Calendar

On the agenda:

Updating on the Bridges of Trust Partnerships Award

Announcement of the selected Bridges of Trust Ambassadors 2026

Information on the two events taking place on 14 October in Brussels: the Bridges of Trust Community Annual Gathering and the Bridges of Trust Award Ceremony, and how you can contribute to them.

• Member only event
• Online

The European Partnership Hub is pleased to invite you to the online training session on sustainable international partnership building, focusing on preparing study visits, identifying areas of cooperation and setting priorities. 

This training will specifically focus on municipal partnerships involving Ukraine, including study visits to Ukraine or visits by Ukrainian delegations to partner municipalities in other European countries. 

The session is intended for municipalities, including political representatives, municipal staff, civil society and other stakeholders involved in developing international partnerships. It is particularly relevant for those preparing for their first study visit with a partner municipality. 

During the training, participants will: 

• learn how to prepare and organise an effective study visit; 
• explore how study visits can support the development of municipal partnerships; 
• identify and prioritise common areas for cooperation; 
• translate cooperation priorities into practical first activities and next steps. 

The session will combine practical guidance, good practice examples and interactive exercises, allowing participants to work on their own partnership priorities. 

The languages of the session are English–Ukrainian, with simultaneous interpretation.

Please register using the following form: Online Training: Sustainable Partnership Building (Module: Study visits)  – Fill in form 

• Open to everyone
• Online

The webinar takes place at a timely moment, where summer temperatures are slowly getting down again and colder days are coming, while souvenirs of heat waves and cooling needs remain close to people’s mind. With local and regional governments are the first in line, the CoM is organising a webinar bringing local stakeholders to the table with the European Commission to share policy insights, best-practices and needs. Following engaging presentations, speakers and the audience will have the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion.

• Public event

• Online

Register here

Many challenges will mark the start of the European academic year in September 2026: among them, the reform of the post-2027 multiannual financial framework, negotiations on European priorities in economic, social, and environmental matters, as well as repeated attacks on the principles of local democracy, will have a direct impact on the European projects of local authorities.

Following the new local elections in France, more than ever, local authorities at all levels must unite to have a greater impact on the debates, promote their actions, and demonstrate once again their ability to reconnect Europe with its citizens.

AFCCRE’s work will therefore focus on the following themes:

• The future European budget 2028-2034: what clarity and opportunities does it offer for local authorities?
• How to raise European awareness among citizens? The contribution of exchanges and town twinning.
• A Europe strengthened by its territorial cooperation: a focus on Euro-Mediterranean dynamics.

Aimed at elected representatives and local government officials, the AFCCRE European University is the annual gathering for all those who wish to learn, discuss and understand the major European issues currently affecting territories.

• Public event
• On-site
• Register here

The Bridges of Trust Partnerships Award Ceremony recognises five leading EU–Ukraine municipal partnerships as “Bridges of Trust Ambassadors” to celebrate their contribution to recovery, resilience, and EU integration at the local level. 

• Member only event – Bridges of Trust Community
• On-site

Join local and European leaders in Brussels on 15 October to explore how cities and regions are delivering affordable energy, strengthening climate resilience and helping build a more secure and competitive Europe.

From high-level political dialogue to practical workshops and peer exchanges, the Ceremony will bring together the people turning Europe’s energy and climate priorities into action on the ground.

Key discussions will explore:

• How local action can help deliver affordable energy and reduce external dependencies
• How cities and regions are strengthening resilience to growing climate risks
• How to ensure the transition remains fair and inclusive for all

For more information: https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/news/local-leaders-affordable-energy-and-climate-resilience-registrations-open-2026-covenant-mayors

• Public event
• On-site
• Registration here

Annual gathering of CEMR experts from “green” expert groups (climate & energy, environment, waste and mobility) to discuss transversal issue. Taking place just after the Covenant of Mayors Ceremony, the first day will feature an in-person session while the second day will be held in an hybrid setting.

• Member only event
• On-site

As part of CEMR’s participation in the Building Decarbonisation Urban Agenda Partnership, this online meeting invites members of the Climate and Energy Expert Group to discuss and evaluate the draft indicators for Building Renovation and Cooling and Heating Plans.

• Member only event – CEMR and Eurocities
• Online