PLATFORMA is looking for a Policy Adviser to join its Brussels-based team.
About the role
As a Policy Adviser you will be responsible for monitoring of policy and legislative developments in the field of EU external action (financing instrument NDICI – Global Europe and its programming and implementation, including the EU Global Gateway strategy, territorial approach to local development, EU-AU / EU-CELAC relations, aid effectiveness, innovative financing) and advocacy towards EU institutions to include the role of and the opportunities for local and regional governments. You will also be responsible for monitoring project partners’ activities. You will report directly to the Director of PLATFORMA.
Profile
Candidates should have:
A master’s degree in international relations, political science, development studies or a related field.
At least four years of experience in policy, advocacy and project management related to development cooperation.
A solid understanding of the role as well as the functioning of local and regional governments in the field of international cooperation.
Fluent (written and oral skills) in English and another official EU language; a working knowledge of French is an asset.
An outstanding knowledge of the European Union policy-making and decision-making processes.
Availability to travel, if necessary, in Europe and/or internationally
Our offer
For this position, we offer an initial short-term contract, starting as soon as possible and ending on 31 December 2026, with a possibility to extend based on performance and funding available.
A competitive salary package (54k – 75k gross per year, depending on experience and background), including the 13th month of salary, legal and extra-legal holidays, a teleworking policy and teleworking allowance, holiday allowance (as per Belgian legal framework), lunch vouchers, eco-vouchers, medical insurance, and coverage of public transport.
How to apply
Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter by 2 September 2026, at midnight, to:
Stefano Bonaccini served as the President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) from 2016 to 2022, leading the organisation through two consecutive three-year terms. With an extensive background in Italian regional governance, having served for 10 years as the President of the Emilia-Romagna region and six years as the President of all Italian regions, Bonaccini brought a deep understanding of local administration to the European stage. Today, as a Member of the European Parliament, he welcomes us to discuss his experience, the role of local governments in Europe, and the challenges ahead.
In this interview, Bonaccini looks back on the challenges and rewards of leading a continent-wide network such as CEMR. He shares his views on the importance of cohesion policy in the ongoing discussions on the EU budget and reflects on what lies ahead for both CEMR and the wider local and regional government movement within the EU project.
Building consensus across a diverse membership
Asked about his fondest memory from his six years as CEMR President, Bonaccini does not point to a particular event. Instead, he highlights what he sees as one of the organisation’s greatest achievements: bringing together local and regional governments from across Europe around a shared agenda.
Representing members from countries with different political traditions, cultures and priorities is no easy task. During Bonaccini’s presidency, CEMR brought together local and regional leaders from both EU and non-EU countries, often with very different perspectives on key issues.
Despite long debates, Bonaccini proudly recalls that nearly all major decisions and objectives were voted on and passed almost entirely with unanimity. For him, this ability to find common ground is one of CEMR’s defining strengths and a key reason why the organisation has remained an influential voice for local and regional government in Europe throughout its 75-year history.
Standing firm on the relevance of local governance in EU discussions
Drawing from his experience as CEMR President, Bonaccini stresses the importance of organisations such as CEMR in shaping European debates.
In his view, decisions taken at the EU level cannot be effective unless they take account of the realities faced by towns, cities and regions on the ground. This is particularly true for the ongoing discussions on the next EU budget, where he clearly states that “we cannot exclude cohesion policy” because “that would mean excluding regions and municipalities from the planning of European funds”. “When planned and discussed together with the territories, these policies can provide citizens with opportunities”, he concludes.
A vision for an expanded, fairer, and more cohesive continent
Looking toward the next decade, Bonaccini outlines a clear, ambitious path for the future of CEMR. His hope is to see the family of European territories, cities, and regions expand even further, welcoming more diverse local voices.
At the same time, he believes CEMR must continue to make the case for a Europe that works closely with its local and regional governments. Whatever their political complexity, national and European leaders need to recognise that many of today’s challenges can only be addressed through stronger cooperation and solidarity across the continent.
When Bart Somers talks about local government, one idea keeps coming back: it is the level where you can really make a difference.
