsdottir, SAMBAND President, Mayor of Hveragerðisbær – Iceland | Bjørn Arild Gram, KS President, Mayor of Steinkjer – Norway | Emile Eicher, SYVICOL President, Mayor of Clervaux – Luxembourg | Gorka Urtaran, EUDEL President, Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz – Spain | Jan Van Zanen, VNG President, Mayor of Utrecht – Netherlands | Philippe Laurent, AFCCRE President, Mayor of Sceaux – France | Stéphane Roberti, BRULOCALIS President, Mayor of Forest – Belgium | Ahmed Laaouej, Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium | Andreas Starke, Lord Mayor of Bamberg – Germany | Belit Onay, Lord Mayor of Hanover – Germany | Bojan Srot, Mayor of Celje – Slovenia | Carlos Martínez Mínguez, Mayor of Soria – Spain | Carola Gunnarsson, Lord Mayor of Sala – Sweden | Christian Scharpf, Lord Mayor of Ingolstadt – Germany | Dirk De fauw, Mayor of Bruges – Belgium | Eva Döhla, Lord Mayor of Hof – Germany | Felix Schwenke, Lord Mayor of Offenbach – Germany | François Rebsamen, Mayor of Dijon – France | Frédéric Valletoux, Mayor of Fontainebleau – France | Fritz Kuhn, Lord Mayor of Stuttgart –- Germany | Henriette Reker, Lord Mayor of Cologne – Germany | Hermann-Josef Pelgrim, Lord Mayor of Schwäbisch Hall – Germany | Javier Ayala, Mayor of Fuenlabrada – Spain | Jochen Partsch, Lord Mayor of Darmstadt – Germany | Johan Rocklind, Mayor of Gnesta – Sweden | Johanna Rolland, Mayor of Nantes – France | Josep Mayoral Antigas, Mayor of Granollers – Spain | Juan María Aburto Rique, Mayor of Bilbao – Spain | Jürgen Zieger, Lord Mayor of Esslingen am Neckar – Germany | Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, Mayor of Malmö – Sweden | Klaus Mohrs, Lord Mayor of Wolfsburg – Germany | Klaus Schmotz, Lord Mayor of Hansestadt Stendal – Germany | Lilja Einarsdóttir, Mayor of Hvolsvöllur – Iceland | Madelaine Jakobsson, Mayor of Nordmaling – Sweden | Mari-Louise Wernersson, Mayor of Falkenberg – Sweden | Maria Noelia Garcia Leal, Mayor of Los Llanos de Aridane – Spain | Markus König, Lord Mayor of Nuremberg – Germany | Markus Lewe, Lord Mayor of Münster – Germany | Michael Ebling, Lord Mayor of Mainz – Germany | Michael Makiolla, Head of Unna District Council – Germany | Nathalie Appéré, Mayor of Rennes – France | Norbert Zeidler, Lord Mayor of Biberach an der Riss – Germany | Peter Freier, Mayor of Offenbach – Germany | Peter Kurz, Lord Mayor of Mannheim – Germany | Phedon Phedonos, Mayor of Paphos – Cyprus | Pietro Puccio, Mayor of Capaci – Italy | Pit Clausen, Lord Mayor of Bielefeld – Germany | Rico Badenschier, Lord Mayor of Schwerin – Germany | Simone Lange, Lord Mayor of Flensburg – Germany | Stefan Belz, Lord Mayor of Böblingen – Germany | Thomas Andersson, President of the Regional Council of Jämtland Härjedalen – Sweden | Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf – Germany | Tim Kähler, Mayor of Hansestadt Herford – Germany | Ulrich Markurth, Lord Mayor of Brunswiek – Germany | Vanessa Slimani, Mayor of Saint Jean de Braye – France | Victor Hadjiavraam, Mayor of Morphou – Cyprus | Yoomi Renström, Lord Mayor of Ovenåker – Sweden | Alessandra Medici, Councillor of Guastalla – Italy | Amelie Tarschys Ingre, Vice-Mayor of Lidingö – Sweden | Anders Henriksson, Regional Councillor of Kalmar – Sweden | Andreas Höffler, Councillor of Berching – Germany | Andreas Wolter, Vice-Mayor of Cologne – Germany | Andri Michalia, Councilor of Lakatamia – Cyprus | Angela Everbäck, Councillor of Vellinge – Sweden | Anne Herrezeel, Councillor of Eghezée – Belgium | Anne Tyssaen, Deputy Mayor of Koekelberg –Belgium | Benjamin Debroux, Councillor of Jumet – Belgium | Jürgen Czernohorszky, Executive City Councillor of Vienna – Austria | Benjamin Plach, Councillor of Innsbruck – Austria | Carine Gol-Lescot, Deputy Mayor of Uccle – Belgium | Carine Henry, Chair of Floreffe public centre for social welfare – Belgium | Caroline Quintero P., Councillor of Namur –Belgium | Cécile Egrix, Councillor of Uccle – Belgium | Cecilia Dalman Eek, Regional Councillor of Gothenburg – Sweden | Christine Oppitz-Plörer, Councillor of Innsbruck – Austria | Christophe Pierroux, Councillor, Etterbeek public centre for social welfare – Belgium | Dennis Wedin, Vice-Mayor of Stockholm – Sweden | Dejan Lukovic, Councillor of Innsbruck – Austria | Elisabeth Unell, Vice-Mayor of Västerås – Sweden | Fatmir Limani, Deputy Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium | Gabi Laschet-Einig, Councillor of Lahnstein – Germany | Giovanni Allodi, Councillor of Poviglio – Italia | Gunilla Westerberg Dupuy, Deputy Mayor of Suresnes – France | Henrik Hammar, Councillor of Örkeljunga – Sweden | Irlin Bråten, Trosopplæringsleder – Norway | Janine Bex, Councillor of Innsbruck – Austria | Jelena Drenjanin, Vice-Mayor of Huddinge – Sweden | Jens Sjöström, Regional Councillor of Stockholm – Sweden | Jonathan Biermann, Alderman of Uccle – Belgium | Khalil Aouasti, Deputy Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium | Kathleen Delvoye, Councillor of Uccle – Belgium | Laura Goffart, Councillor of Liège – Belgium | Laurence Vandeputte, Councillor of Uccle – Belgium | Lorenzo Pasini, Councilor of Colorno – Italy | Maëlle Brouwer, Deputy Mayor of Uccle – Belgium | Magnus Berntsson, Vice-President of the Regional Council of Västragötland – Sweden | Marie Bijnens, Deputy Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium | Martin Casier, Councillor of Watermael-Boitsfort – Belgium | Nadia Badri, Deputy Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium | Nora Bednarski, Councillor of Ixelles – Belgium | Ossamah Maghfour, Lord Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium | Patrick Klugman, Deputy Mayor of Paris – France | Paul-Gerhard Weiß, Councillor of Offenbach – Germany | Romain De Reusme, Alderman of Ixelles – Belgium | Ronan Dantec, Senator and Councillor of Nantes – France | Sabine Groß, Councillor of Offenbach – Germany | Sihame Haddioui, Deputy Mayor of Schaerbeek – Belgium | Theresa Ringler, Councillor of Innsbruck – Austria | Thomas Lechleitner, Councillor of Innsbruck – Austria | Véronique Lefrancq, Deputy Mayor of Koekelberg – Belgium

