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GRIFFON Axelle
In Biodiversity, Biodiversity, Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications

Renewables with communities first 

Energy - News Section

A European consensus sets guiding principles to accelerate renewable energy and grid deployment while ensuring fairness, transparency, biodiversity protection, and local benefits 

Read full position paper

Europe is at a turning point. To reach climate neutrality by 2050, the EU must drastically expand renewable energy and electricity grids. This challenge is also an opportunity: renewables are cheaper than fossil fuels, can reduce biodiversity risks, and bring local economic benefits. Yet progress remains too slow, hampered by lengthy permits, weak community dialogue, and a lack of perceived value for citizens. 

To overcome these barriers, European stakeholders have united behind a set of baseline principles for fast and fair deployment of renewables and grids. These principles underline that projects must be shaped with communities, not imposed on them. Early engagement with mayors and citizens, transparent communication, and mechanisms for feedback are central to building trust. 

Equally important is ensuring that local communities share in the value of new projects. This means creating jobs, offering benefit-sharing schemes such as funds or co-ownership, and guaranteeing that revenues are used transparently for local improvements, from transport to housing. The principles also commit to nature-positive deployment, applying strategies to avoid or minimise harm and, where possible, enhance biodiversity. 

Finally, the consensus highlights the need to empower community-led initiatives, giving citizens and municipalities fair access to the energy market and the grid. By creating space for local ownership, Europe can ensure that the energy transition is not only fast but also fair. 

Together, these principles form a European consensus: a shared roadmap to accelerate the transition while protecting ecosystems and ensuring citizens see real, tangible benefits. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Environment, Impact community Climate, Latest

EU’s Green Agenda 2025

Green City - News Section

Why It Matters for Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) and What to Watch Next

From new climate targets to updated waste regulations, the European Union is rolling out policies that will shape the future of cities and municipalities. While these decisions may seem distant from everyday life, they have a direct impact on local governments—affecting everything from energy bills to public transport, water management, and waste collection.

Local and regional authorities are on the front lines of the green transition. They are the ones turning EU policies into real-life projects: renovating buildings to be more energy-efficient, upgrading public transport, and ensuring clean air and water for their citizens. But with so many new EU initiatives in the pipeline, what should local governments pay attention to in the coming months?

1. Climate and Energy: New Targets, Local Impact

The European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass outlines key climate and energy measures for 2025, including a revised Climate Law and a Clean Industrial Deal. These will influence energy prices, local renewable energy projects, and even funding for green infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the EU is tackling energy poverty, with plans to better protect vulnerable households from rising costs. Local governments, which often manage social housing and community energy programs, will need to be prepared for these changes.

2. Water and Waste: Tighter Rules, Bigger Responsibilities

Water management is rising on the EU agenda, with the European Parliament’s Water Resilience Strategy pushing for stronger action on pollution, efficiency, and climate adaptation. This means cities may need to invest in better infrastructure to secure water supply and prevent flooding.

At the same time, the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive introduces stricter water quality standards and a stronger application of the polluter-pays principle, ensuring that industries—not taxpayers—shoulder the costs of wastewater treatment.

On waste, new EU packaging rules taking effect this month will require cities to adjust collection programs to meet higher standards. Additionally, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for textiles will require businesses to take more responsibility for the waste they create, easing some of the burden on local waste services.

3. Mobility: Changes Coming for Public Transport and Urban Planning

The EU’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and High-Speed Rail Plan will influence urban mobility strategies. Meanwhile, CEMR is ensuring that local governments have a say in the EU Expert Group on Urban Mobility, particularly on topics like city access for businesses and cycling infrastructure.

4. Green Finance: How Cities Can Access More EU Funding

One of the biggest challenges for local governments in the green transition is funding. The European Commission’s new Project Group on Affordable Housing will prioritise unlocking financing for energy-efficient renovations, including through the Social Climate Fund.