He has been mayor of Mechelen in Belgium for 26 years — a tenure that ran in parallel with a national political career that took him through parliament, a ministerial post, and the leadership of a political party. Somers has spent much of his career moving between the two levels of politics. He never doubted which one he wanted to keep.
“The real strength of politics in the 21st century is situated on the local level, where you really can make a difference.”
A love for the city, a case for the local level
Somers was born and raised in Mechelen, and that attachment to the city is part of why he stayed. But it is not the whole story. Early in his career, he became convinced that the local level was where politics could achieve the most — a conviction he carried with him even while sitting in national government and parliament, where he pushed colleagues to lean on local leverage far more than they typically do.
*Bart Somers, Mayor of Mechelen in Belgium – interview on 29 April 2026
Climate action recognised at street level
That belief runs through Mechelen’s climate work too, recently recognised with the EUCovenant of Mayors Award for its heat decarbonisation success, which served as inspiration for other cities and towns across Europe. At a moment when some EU institutions appear to be easing off the pace of the green transition, Somers sees the local level as where the urgency is most visible and most actionable.
“At the local level, you can see with your own eyes what the impact of climate change is, and sometimes it’s really devastating. So, you feel the urgency to do something about it.”
Mechelen has been recognised for its large-scale roll-out of heat networks combined with heat storage to provide green heat to densely populated areas, while maximising the potential of local, renewable and residual heat sources.
The jury of the EU Covenant of Mayors Award applauded Mechelen’s comprehensive planning and concrete implementation steps of this specific project. The implementation of Mechelen’s heat plan is driven by strong local stakeholder mobilisation through a Heat Coalition of over 25 key organisations, from district system operators, energy cooperatives and government bodies to social housing corporations and local businesses. The jury praised Mechelen’s vast engagement and outreach efforts to get everyone on board with their heat plan, as well as their focus on supporting vulnerable communities facing energy poverty.
International, European and national frameworks matter, he says, but it is within them that cities do the concrete work: getting people onto bicycles instead of into cars and shifting investment away from fossil energy and into solar power.
*Mechelen, city centre and city hall
Refugees, and a city that remembers
Mechelen’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was, for Somers, emotional as much as political. He had visited Maidan in 2014, as a member of parliament, while the uprising against Ukraine’s government was unfolding. Standing behind Ukraine afterwards felt like the only option for a city that, in his words, embraces human rights and European values.
“They are fighting our fight. They are sacrificing lives to protect also my country.”
Convincing the city to act was not difficult, he says, partly because Mechelen carries its own history of displacement. During the First World War, 90% of the city’s residents became refugees; Somers’ own grandfather spent three years in a refugee camp in the Netherlands, from the age of 14. It is a story many families in Mechelen share, and one that shaped how naturally the city opened its doors this time.
Safety and inclusion, hand in hand
Somers has built his reputation on combining an inclusive approach with a firm stance on the rule of law — a combination he says is often misunderstood. Asked about his most difficult decision as mayor, he points to the work of convincing people that safety and inclusion reinforce each other rather than conflict.
“Safety and inclusion go hand in hand, it strengthens each other.”
The people who most need a safe city, he argues, are not the ones in comfortable, middle-class neighbourhoods, they are mothers raising children in more vulnerable areas, where danger is closer to home. That conviction, he says, has helped Mechelen become a city where people from different backgrounds live together well.
A message to Brussels: trust the local laboratory
Asked what he would tell national and EU leaders, Somers is direct: solving today’s crises requires the local level. Cities and towns hold people’s trust, sit close to citizens, and can move fast and pragmatically in ways higher levels of government often cannot.
“We not only need a top-down policy, but we need a bottom-up policy. The place where you can reinvent democracy, where you can find real answers for the challenges of today and tomorrow, is at the local level.”
His advice is to treat that local level as a laboratory: a place to experiment and build strength that, in turn, feeds back into national and European politics.
Jan Van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague and President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), has been a long-standing figure in international municipal cooperation. With more than a decade of active involvement in both CEMR and UCLG, he has witnessed first-hand how cities increasingly shape global responses to shared challenges, from climate change to social cohesion.
This interview was recorded in Barcelona during the UCLG Retreat in February 2026. In it, Van Zanen reflects on the defining moments of his engagement within the global municipal movement, the importance of international city networks, and his vision for the future of CEMR and UCLG.