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

Gender equality: A local matter

Gender Equality - News

Exploring the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 and what it means for Europe’s local and regional governments 

Read full position paper

In a significant move for gender equality in Europe, the European Commission has adopted a new Gender Equality Strategy for 2020–2025. As the first high-level communication of its kind in years, this strategy sets out a clear ambition to achieve a Europe free from gender-based violence, stereotypes, and structural inequalities. 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has conducted an in-depth analysis of the strategy, identifying its opportunities, shortcomings, and implications for local and regional governments. 

Key developments and opportunities 

The Commission’s strategy adopts a dual approach, combining targeted actions with systematic gender mainstreaming, and for the first time, takes an intersectional perspective. The strategy touches on six key areas, from violence prevention to women’s representation and gender equality in the workplace. 

Local and regional governments stand to benefit from new funding and networking opportunities, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence prevention, childcare provision, care infrastructure, and women’s entrepreneurship. The establishment of an EU network for preventing domestic violence, EU-wide awareness campaigns, and future updates to childcare targets all offer a space for local actors to lead and share practices. 

New investment and support opportunities through the European Social Fund Plus, Horizon Europe, and Common Agricultural Policy also provide avenues for local authorities to implement gender-sensitive services and policies. 

Gaps and concerns 

Despite these strengths, CEMR highlights areas where the strategy could go further. The role of local and regional governments is not sufficiently acknowledged, and the Commission misses the opportunity to reference the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, which has nearly 1,800 signatories across 36 countries. 

Furthermore, while the strategy rightly focuses on gender balance in the private sector, political representation at the local and regional levels is underdeveloped. There is also no mention of violence against elected women, a critical issue that undermines women’s participation in democratic life. 

