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Local and regional leaders call for democratic and sustainable resource strategies in Europe at the Leaders’ Summit

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• Amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty and environmental challenges, local and regional governments reaffirmed their role as cornerstones of democratic resilience and sustainability in Europe.
• Participants called on EU and national institutions to work more closely with local and regional governments, recognising their essential contribution to both democratic renewal and environmental transformation.

Over 100 mayors, regional leaders, policymakers and experts gathered in Oslo on 23–24 June 2025 for the CEMR Leaders’ Summit, hosted by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in cooperation with the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS).  As part of the Summit, delegates visited VEAS, Scandinavia’s largest wastewater treatment plant, for a field visit that showcased how innovation and local partnerships can boost resilience.

Opening the Summit, CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen and Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe highlighted the urgent need to protect Europe’s democratic values from disinformation, external interference and political polarisation. “We must ensure that democracy remains strong where it is most tangible—in cities, towns and regions,” said Helgesen.

Defending democracy in uncertain times

Through high-level discussions and the CEMR Policy Committee meeting, local leaders exchanged strategies to reinforce citizen participation, protect democratic institutions, and uphold human rights, even in times of instability.

These discussions come at a pivotal time as the EU prepares its next long-term budget. CEMR called for a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping the future of the EU through its ongoing campaign on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Read more about the campaign here.

Resource management as a pillar of democracy

Local and regional leaders, together with EU and national representatives, tackled the critical issue of water resilience, strategic autonomy, and the circular economy.

Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Minister of Business, Mineral Resources, Energy, Justice and Gender Equality in the Government of Greenland, joined the meeting remotely to share Greenland’s experience. “For Greenland, development is not a goal in itself, but a means to build resilience and economic independence. We won’t develop at any cost—our environment and communities come first.”

Echoing the priorities outlined in the CEMR’s Water Resilience Policy Paper, participants stressed that local solutions and strong public services are vital to address growing water stress across Europe.

To inspire and support local action, CEMR has also collected over 65 local initiatives on water management across Europe, now featured in an interactive Water Mural of Best Practices.

A common vision for Europe’s future

The Summit concluded with a strong political message: local democracy and sustainability must go hand in hand. Participants called on EU and national institutions to work more closely with local and regional governments, recognising their essential contribution to both democratic renewal and environmental transformation.

“CEMR will take the insights and commitments shared in Oslo to strengthen its advocacy at the European level,” said Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General. “Our collective voice is key to shaping a more resilient, fair, and sustainable Europe.”

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact: 

CEMR

Fiorella Lavorgna 

Fiorella.lavorgna@ccer-cemr.org 

(0039)3405761789

KS

Ida Paulsen Slettevoll 

Ida.Paulsen.Slettevoll@ks.no  

(0047) 90501841

CEMR Presidency meets with the President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT) to share insights on Turkish democracy

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Local democracy and elected representatives in Türkiye are currently facing significant challenges, with mayors being dismissed or imprisoned and replaced by government-appointed trustees. These actions not only undermine democratic principles but also threaten the very foundations of local self-governance and human rights.

On March 3rd, Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor ofİstanbul Metropolitan Municipality and President of the UMT took part in an extraordinary CEMR Presidency meeting to share firsthand insights into the situation in Türkiye. His intervention highlighted the harsh realities facing opposition mayors, the far-reaching consequences for local governance, and the various efforts being made to resist these pressures.

CEMR stands in solidarity with all local leaders in Türkiye and beyond who are defending local democracy and the fundamental right to serve their communities freely.

For more information, contact: 

Deadline Extended for Hosting CEMR 2026 Congress

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CEMR has extended the deadline for submitting applications to host the CEMR 2026 Congress to March 5th. Interested cities and municipalities now have additional time to submit their proposals and be part of this major gathering of local and regional leaders from across Europe.

• Terms of Reference for CEMR Congress 2026 (English)
• Terms of Reference for CEMR Congress 2026 (French)

For full details, please refer to the Terms of Reference document. If you have any questions, contact:

CEMR’s commitment to gender equality and talent for local governments showcased at Smart City Expo World Congress

• The Talent Hub for Cities and Regions and the study Women in Politics will be presented tomorrow at the Smart City Expo World Congress
• CEMR will gather local leaders from across Europe in Barcelona to set priorities for the new EU cycle

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Barcelona, 5–7 November 2024 – The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) will hold its Strategic Retreat in Barcelona, coinciding with the renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. This three-day gathering will bring together leaders from across Europe to set priorities for the years ahead, focusing on building inclusive, democratic, and resilient communities. 