For three days, more than 300 local leaders from around the world gathered in the Dutch city, in a moment that carried both political and symbolic significance. The meeting took place 125 years after The Hague hosted the first Peace Conference, adding historical depth to the occasion.
“To see that global community come together in The Hague,” he recalls, “was very meaningful.”
*UCLG World Council in the Hague 2024
The event also marked a personal milestone, as Van Zanen took over the rotating presidency of UCLG. In line with the city’s long-standing identity as a centre for peace and justice, the gathering led to the adoption of The Hague Charter on Municipal Peace — a document designed to guide cities in fostering dialogue and strengthening peaceful communities at the local level.
“Doing so in my own city, surrounded by colleagues from all over the world, made it truly memorable,” he says. “It is something I always look back on with pride.”
Cities at the heart of global challenges
Beyond memorable milestones, Van Zanen emphasises the growing importance of international cooperation between cities. In his view, local and regional governments today are on the frontline of major global transformations.
“From climate adaptation and migration to digitalisation and social cohesion, these developments may be global, but they always land locally in our streets and neighbourhoods,” he explains.
This is precisely why networks such as CEMR and UCLG play a crucial role. For cities like The Hague — home to numerous international institutions — engagement at the global level is both natural and necessary. But, he insists, the value of these networks goes beyond visibility or prestige.
“It is about connecting with fellow cities,” he says. “Sitting around a table with other mayors and local leaders, exchanging openly about what works in practice.”
Through this peer-to-peer exchange, cities are able to share solutions, learn from each other, and build collective resilience. Ultimately, this cooperation translates into more effective policies and tangible benefits for citizens.
Recognising local governments as key partners
Looking ahead, Van Zanen outlines an ambitious but clear vision for CEMR and UCLG in the coming decade. His expectation is that both organisations become fully recognised as indispensable partners in policymaking at all levels.
“I would hope that CEMR and UCLG are recognised everywhere as key actors in shaping solutions,” he says, “not only globally but also within the European Union and at national level.”
Central to this ambition is the idea that local governments should be involved from the very beginning when major agreements are designed, whether on climate, migration or development. For Van Zanen, this early involvement is essential to ensure that policies are both practical and impactful.
“Involved from the beginning, with a clear and recognised role,” he insists.
However, recognition alone is not enough. He also stresses the importance of aligning responsibilities with adequate resources, particularly in terms of access to funding. Without this, cities cannot fully deliver on their commitments.
From ambition to impact
Underlying Van Zanen’s reflections is a consistent message: local and regional governments are not just implementers but also innovators and essential drivers of change.
“Cities implement, cities innovate, cities are closest to citizens,” he notes.
This proximity gives local governments a unique capacity to translate global ambitions into concrete action. But to fully unlock this potential, stronger collaboration between levels of governance is needed.
“If we really want impact, global governments and local governments must go hand in hand,” he concludes.
For Van Zanen, the history of CEMR over the past 75 years demonstrates precisely this capacity: turning shared ambition into tangible results. Strengthening that role in the years to come will be key to addressing the complex challenges ahead — and ensuring that solutions are rooted where they matter most: in towns, cities and regions and its local communities.
CEMR local leaders adopt a political declaration calling for cohesion, competitiveness and global partnerships at the heart of the next EU budget
Gathered at the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in Rovaniemi, around 150 local leaders call on EU Heads of State to include the European Parliament’s EU budget recommendations on multilevel governance, territorial delivery and predictable funding into their negotiations with the Council
Over 150 local leaders from 29 countries across Europe gathered in Rovaniemi, Finland, for the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) Leaders’ Summit, engaging in timely discussions on key European priorities.
A political declaration at a pivotal moment
One of the Summit’s main outcomes was the adoption of a political declaration signed by 55 local leaders who are calling on EU Heads of State to incorporate the European Parliament’s key recommendations on the next EU budget (2028-2034) into their negotiations in the European Council. Adopted during the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in Rovaniemi, the declaration comes at a crucial stage in the interinstitutional discussion on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
By endorsing this declaration in support of an EU budget that works for every territory, CEMR members urge that cohesion, competitiveness and global partnerships remain at the core of the next long-term EU budget. Addressed to national leaders, the declaration advocates for a place-based, predictable budget grounded in genuine multilevel governance.