CEMR’s key messages 

CEMR puts forward several recommendations to strengthen the strategy and better support local authorities: 

  • Recognise local and regional governments as strategic partners in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the strategy. 
  • Include the European Charter for Equality in the EU Platform for Diversity Charters. 
  • Address the underrepresentation of women in politics and promote initiatives supporting female political leadership at all levels. 
  • Strengthen protections for women in public life, particularly against gender-based violence and harassment. 
  • Improve data collection on women’s representation and leadership and fund new studies across all European countries. 
  • Support local gender equality initiatives through EU funding programmes, including the Charter and work on men and masculinities. 

A call for greater collaboration 

Local and regional governments are not only essential for implementing EU policy, but they are also drivers of innovation in equality. As the level of government closest to citizens, they play a unique role in translating ambition into action. 

CEMR urges the European Commission to fully recognise and support this role in the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy, ensuring local authorities have the tools and resources to build a truly inclusive Europe. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact:  

BORDELOT Federica
In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Press

#InvolveMen

Gender Equality - News

How redefining masculinity can improve the lives of both men and women

The promotion of positive forms of masculinity can improve the lives of both men and women. If gender equality is to be achieved, men and boys need to be involved as allies as well as targets of transformative initiatives.

These are some of the conclusions of CEMR’s seminar “#InvolveMen: Redefining masculinities”, held in Brussels on 19 November. The event was co-organised with CEMR’s member associations from Sweden (SALAR) and the Basque Country (EUDEL).

“Gender equality work must challenge the notions of masculinity that are a barrier to true equality,” said Emil Broberg, CEMR spokesperson on equality and regional councillor of Östergötland.

The participants emphasised that adherence to perceived ‘traditional’ gender norms can be harmful to both men and women, being associated with dangerous driving, unhealthy eating and drinking, violence and academic underachievement. “Challenging and changing toxic norms of masculinity can be a win-win: it can improve the life of men and women, and it can improve the equality and effectiveness of the services that we provide our citizens,” Broberg added.

Sandy Ruxton, an independent policy advisor and researcher, provided an overview of how masculine identities are formed and reinforced by culture and social institutions. He argued that society can move towards gender equality by promoting positive images of masculinity – such as active male parenting and fitness – or by “disinvesting” in masculinity altogether.

How regions and cities are promoting gender equality

Local and regional representatives showcased an inspiring array of projects which are promoting gender equality on the ground. These ranged from awareness-raising campaigns to mentoring and professional retraining programmes.

In Botkyrka municipality, Sweden, youth violence is being tackled at school through the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme that educates older students as agents of change. An older student takes a younger one under their wing, discouraging negative behaviour such as sexist language and ‘honour’ based violence.

In the Basque Country, the regional government and Emakunde – the Basque Institute for Women – have been raising awareness about gender equality among men for a decade. Through various campaigns, ranging from training programmes to the distribution of ‘Backpacks for Fathers’ promoting gender-equal parenting, tens of thousands of men have been reached. The region has also organised meetings of male politicians to discuss how they can do more to promote gender equality, as shown in this video.

In the Swedish region of Värmland, the campaign “A Real Man” confronts men from various backgrounds with stereotyped statements about masculinity and shows their reactions. A website and mobile application were launched to involve as many men as possible in the conversations and a discussion-starting box was also distributed locally.

In Trondheim, Norway, a special programme is retraining unemployed men between the ages of 25-55 to become health professionals, a field that has often been stereotyped as ‘women’s work’. Since 2010, some 300 men have completed vocational training in this area.

The EU’s new Gender Equality Strategy must #InvolveMen

During the event, CEMR’s Standing Committee for Equality adopted a Statement affirming the importance of involving men and boys in gender equality and challenging certain notions of masculinity.

The seminar is particularly timely given that Ursula von der Leyen’s incoming European Commission will be elaborating a new, holistic post-2019 Gender Equality Strategy. Halliki Voolma, an EU official representing the Commission at the seminar, invited CEMR to provide their input in developing the Strategy. CEMR will seek to ensure that the Strategy involves men, boys and masculinities in the work for gender equality. The Strategy should also recognise and support the work in favour of gender equality being done by municipalities and civil society organisations.

An online photo album of the event is also available.

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

Women in politics – first edition 

CEMR study reveals persistent underrepresentation of women in politics and calls for stronger action at local and European levels 

Read full study

Gender equality is a cornerstone of democracy, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in politics across Europe. According to CEMR’s study Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, women account for only 34.1% of political decision-makers, despite representing half of the population. 