What’s Next? Stay Informed and Get Involved

With so many EU policies evolving, local governments need to stay ahead of the changes. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these policies are implemented—and how they affect cities and regions across Europe.

Want to know more about how CEMR advocates for local and regional governments in the green transition?

Contact Axelle Griffon (axelle.griffon@ccre-cemr.org) and Edoardo Bodo (edoardo.bodo@ccre-cemr.org)

DECOURCELLE Elisa
In Environment, FOSTER, Impact community Climate, Latest, Projects and Programmes

FOSTER Local Training

Foster Training News 2025

Building Future-Oriented Governance for Climate Resilience

How can Local and Regional Governments prepare for the environmental challenges of tomorrow? On January 23, 2025, CEMR hosted a FOSTER Local Training, bringing together experts, policymakers, and local leaders to explore innovative governance approaches for a climate-resilient future.

FOSTER—Future Oriented Solutions Towards Environmental Resilience—is a two-year EU-funded initiative that strengthens local and regional authorities’ ability to anticipate and respond to climate challenges. Through participatory governance, strategic foresight, and inclusive capacity-building, the project empowers local actors to shape policies that reflect the needs of their communities.

Key Takeaways from the Training

During the event, participants delved into:

✅ Inclusive Communication – How local governments can make their messages accessible and representative of diverse communities.

✅ Participatory Democracy – Strengthening civic engagement and fostering trust between governments and citizens.

✅ Women in Politics – A CEMR study revealing the barriers women face in leadership and strategies to promote gender equality.

✅ Strategic Foresight & Scenario Planning – Equipping local governments with tools to anticipate future risks and opportunities.

✅ Greening Cities – Exploring sustainable urban solutions through foresight discussions.

The training was not just about knowledge-sharing but about action. It provided local actors with practical tools to co-design policies that anticipate climate risks, engage communities, and ensure long-term environmental resilience.

📥 Download the training materials here

Subscribe to Resonance to stay tuned for more activities on climate resilience and join us in shaping the future of local governments!

For more information, contact:

ROSSI Fabrizio
In Energy, Environment, Impact community Society, Latest, Territorial development

€86 billion SCF at risk

Local-Alliance

Vulnerable households risk being underserved by the €86 billion EU Social Climate Fund due to inadequate consultation with local and regional governments, a new Local Alliance report warns.

An exclusive new report from eight major European local and regional government networks reveals that vulnerable households in the EU are at risk of being underserved by the €86 billion Social Climate Fund (SCF) due to inadequate consultation by national governments.

The survey underpinning the report, conducted by the Local Alliance — a coalition comprising ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS — highlights widespread non-compliance with key requirements under SCF legislation. 

Articles 4 and 5 of the SCF state that Member States must engage with local and regional governments in developing their national Social Climate Plans. However, the report finds that many governments are failing to fulfil these obligations, often reducing consultations to empty gestures or bypassing them entirely.

A missed opportunity to address local needs

The SCF is a flagship initiative under the European Green Deal, aimed at supporting vulnerable households. But the findings show a troubling disconnect between national decision-makers and their local governments.

The survey, covering cities and regions across 14 Member States, including Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece and Spain, paints a stark picture of delayed consultations, inadequate dialogue, and missed opportunities to incorporate local expertise.

“The €86 billion Social Climate Fund holds the potential to transform lives and build a more equitable Europe, but only if the voices of local and regional governments are at the table. These governments are on the frontlines of addressing energy and transport poverty, yet too often, their expertise is overlooked. National governments and the EU Institutions must recognise that meaningful consultation isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a necessity for effective and inclusive action.”  Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of CEMR. 

Local governments: Key partners for effective action

Local and regional governments are uniquely positioned to ensure that EU funds address the specific needs of their communities. They bring expertise, proximity, and an understanding of local priorities, which are crucial for tailoring measures to effectively support vulnerable households.