The declaration follows the European Parliament’s adoption of its interim report on the 2028–2034 EU budget on its plenary meeting of 28 April 2026, in which the Parliament set out its political priorities and will be the basis of negotiations with the Council.
Given that the Member States will finalise their position at the Council meeting to be held on 18 and 19 June, CEMR calls on them to take into consideration the position and proposals put forward by the European Parliament towards an EU budget that delivers competitiveness, cohesion, and trust across all territories.
Christoph Schnaudigel, CEMR president, stated that: “The next EU budget must work for every territory in Europe. Cities and regions are where European policy meets real life — where floods are managed, where people need cooling centres, where businesses invest or leave. Europe’s competitiveness and resilience will only be as strong as its weakest territory. The time to act is now”.
Local leaders attending the CEMR Leaders’ Summit also had the opportunity to exchange views on the interinstitutional negotiations on the next MFF with the Member of the European Parliament, Vice-chair of the EU Budget Committee, Giuseppe Lupo. During the discussion, Luppo stated that “we are asking for the Council’s official position, therefore it is extremely important to develop any initiative in order to convince member states to accept the European Parliament proposal.”
Local and regional governments: strengthening resilience through foresight and preparedness
The Summit also provided a platform to discuss how local and regional governments can better use foresight and preparedness to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of crises and emergencies.
As the host country, Finland—internationally recognised as a global leader in crisis preparedness and long-term strategic foresight—offered valuable insights. Participants explored how democratic institutions at all levels must evolve to govern effectively in an era marked by uncertainty and disruption.
Katri Kulmuni, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Finland and the northernmost Member of the European Parliament, stated that “preparedness is a broader way of living. It is not a cost but an investment, and it will only work if the local communities are involved.”
The political discussion included voices from across the continent, from north to south.
Director of Technical Service of the City of Rovaniemi, Pertti Onkalo, expressed that “across Europe, cities and regions face similar challenges, even though each has its own unique characteristics. By sharing lessons learned, we can ensure that no one has to reinvent the wheel”. He also added that “these days the importance of preparedness is increasingly recognised; but preparedness must be built before a crisis, not during it.”
This is what Elisabeth Unell, the mayor of Västerås in Sweden, stated: “Building preparedness means practising different scenarios and preparing together. We need stronger coordination and experience sharing among local governments across Europe.”
“Preparedness and foresight are getting more into our DNA, especially in the western part of Europe. When there is a crisis, the most vital thing is the structure. But it is not always the government that can instantly help. It is also important to invest in the local governments.“ Ap Reinders, the Mayor of Stichtse Vecht.
The Mayor of Estarreja (Portugal), Isabel Simoes Pinto, argued that “for citizens, preparedness cannot be an abstract concept. It needs to come from the confidence of the local leaders. We must transform preparedness into a normal dimension of governance, a daily aspect of life.” – Mayor of Estarreja (Portugal), Isabel Simoes Pinto
Christoph Schnaudigel appointed CEMR President
During the Summit, the CEMR Policy Committee appointed Christoph Schaudigel as the new President of the organisation, following the resignation of Gunn Marit Helgesen after her election as President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).
CEMR local leaders also decided that Gunn Marit Helgesen will continue to serve as CEMR Co-President alongside Philippe Laurent and Vince Maple.
In his initial speech, Christoph Schnaudigel stated: “I am honoured to take on the role of President of CEMR at such a crucial moment for Europe’s towns, cities and regions. As the negotiations on the next EU budget unfold, and as our values and local democracy are increasingly challenged in a turbulent geopolitical context, our unity matters more than ever. I look forward to working even more closely with all our members to ensure that local voices are heard and involved in the European process of decision-making. This also includes strengthening CEMR’s commitment to international partnerships to uphold peace, democracy, sustainability and solidarity.”
Christoph Schnaudigel is the President of the German Section of CEMR (RGRE) and the President of the County of Karlsruhe (Germany). He has been an active member of CEMR’s leadership since 2017, when he became the Spokesperson on Public Services.