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen stated: “Gathering in Barcelona during these difficult days for Valencia and many other communities hit by Dana is particularly important for us. The challenges we face, especially in accelerating climate adaptation, require local governments to attract and nurture the best talents. This retreat will enable us to share a vision for the future, ensuring that our communities are equipped to tackle these challenges head-on.” 

A key highlight of the retreat will be the presentation of the Talent Hub for Cities and Regions, (Tuesday 5 November, 10.45, Orange Agora), an innovative initiative launched by CEMR in collaboration with Eurocities and UCLG. The Talent Hub aims to attract, develop, and retain top talent in the fields of territorial development and diplomacy, reinforcing Local and Regional Governments’ capacities to tackle today’s complex challenges. 

Additionally, CEMR will introduce its latest study, Women in Politics (Tuesday 5 November, 16.45, Green Room), a pivotal exploration of gender equality in political representation across Europe. This study sheds light on progress and gaps, providing actionable insights for local leaders committed to advancing gender equality. 

The Strategic Retreat promises to be an inspiring forum where CEMR members and partners can reflect on key challenges and opportunities, charting a path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for Europe’s communities. 

CEMR Leaders Summit 2024: A Crucial Post-Election Gathering for Local Governments

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The CEMR Leaders Summit, 17-18 June 2024, at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, marks the first gathering of CEMR leaders with the new EU Parliament. This event is a crucial moment for shaping future policies and strategic directions for the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
 
The agenda for the Summit opens with the Policy Committee Meeting, which will address various statutory affairs and thematic work, including sustainability initiatives, territorial cohesion, and urban-rural linkages. These discussions are essential for addressing the immediate and long-term needs of local communities in the context of the recent elections.
 
June 18th will feature high-level panel debates focusing on the future of Europe and integrated territorial development. Key topics include democracy, sustainable development, enlargement, and effective collaboration across government levels. These timely discussions offer an opportunity to align local priorities with the broader European agenda.
 
The previous CEMR Policy Committee, held in Prague, culminated in the signing of the Prague Declaration, setting expectations for local leaders for the next EU mandate. Holding this year’s summit immediately after the European elections allows for a timely recalibration of priorities and strategies in light of the election results. This gathering will enable CEMR leaders to forge a unified vision and collaboratively address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s local and regional governments in the coming years.

CEMR Secretaries General and Directors Meeting (SGDs): Strengthening European Local Governance in Nicosia, Cyprus

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is meeting with its member association’s Secretaries General and Directors on April 23-24, 2024.
 
Taking place at the Town Hall of the Nicosia Municipal Council and hosted by the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, the meeting will serve as a platform for crucial discussions just ahead of the European election. Eleni Loucaidou, Councillor, on behalf of the Mayor of Nicosia, opened the session and set the agenda for the two-day meeting, which foresees intensive roundtable discussions covering CEMR’s statutory events and international relations, as well as the presentation of new CEMR activities and projects for 2024.
 
The biannual SGDs meetings bring together Secretaries General and Directors of CEMR members, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across European local and regional governance.

CEMR Members’ Associations Meet in Nicosia, Cyprus for Secretaries General and Directors Meeting

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CEMR Secretaries General and Directors (SGDs) will convene in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 23-24 April 2024. The Union of Cyprus Municipalities will host the gathering.

The agenda of the meeting will be followed by two days of intensive roundtable discussions covering CEMR’s statutory events and international relations, along with the presentation of new CEMR activities and projects for 2024.

The biannual SGDs meetings bring together Secretaries General and Directors of CEMR members, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across European local and regional governance.

Discussion on CEMR’s activities in 2023, the EU Green Deal and the key messages as well as the findings of the project Women in Politics and many other topics will be addressed during this meeting.

Charting Future Paths: CEMR Policy Committee Gathers in Prague

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We are delighted to announce that the upcoming CEMR Policy Committee meeting is set to take place in the enchanting city of Prague on the 6th and 7th of December 2023. The Policy Committee meetings stand as one of the most important moments of the year at CEMR, providing a platform for constructive dialogue, collaborative decision-making, and strategic planning among local and regional leaders.

This edition of the Policy Committee meeting holds special importance as it sets the stage just before the next European Elections, adding an extra layer of significance to our discussions and resolutions. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic, who will be hosting the event.

We look forward to coming together, sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and strengthening the bonds that make CEMR a force for positive change in Europe.