The absence of meaningful consultation not only undermines the legislative requirements but also jeopardises the effectiveness of the SCF just six months before Member States are due to submit their plans in June.

Recommendations for national and EU decision-makers

To ensure the Social Climate Fund effectively supports vulnerable households, the Local Alliance urges Member States, amongst others, to prioritise meaningful collaboration with regional and local governments, through locally developed plans such as SECAPs and Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans.

This will provide EU investments that are aligned with local needs to address energy and transport poverty, ensuring measures that target the needs of vulnerable groups like women, older people and single-parent households. For more information, download the full report here.

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Energy, Environment, Impact community Climate, Latest, PLATFORMA, Sustainable mobility, Waste, Water

CEMR at COP29

Local Governments Driving Climate Solutions on the Global Stage

At the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku CEMR showcased the indispensable role of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in global climate action. Through advocacy, strategic dialogue, and direct engagement with Ministers, Governors, Parliamentarians, Multilateral Development Banks, and UN agencies, CEMR cemented its position as a key player in advancing sustainable urban development and combating climate change.

Local and Regional Governments: A Cornerstone of Climate Action

Local and regional governments are uniquely positioned to address climate challenges. Managing 68% of public climate investments, they are on the frontlines of adaptation and mitigation efforts. Yet, these governments often remain excluded from key international decision-making processes. At COP29, CEMR sought to change this by advocating for LRGs to be fully integrated as strategic partners in shaping climate policies.

CEMR also underscored the importance of multilevel governance. This approach, combining local, regional, and national collaboration, ensures that climate strategies are both inclusive and effective. By engaging in over 170 events, CEMR and the LGMA Constituency showcased how cities and regions lead innovative climate solutions, including sustainable infrastructure, green financing, and community resilience initiatives.

CEMR Delegation in Action

CEMR’s political leadership took centre stage during COP29. Marianne Overton, Vice President of CEMR, and Clifford Galea, a member of our Young Elected Officials Committee member, participated in high-profile sessions, emphasising local governments’ role in climate justice and finance. Key moments included:

  • Panel on Multilevel and Multistakeholder Climate Solutions: Clifford Galea highlighted the urgency of channelling direct funds to local governments, stating, “Efficient climate action starts with empowering those closest to the communities impacted.”
  • Roundtable on Financing Urban Climate Action: Marianne Overton called for innovative financial mechanisms to ensure accessible funding for sustainable urban projects and ecosystem restoration

“Efficient climate action starts with empowering those closest to the communities impacted.”

 Advocating for Loss and Damage Response

One of the summit’s most critical topics was the establishment of an effective framework for addressing Loss and Damage. CEMR, together with the LGMA Constituency, endorsed the Call to Action on Loss and Damage, initiated by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). This initiative demands equitable resource distribution, North-South collaboration, and the inclusion of subnational governments in funding mechanisms. Notably, the call prioritizes the needs of marginalized communities and the integration of local knowledge into global climate strategies.

CEMR’s endorsement reflects its commitment to securing direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund for local governments, particularly in vulnerable regions. This advocacy reinforces the message that addressing climate crises requires collaboration at all levels of governance.

 Why Local and Regional Governments Matter

The urgency of including LRGs in climate governance cannot be overstated. As the level of government closest to communities, they have the knowledge and capacity to implement tailored solutions that address local realities. This perspective aligns with the broader recognition at COP29 that achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals requires the active involvement of all governance levels.

 Looking Ahead: COP of Cities

The outcomes of COP29 mark a significant step forward with greater recognition for the work of cities in the COP process, but the journey toward equitable climate governance is far from over. While COP29 is about to end, hope is there for cities to play a central role next year in Belem (Brazil). All traffic lights are green: “COP30 has to be the COP of the cities, because climate is central in connecting people”, said Ambassador Antonio Da Costa e Silva, chief international adviser at the Brazilian Ministry of Cities.

Let’s hope national leaders received the message.