Marking CEMR’s 75th anniversary
The Rovaniemi Summit built on CEMR’s 75-year legacy of supporting towns, cities and regions through major transformations—from post-war reconstruction to today’s climate and social transitions.
Local leaders celebrated this milestone with the launch of a new CEMR video presentation, as well as a series of interviews titled “Voices of our 75-year history.” A photobooth featuring a “Local Time” newspaper, showcasing “Our local leaders” as protagonists, also formed part of the celebrations.
The CEMR Leaders’ Summit in Rovaniemi was hosted by the city of Rovaniemi and the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto).
Christoph Schnaudigel appointed as the new CEMR President
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has appointed Christoph Schnaudigel as its new President, following the decision of former President Gunn Marit Helgesen to step down after her election as President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE).
At this June edition of the Leaders´ Summit in Rovaniemi, from 4 to 5 June, the Policy Committee warmly congratulated Gunn Marit Helgesen on her new role and appointed Christoph Schnaudigel, until now serving as Co-President, as the new President of CEMR.
Christoph Schnaudigel is the President of the German Section of CEMR (RGRE) and the President of the County of Karlsruhe (Germany). He has been an active member of CEMR’s leadership since 2017, when he became the Spokesperson on Public Services.
“I am honoured to take on the role of President of CEMR at such a crucial moment for Europe’s towns, cities and regions. As the negotiations on the next EU budget unfold, and as our values and local democracy are increasingly challenged in a turbulent geopolitical context, our unity matter more than ever. I look forward to working even more closely with all our members to ensure that local voices are heard and involved in the European process of decision-making. This also includes strengthening CEMR’s commitment to international partnerships to uphold peace, democracy, sustainability and solidarity.”
– Christoph Schnaudigel, the newly elected CEMR President
Continuity and commitment at the heart of CEMR’s leadership
The transition reflects CEMR’s commitment to stability and continuity at a pivotal moment for Europe’s local and regional governments. During his period as CEMR Co-President, Christoph Schnaudigel has been closely involved in shaping CEMR’s political direction and is well placed to lead the organisation through the current mandate.
The remaining leadership structure remains in place:
Philippe Laurent, CEMR Co-President; President of AFCCRE; Mayor of Sceaux; Vice-President of Territoire Vallée Sud – Grand Paris; Member of the Ile-de-France Regional Council
Vince Maple, Chair of the CEMR Financial Management Committee; Councillor of Medway; Vice-President of CEMR (Local Government Association, UK)
You can consult all the CEMR governance details here.
Christophe Chaillou served as Director of the Cabinet of the Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) from 1992 to 2007, during one of the most transformative periods in European history. Accompanying the organisation through the great years of the Delors Commission, the democratic transitions in Eastern Europe, and the formal recognition of local and regional governments by European institutions, he witnessed first-hand how CEMR helped shape the place of towns, cities and regions within the European project.
In this interview, he looks back on the defining moments of his period in CEMR, the presidents he worked alongside, and the message he believes must continue to guide CEMR today.
A privileged witness to a founding era
Christophe Chaillou’s time at CEMR coincided with a period of exceptional momentum for European integration.
It was the moment during which local and regional governments gained formal recognition from European institutions, a long-held objective of CEMR that finally became reality. For Chaillou, this convergence of political, institutional and historical forces made it a remarkable moment to be part of the organisation.
“I had the privilege of accompanying CEMR at a time when the European project was especially valued,” he recalls. “It was a fantastic period. In many ways, it meant achieving many of our founding objectives.”
Central to that experience was the opportunity to work alongside exceptional leaders. Among the presidents he served with, he mentions Pasqual Maragall [read Maragall’s head of cabinet interview here] and Valéry Giscard d’Estaing as figures who left a remarkable impression. Each bringing their own vision and weight to CEMR’s work on the European stage.
A moment of reconciliation: Prague, 1993
Of all the moments that marked his years at CEMR, one stands out above the rest. The General Assembly held in Prague in 1993 remains, in Chaillou’s view, one of the most powerful and symbolically charged events in the organisation’s history.