At the local level, the situation is particularly concerning: only 15.4% of mayors are women, while women councillors make up just under 30% of local councils. Although there has been gradual progress over the last decade, the pace is slow, and parity remains a distant goal. 

The report highlights important regional variations. Nordic countries lead the way, thanks to decades of policies fostering a genuine culture of equality. In Central and Eastern Europe, positive trends are visible, especially in the Balkans, where reforms and EU accession processes have strengthened gender mainstreaming. Yet, in much of Europe, women still face structural, cultural, and financial barriers to political participation. 

CEMR stresses that achieving gender equality requires more than political rhetoric. Quotas and legal measures have proven effective in boosting women’s representation, but they must be accompanied by mentoring, training, and dedicated funding to empower women candidates and dismantle persistent stereotypes. 

As the level of government closest to citizens, municipalities and regions are pivotal in fostering inclusive leadership. Local office often serves as the first step towards regional, national, or even European roles. Supporting women at this level is therefore essential for building stronger, more representative democracies. 

CEMR, through its European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life and the Equality Observatory, continues to mobilise local and regional governments, promote good practices, and push for equality to remain at the heart of the EU’s political agenda. 

The study’s message is clear: while progress has been made, gender parity in politics is far from achieved. Europe must act now, through quotas, support structures, and political will, to ensure that women and men share power equally at every level of governance. 

Read the study here 

Check the infographics

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, EU budget, Governance, Governance, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Publications

Europe’s democratic future 

European Parliament - News

The 2019 European elections highlight progress in participation, diversity, and gender balance, but also the need for stronger local involvement in shaping EU policies 

Read full position paper

The European elections of May 2019 marked a turning point for democracy in the European Union. With more than 400 million citizens called to vote, turnout reached 51%, the highest since 1979, signalling renewed interest in EU politics. Yet, the debate within the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) underlined that more must be done to sustain citizen engagement and strengthen local governments’ role in shaping European policies. 

The new European Parliament is more diverse than ever, reflecting a broader range of political views. This diversity will influence the Union’s legislative agenda and policy outcomes. Progress has also been made on gender equality, with women now making up 40% of Members of the European Parliament, up from 36% in the previous mandate. 

Still, challenges remain. Increasing citizens’ interest in Europe requires targeted outreach, particularly towards young people, through communication channels they use and trust. Local and regional governments are key to bridging the gap between European institutions and citizens’ daily lives. Strengthening their role in the EU’s decision-making process is essential for the effective preparation, financing, and implementation of policies. 

Looking ahead, the new Parliament is expected to continue work on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) and embed the Sustainable Development Goals into EU legislation. A gender-balanced approach in filling top positions within both the Parliament and the European Commission is also vital to ensuring fair and inclusive representation. 

The 2019 elections opened a new chapter for the European Union. Higher participation, improved gender balance, and a more diverse Parliament are encouraging signs, but further efforts are needed to build trust, foster inclusion, and give local governments a stronger voice. By working together, the EU and its citizens can ensure that Europe’s democratic future is both representative and resilient. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In About CEMR, About CEMR, Governance, Governance, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Publications

National associations in Europe

Discover how national associations unite and represent Europe’s 100,000 towns and regions 

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Europe is home to approximately 100,000 municipalities, provinces and regions, each embedded in its national political system yet also interconnected across borders. But who represents them? Who ensures their voices are heard by national and European institutions? 

To answer these questions, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has published a new study delving into the vital but often overlooked world of national associations of local and regional governments. 

Since its creation in 1951, CEMR has championed local democracy, subsidiarity and citizen participation. At the heart of this mission are its member associations, 60 in total from 41 European countries, who work every day to represent the interests of towns and regions. 

Based on a survey conducted among 58 member associations, the publication sheds light on the structure, function and political weight of these associations, also known as LRGAs (Local and Regional Government Associations). 

Organised into five chapters, the report explores: 

  1. Who they represent – the types and numbers of municipalities and regions linked to each association. 
  1. How they are structured – their legal status, governance, staffing and membership models (voluntary or mandatory). 
  1. What they do – including advocacy with national authorities, knowledge sharing, training for elected officials, and support for policy implementation. 
  1. Their legislative influence – assessing how and when they are consulted in national law-making. 
  1. Their European and international role – detailing their involvement in CEMR, the EU institutions and global agendas such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

The second part of the study offers a country-by-country overview of all member associations, providing a practical “identity card” for each organisation. 

This study offers a rare and valuable insight into the backbone of local democracy in Europe: the national associations that bring together municipalities and regions, giving them a common voice. Though often under-recognised, these associations play a vital role in shaping effective governance, ensuring policies are informed by local realities and that decisions taken at higher levels reflect citizens’ everyday needs. 