DECOURCELLE Elisa
In Environment, FOSTER, Impact community Climate, Latest, Projects and Programmes

Public Conference on environmental resilience

Environment - News section

“Managing the Future for Environmental Resilience”

CEMR and ALDA are pleased to announce the Public Conference “Managing the Future for Environmental Resilience”, organised on October 9th, from 11.00 to 17.00. The conference will be a chance to exchange in an interactive way how to overcome the preference for short-term solutions when it comes to local management of climate change and planning for more prepared and participatory environmental governance.

The conference provides an interactive platform to explore how to overcome short-termism in local climate management, with a focus on future-oriented and participatory environmental governance. It will begin with a keynote speech from the European Environment Agency, followed by a panel debate titled “Local and Regional Policy Making for a Sustainable Future,” featuring institutional speakers discussing the challenges facing European cities and innovative approaches to addressing climate change. In the afternoon, experts will share insights on strategic foresight and key elements for future-oriented climate policies, including decentralised cooperation, participatory policymaking, and non-formal education.

Register here and join us on the 9th of October!

The FOSTER project aims to contribute to the development of governance frameworks that can effectively and inclusively address future environmental challenges at the local level, by fostering strategic foresight and preventative local management of climate change-related phenomena. It is a two-year project funded by the CERV – Citizens Equality Rights and Values programme of the European Union

GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications, Water, Water

Adoption of the nature restoration law

Green City - News Section

Cities and regions urge swift adoption of EU Nature Restoration Law to combat climate and biodiversity crises

Read the full letter

As Europe faces intensifying environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate-driven heatwaves and pollution, cities and regions are stepping up their call for action. Partners of the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, including many local and regional governments, have issued a joint letter urging EU Member States to swiftly adopt the long-delayed Nature Restoration Law. 

Local authorities are often at the frontline of environmental crises. With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, the need to restore green spaces is not only a climate priority but also a public health and quality-of-life imperative. The proposed law would provide a long-awaited framework to strengthen biodiversity, adapt cities to rising temperatures, and support sustainable land use. 

Delays in the law’s adoption not only undermine urgent environmental action but also threaten democratic trust in EU decision-making. A provisional agreement between the European Parliament and Council was reached months ago, and failure to finalise it now would send the wrong signal, both to EU citizens and the global community. 

CEMR and its partner’s stress: restoring nature is not optional. It is essential! Local governments stand ready to deliver, but they need the political will at the EU level to match their ambition. 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle
In Environment, Impact community Climate, Latest

Soil Health

Negotiations are underway on the adoption of a Soil health directive

In a continent where over 60% of soils are estimated unhealthy, it is today imperative to address soil degradation. Scientific evidence underscores the alarming trend of soil deterioration, driven by unsustainable land management practices, contamination, and the intensifying impacts of climate change. This degradation not only jeopardizes essential ecosystem services but also carries a significant economic burden, with the European Commission estimating an annual cost of at least 50 billion euros to the EU. 

Soil monitoring, already practised in several EU Member States, often involves the engagement of regions and municipalities. Public authorities frequently hold ownership of land, and they are directly impacted by soil health issues. Consequently, they play a crucial role in monitoring and managing land health within their jurisdictions. 

In July 2022, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for a Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience, aiming to achieve healthy soils across Europe by 2050. The directive includes three main elements: 

  • A Comprehensive Monitoring Framework covering all soils within the EU, helping Member States to undertake measures for regenerating degraded soils. 
  • Promotion of Sustainable Soil Management: Member States will define sustainable soil management practices while limiting activities that contribute to soil degradation.
  • Identification and Remediation of Contaminated Site: Member States are asked to identify potentially contaminated sites, conduct investigations, and mitigate risks to human health and the environment.  