It was the moment when CEMR welcomed the local and regional associations that had just been re-established across Central and Eastern Europe, organisations asking for their place after decades of authoritarian rule and joining, for the first time, the broader European family.
“It was a moment of European reconciliation,” he says. “All the associations across the continent, gathered. It was undoubtedly a very powerful moment of affirmation of our message and, once again, of European unity.”
The assembly carried a weight that went far beyond the institutional. For those present, it was a vivid demonstration of what CEMR stood for: local democracy and European integration were not separate ambitions, but deeply interconnected ones.
Local freedoms at the heart of CEMR’s advocacy work
Beyond the symbolic milestones, Chaillou also highlights the strategic advocacy done by CEMR during his period as Secretary General. He specifically mentions the recognition granted to local and regional governments, which ensured that local freedoms were not recognised in principle but also respected in practice within the European institutional framework.
That achievement, in his view, was the result of both political momentum and persistent effort. It was built through relationships, credibility and the clarity of the CEMR’s message at a time when Europe was still defining what it wanted to be.
CEMR’s founding message, still urgent today
Looking ahead, Chaillou is unambiguous about the challenge that matters most. In a period marked by rising threats to democracy, growing geopolitical instability, and renewed questions about the future of European integration, he believes CEMR must return to its roots and carry its founding message with renewed conviction.
“What we need today is to strengthen all of this,” he says. “The main challenge is to preserve and promote local democracy in all the territories; the spirit of both local autonomy and European integration. That is the founding message of CEMR.”
For Chaillou, that message is as relevant now as it was in the early 1990s. Europe, he insists, cannot be built from the top down. It must be rooted in its territories in the places where citizens live, where decisions are made, and where democracy either thrives or falters.
“Europe cannot be built without its local territories,” he says. “And it is in the territories that local freedoms must assert themselves. In times when there are many threats, including a clear challenge to democracy, it is important to defend this message.”
Antònia Sabartés was Head of Cabinet to Pasqual Maragall, Mayor of Barcelona, and President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)from 1992 to 1997. Closely involved in the organisation’s leadership during a pivotal period for Europe, she witnessed first‑hand how CEMR helped shape the place of local and regional governments in the European project.
*Antònia Sabartés – Head of Cabinet to Pasqual Maragall, President of CEMR from 1992 to 1997.
In this interview —recorded at the Fundació Mies Van der Rohe in Barcelona, rebuilt during Maragall’s time as the Mayor of the Catalan capital and closely linked to the European Union through the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture — she looks back on Maragall’s presidency, the defining moments of that period, and the legacy she believes continues to guide CEMR today.
Pasqual Maragall: a European by conviction and practice
Pasqual Maragall was elected President of CEMR in December 1991 in Paris and formally took office on 9 May 1992, at a moment of intense political, institutional and symbolic change for Europe. The year of his appointment coincided with the Olympic Games in Barcelona and with the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty, placing him — and CEMR — at the heart of Europe’s transformation.
As Mayor of Barcelona, he embodied the growing international role of cities, having an active role also in the creation of Eurocities. His political and intellectual background reinforced this outlook: he had studied in Paris, been a student of Jacques Delors, knew key European figures such as Romano Prodi, and came from a deeply pro‑European family.
*Pasqual Maragall with Jacques Delors – Arxiu Digital Pasqual Maragall, Fundació Catalunya Europa
For Sabartés, this combination of experience and conviction made him particularly suited to leading CEMR at a time when local and regional governments were claiming a stronger voice in Europe.
Memories that mattered: from Delors in Barcelona to the Steering Committee in Prague
Certain moments remain particularly vivid in Sabartés’ memory for their symbolic weight and historical significance. One was Pasqual Maragall’s formal inauguration as CEMR President in Barcelona on Europe Day in 1992 — an event made exceptional by the presence of Jacques Delors. Delors rarely left Brussels, and his decision to attend underlined both the importance of the moment and the esteem in which Maragall and CEMR were held.
Another landmark was the 1992 Steering Committee meeting in Prague, held shortly after the Olympic Games. Beyond its timing, the meeting marked a turning point for CEMR, reinforcing its internal consolidation and expanding its European ambition at a crucial moment of transformation for the continent.