Strengthening the structure, recognition and influence of these associations is more than a technical issue, it’s a democratic imperative. From local services to national reforms and European cooperation, their contribution is essential for building resilient, inclusive and well-governed communities across the continent. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In Governance, Governance, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Publications

European elections manifesto of 2019 

EU Elections - News

Stronger EU policies require the full involvement of local and regional governments to ensure democracy, sustainability, and citizen engagement 

Read full manifesto

The 2019 European Parliament elections took place at a decisive moment for the Union, marked by global challenges, climate imperatives, and demands for greater transparency. Local and regional leaders stressed that Europe’s future depends on building closer ties between EU institutions and citizens, while ensuring that local governments are recognised as central actors in European governance. 

Local Governments at the Heart of Europe 
Europe’s 130,000 municipalities and regions are indispensable to democracy and public life. They provide services, drive innovation, and implement EU policies on the ground. To meet citizens’ expectations, the EU must adopt governance models that fully recognise the role of local authorities in decision-making, as outlined in Article 4 of the Treaty on the European Union. 

Key Priorities for the Future 
The challenges Europe faces, climate change, sustainable growth, social inclusion, and democratic participation, require a strong partnership across all levels of government. Local and regional leaders have called for: 

  • Strengthened cohesion policy as a central EU priority to reduce inequalities and foster sustainable development. 
  • Citizen-centred democracy, including local dialogues between communities and EU institutions and greater transparency in decision-making. 
  • Education for Europe, such as promoting the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in schools and ensuring every pupil has the chance to visit EU institutions. 
  • Climate and global commitments, with local governments mobilising to achieve the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 
  • Inclusive governance, with clearer recognition of the representative role of local associations and easier cooperation across borders, including with UK local governments post-Brexit. 

A stronger European Union can only be built in partnership with its cities, municipalities, and regions. By embedding local governments into EU governance, supporting their projects, and fostering open dialogue with citizens, Europe can remain democratic, resilient, and united in the face of today’s challenges. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Funding migration integration 

Migration - News Section

How EU funds can better support local and regional governments in managing migration and long-term inclusion 

Read full position paper

Migration continues to shape Europe’s future, bringing both challenges and opportunities. While national governments define migration policies, it is local and regional governments that carry the responsibility of welcoming newcomers, providing housing, schools, healthcare, and jobs. Yet, access to EU funds that support integration remains complex and often out of reach for municipalities that need it most. 

Towards Smarter EU Funding 

The post-2020 EU budget framework is an opportunity to rethink how migration funds are designed and accessed. Local governments call for: 

  • More resources for integration: A larger share of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) should be earmarked for integration, rising from 20% to at least 30%. 
  • Direct access to funding: Cities and regions should be able to apply directly to the EU for integration projects, especially when dealing with urgent pressures. 
  • Simpler, fairer rules: Current procedures are often overly bureaucratic, leaving small and medium-sized municipalities excluded. Simplification and flexibility would allow more actors to take part. 
  • Block grants and blending facilities: Innovative funding tools combining multiple EU resources (AMIF, ESF, ERDF) with loans or microfinance could deliver integrated, long-term solutions tailored to local realities. 
  • Better coordination: Strengthening the partnership principle would ensure that municipalities are involved in programming, avoiding duplication and ensuring EU resources meet real needs on the ground. 

From Emergency to Long-Term Strategy 

Too often, EU migration funds are designed for short-term emergencies rather than sustainable integration. But integration is not a one-off response; it is a long-term process requiring education, job creation, social cohesion, and community investment. Aligning EU funds with local priorities and recognising integration as a shared responsibility will ensure better outcomes for both migrants and host communities. 

Migration is a European challenge, but its solutions are local. By improving access to EU funds, simplifying procedures, and investing in long-term integration strategies, Europe can empower municipalities and regions to turn migration into a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development. The future EU budget must make this shift a reality. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Press, Publications

Women Leadership

Women - News Section

Women leadership at the local level: a requirement to fight against climate change

“As a woman leader I encourage us all to take development challenges into our own hands,” said the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, at the meeting on women’s leadership in development organised by our global association (UCLG), on 6 December, in the city hall of Paris.

Organised in the margins of the COP21 negotiations, the event gathered local elected representatives worldwide to put forward the gender equality approach in the fight against climate change, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to shape sustainable urban policies.

Read a full article on the event on the website of the Charter of the Observatory for equality of women and men in local life.

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