CEMR welcomes the legislative proposal of the Commission which rightly balances ambition and feasibility for Member States. We put forward six key messages for the European Parliament and Council negotiations:  

  1. Emphasis on Monitoring: CEMR welcomes the directive’s primary focus on soil monitoring and advocates for establishing a practical monitoring framework to improve soil health.
  2. Involvement of Local and Regional Governments: CEMR underscores the importance of involving subnational authorities in the implementation of the Soil Monitoring Law, ensuring collaboration within existing national frameworks without imposing undue administrative burdens. 
  3. Flexible Implementation Framework: Prioritising flexibility at the national level is paramount to accommodate local variations and ensure effective adaptation across different Member States.
  4. Support for Risk-Based Approach: CEMR endorses the adoption of a risk-based approach, emphasising considerations such as land use in monitoring frameworks and remediation efforts. 
  5. A realistic approach to land take mitigation: CEMR advocates for establishing a compensation mechanism at an aggregated level to address the impacts of land take, tailored to local and regional specificities. 
  6. Strengthening the Polluter Pays Principle: To prevent soil pollution and achieve healthy soils by 2050, CEMR emphasizes the importance of setting pollution prevention standards alongside monitoring and remediation efforts. 

What are the next steps?
Following the publication of the legislative proposal by the Commission last year, significant strides have been made in advancing the Soil Monitoring Law. The proposal is broadly supported, notably with its adoption by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on 11 March 23. The rapporteur, MEP Martin Hojsík’s strongly contributed to include the views of local and regional authorities in the draft report. As discussions continue, we call MEPs to support the upcoming adoption of the draft report in plenary on April 10.  

Trilogue negotiations will resume post-EU elections, contingent upon the Council’s adoption of a general approach. 

GRIFFON Axelle
In Environment, Impact community Climate, Latest

Wallonia Summit 2024

CEMR Brings the Voice of LRGs to Climate Chance Europe 2024 Wallonia Summit

CEMR represented the voice of Local and Regional Governments at the Climate Chance Europe 2024 Wallonia Summit, organised by the Belgian Presidency on the 8th and 9th of February in Liege.

Eva Banos, CEMR Adviser for Global Agendas, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Climate, moderated the event session titled “Cross-border and Decentralised Cooperation – How to Strengthen Community-Based & Community-Led Adaptation to Climate Change.” During this session, the discussion focused on giving agency to citizens and communities, rethinking multi-level governance in a grassroots way.

During the summit, Marlon Hilden, CEMR Climate and Sustainable Finance Officer, presented the results of the research “Powering the Future: Driving Europe’s Climate and Energy Policies through Regions and Municipalities,” delving into critical insights expected to influence and shape Europe’s climate and energy policies at regional and municipal levels.

The event culminated with the signing of the “Liège Declaration”: a Roadmap on adaptation to climate change in Europe for non-state actors.

GRIFFON Axelle
In Environment, Impact community Climate, Latest

European Commission 

CEMR Engages in Talks with the European Commission on Green Deal Implementation at the Local and Regional Level

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) convened this week with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal at the European Commission. The meeting was an important opportunity for CEMR to engage with the Commission to discuss the implementation of the European Green Deal at the local and regional levels.
 
Federica Bordelot, Director of Policy and Impact, and Marlon Hilden, Climate Sustainable Finance Officer, took part in the discussions. During the meeting, they highlighted the significance of Local and Regional Governments’ (LRGs) involvement in realising the goals of the European Green Deal. The CEMR delegation seized the occasion to showcase exemplary initiatives outlined in their latest studies, underlining successful models that can be replicated across European municipalities and regions. CEMR also raised concerns about the comparatively low participation of LRGs in decision-making processes and policy implementation. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the inclusivity and effectiveness of environmental policies on the ground.
 
The dialogue emphasised the importance of a coordinated effort between the European Commission and local and regional entities to create a sustainable and resilient future. As discussions continue, CEMR remains dedicated to contributing valuable insights and advocating for the active involvement of Local and Regional Governments in shaping and executing environmental policies across Europe.

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