Alongside these emblematic events, Sabartés also recalls more personal memories linked to Maragall’s presidency. Initially, she admits to having doubts. As a mayor with major responsibilities, she wondered whether he would be able to devote enough time to CEMR. Those concerns were quickly dispelled. Maragall attended every single meeting without exception and treated the presidency as a true priority.
*Pasqual Maragall with Josef Hofmann, ECOS Conference (Prague), in the 90s. HAEU, CCRE-846
She also vividly remembers the intense spirit of collaboration within the CEMR team during those years. Working closely with Elisabeth Gateau and Christophe Chaillou, coordination between Paris and Barcelona was constant and often demanding. In a pre-digital era, communication relied on phone calls and faxes, with short messages sometimes exchanged several times a day. Achieving what today comes effortlessly thanks to the internet required at that moment a real level of coordination.
The relevant role of Maragall in the creation of the Committee of the Regions
Under Maragall’s leadership, CEMR played a central role during one of the most important phases of European integration. The approval of the Maastricht Treaty created new opportunities, notably the future establishment of the Committee of the Regions.
*General view in the ceremony auditorium of the signature of the Maastricht Treaty. Copyright: European Communities, 1992.
Securing a place for the President of CEMR in the first presidency of the Committee of the Regions was a major success. From the moment Maastricht was approved until the Committee became operational in 1994, CEMR worked intensively to ensure that local and regional authorities would be taken seriously within the EU’s new institutional framework.
This effort was reinforced through a Consultative Council of Local and Regional Authorities set up by the European Commission, working closely with Eneko Landaburu, then Director‑General of DG REGIO. These relationships opened doors and ensured that CEMR was recognised as a key interlocutor.
Another complex but decisive achievement was the reform of the Conference of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which became the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities with two chambers. This process sparked debate between CEMR and the Assembly of European Regions, led by another Catalan, who, in this case, was the President of the Government of Catalonia, Jordi Pujol.
Throughout all the discussions, Maragall’s personal qualities made a difference. Multilingual, approachable and deeply European, he had a unique ability to connect people across political and cultural divides, even when positions were opposed.
Another greatest achievement: a vision that still matters
Beyond institutional successes, Sabartés believes Maragall’s most important contribution was strategic and ideological. He was a convinced federalist, defending a Europe built on subsidiarity, proximity and citizenship at a time when this narrative was far from mainstream.
He also played a decisive role in shaping the path that would later lead to the creation of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Working with mayors such as Jorge Sampaio of Lisbon, Pierre Mauroy of Lille, and leaders of IULA, he pushed for unification — particularly as a way to strengthen the presence of local governments within the United Nations system.
*Pasqual Maragall with Romani Prodí (2004) – Author: Bedmar, Jordi. Arxiu Digital Pasqual Maragall
Defending the European Charter of Local Self‑Government as a global reference helped open doors and positioned Europe as a leader in local democracy, also in the multilateral system.
“Brave and bold”, this is what CEMR needs to be in the next 10 years
Looking ahead, Sabartés is clear about what she hopes for CEMR today. In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, social inequalities, migration challenges and the rise of the far right, she believes CEMR must once again show courage.
“I would like CEMR to be brave and bold, as we were during the Maragall years,” she says. “Above all, it needs strong leadership. If we do not act, governments of proximity risk being sidelined. We must work to improve the lives of European citizens, confront prejudice and defend the values we believe in. That is my dream for CEMR.”
The year 2025 was a period of many activities and a great impact at the local and international levels.
We are truly grateful to our members, partners and donors for their continued trust, commitment and collaboration throughout that year.
Local and regional governments are essential to tackle Europe’s most urgent and day-to-day challenges, and through CEMR, we have worked together to ensure that European local voices remain present, heard, and influential in EU and global debates.
Meet the Local Hero: Emil Boc. From national leadership to local transformation — and a call to put cities at the heart of Europe’s future
For Emil Boc, leadership has never been confined to a single level of governance. A former Prime Minister of Romania until 2012 turned long-serving mayor of Cluj-Napoca since then, his career reflects a rare continuity between national vision and local delivery.
Today, as Europe debates its next budget, Boc’s message is direct: without cities and regions at the table, the European project risks losing both effectiveness and legitimacy.
From Prime Minister to Mayor: why vision comes first
Boc’s years as Prime Minister fundamentally reshaped how he approaches local governance.
“The first lesson,” he explains, “is that no country — and no city — can develop without a clear vision, followed by a strategy and a concrete plan.”
Returning to Cluj-Napoca after his time in national office, he applied this logic with precision. The city identified its competitive advantage — universities, education, and innovation — and built a development model around a knowledge-based economy.
But beyond economic strategy, Boc insists leadership is about more than administration:
“A leader is not just there to keep the lights on or clean the streets. You need a long-term vision, and the discipline to follow it.”
Turning Cluj-Napoca into a pro-European city
Over the past two decades, Boc has overseen a profound transformation.
Once considered one of the most Eurosceptic cities in Romania, Cluj-Napoca — a city of around 300,000 inhabitants in the northwest of the country, with a dynamic, university-driven and innovation-based economy — is now, in his words, “the most pro-European city in the country.”
This shift did not happen overnight. It was built “day by day,” by embedding what Boc calls a European way of life: openness, tolerance, and cooperation — combined with strategic use of EU funds.
The results are visible everywhere: infrastructure, schools, public transport, and urban regeneration. For Boc, these are not abstract policies but tangible proof of what Europe delivers.
“If someone asks me why Europe matters,” he says, “I just go outside. The schools, the roads, the parks — they are there because of European funding.”
At the core of this transformation is a simple idea: freedom to stay.
“People should not be forced to leave their city or country for economic reasons. Europe must guarantee not only freedom of movement, but also the freedom to build a life at home.”
This message resonates particularly strongly in Romania, a country that has experienced one of the largest waves of emigration within the European Union. Since the early 2000s, millions of Romanians — many of them young, educated, and highly mobile — have left to study and work abroad, seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions. While this mobility reflects one of the EU’s core freedoms, it has also created deep territorial imbalances, with cities and regions losing talent at a critical stage of their development.
What’s at stake in the next EU budget
As negotiations intensify over the next Multiannual Financial Framework, Boc warns that the role of cities and regions is far from secure.
His concern is not rhetorical — it is structural.
First, he argues that local governments must move from consultation to real decision-making power: “We want to be at the table, not on the menu.”
A key issue is how the European Commission plans to introduce so-called “regional checks.” Without legal weight, Boc fears these could become a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine partnership.
His proposal is clear: a binding subsidiarity clause, ensuring that municipalities and regions are involved at every stage — from design to implementation and evaluation — and can reject national plans that ignore them.
Second, he pushes back against proposals to merge cohesion policy funding with other priorities, particularly agriculture.
“These are two pillars of the European Union. If they are put in the same pot, cities and regions risk losing out.”
Third, Boc insists that cohesion policy must remain universal. Limiting access only to less-developed regions would weaken Europe’s ability to address inequalities across all territories.
“Cohesion is the glue that keeps Europe together — and that glue is needed everywhere.”
Finally, he calls for dedicated regional chapters in national plans to ensure that local perspectives are not sidelined.
From climate to defence: investing in cities is investing in Europe
For Boc, the debate about the EU budget ultimately comes down to credibility.
“Europe has the vision. Now it needs the resources to deliver.”
He points to climate policy as a concrete example. Cities are expected to lead the transition — including initiatives like climate-neutral urban development — but without sufficient funding, ambitions risk remaining theoretical.
At the same time, he highlights the growing interconnection between policy areas. Investments in urban infrastructure, such as metro systems, serve multiple purposes: sustainability, mobility, and even resilience in times of crisis.
“Look at how metro systems are used in emergencies,” he notes. “This is not just climate policy — it is also about security and preparedness.”
A Europe built with its cities
Boc’s argument is ultimately political as much as financial.
The European Union, he says, cannot be reduced to negotiations between capitals.
“It is not just a union of states. It is a union of municipalities, regions, and cities.”
Excluding them from decision-making would not only weaken policy outcomes but also erode the diversity and cohesion that define Europe itself.
As the EU looks ahead to 2034 and beyond, Boc’s message is a warning — and a roadmap:
Without strong local governments, there is no strong Europe.
