The “Green Lungs for our Cities” project showcases the power of local action. Through its implementation, Tirana and its partners built an alternative platform to monitor air quality, noise pollution, and urban greenery ecosystems. This approach not only influenced governance at the local level but also aligned with the EU accession process, underscoring the importance of working with partners across borders.
This best practice emphasises the value of evidence-based decision-making, creating a qualitative urban environment for all. The project’s success highlights local governments’ critical role in implementing environmental policies, even in non-EU contexts.
Municipalities like Tirana are demonstrating how local innovation can tackle global challenges. With clean air, vibrant green spaces, and healthier communities as the ultimate goals, the project reminds us that bold, inclusive action leads to meaningful change.
Paving the Path Ahead
As we celebrated the International Day of Clean Energy yesterday, the “Green Lungs” project reminds us that the transition to a green future begins at the local level. From renewable energy to air quality improvements, cities and regions are proving that collaboration, resilience, and innovative thinking can shape a sustainable tomorrow.
The message is clear: investing in clean energy and local green policies is not just a necessity but an opportunity to create healthier, more vibrant communities, one step closer to climate neutrality by 2050.
The Local Alliance presents its new Position Paper on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2035
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) as a member of the Local Alliance, a coalition of Europe’s eight leading local and regional networks, launches a position paper on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034).
The document outlines the urgent need for a strong, future-proof EU budget to create a just, climate-neutral, and competitive Europe. It places a spotlight on the indispensable role of local and regional governments in delivering key EU priorities such as the European Green Deal, digital transformation, and territorial cohesion.
Why the next MFF matters:
Unmatched Local Impact: Local governments are already implementing 70% of European Green Deal legislation and account for 69% of climate-related public spending.
Better Quality of Life for Citizens: The MFF enables Local and Regional Governments to build greener cities, stronger economies, and more inclusive communities.
Resilience in Challenging Times: Amid an evolving and less secure political landscape, the next EU budget must prioritise support for local resilience and ensure no region is left behind.
A vision for a resilient and united Europe
Local and regional governments are not just implementers but vital partners in shaping a sustainable, competitive, and cohesive future for Europe. Investments at the local level drive real change, ensuring that the EU’s goals translate into tangible benefits for communities and citizens.
Urban Green Ghent: A Best Practice in Climate Resilience
As cities around the world grapple with the mounting challenges of climate change, Ghent, Belgium, stands out as a shining example of innovation and determination. Through its transformative “Urban Green Ghent” initiative, the city demonstrates how urban areas can adapt to increasing climate risks while enhancing liveability and biodiversity.
Turning Pavement into Opportunity
A cornerstone of Ghent’s strategy is its ambitious plan to replace 15% of the city’s pavement with green spaces. This bold move addresses pressing climate challenges such as heatwaves, droughts, and recurrent flooding. By removing hard surfaces in public squares, parks, gardens, and streets, the city enables rainwater to naturally infiltrate the soil. This sponge-like effect mitigates the impact of heavy rainfall, helping to protect the city from flash floods.
Watercourses and Façade Gardens
Ghent’s commitment to a greener, more climate-resilient urban environment extends beyond de-paving. The city has reopened its watercourses, allowing natural waterways to flow freely once again. This not only improves water management but also enhances the aesthetic and ecological value of the city.
Moreover, the promotion of façade gardens encourages residents to transform walls and small spaces into vibrant pockets of greenery. This community-driven approach fosters engagement and underscores the vital role citizens play in creating a sustainable city.
Adapting to Climate Risks
The initiatives under “Urban Green Ghent” are designed to tackle the growing risks of climate change. Heatwaves are mitigated through the cooling effect of increased vegetation, while green spaces enhance air quality and provide shaded areas, making the city more comfortable for residents and visitors. During periods of heavy rain, green infrastructure helps absorb excess water, reducing the strain on urban drainage systems.
Enhancing Liveability and Biodiversity
Beyond its climate benefits, Ghent’s green transition transforms the city into a more enjoyable and healthier place to live. Greening efforts create attractive outdoor spaces, improve biodiversity, and foster a stronger connection between residents and their natural environment.
A Model for Other Municipalities
Ghent’s comprehensive approach to urban greening offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide. Its success demonstrates the power of local government to lead in climate adaptation and resilience. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and engaging the community, Ghent is charting a path toward a future where urban areas are better equipped to face the realities of climate change.
Explore more about Ghent’s green initiatives and their impact here.
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.
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.
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.
CEMR’s ‘MEPs Meet Local Leaders’ Event: Bridging Local and European Governance
On 2 October, CEMR hosted the networking event “MEPs Meet Local Leaders,” which united over 80 participants, including 15 newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and local elected officials from across Europe.
This gathering served as a crucial platform for discussing the current needs and opportunities in both urban and rural areas. Participants delved into insights from CEMR’s recent study on the future of the green transition, emphasising the necessity of ensuring that local voices are heard in shaping European policy.
The urgency of the moment was palpable, as discussions focused on how local governments—often the true experts of their territories—can effectively leverage EU resources to benefit citizens. The role of local leaders is irreplaceable in this context, and the event powerfully underscored their unique position in fostering meaningful change.
CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “We face unprecedented challenges that highlight the need to unite efforts across all levels of governance—local, regional, national, and European—to ensure the well-being of Europe’s citizens remains central to our collective mission.”
Jean-Paul Judson expertly moderated the proceedings, guiding discussions that illuminated the perspectives and expectations of local and regional elected officials regarding the work of the European Parliament. The event underscored the necessity of unity across all governance levels as we collectively strive to place citizens’ well-being at the heart of the European project.
Since its founding in 1951, CEMR has been at the forefront of promoting collaboration among local and regional leaders, advocating for a united, peaceful, sustainable, and democratic Europe. As we face increasingly complex challenges, the dialogue fostered at this event is essential for shaping the future of Europe’s governance.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for making the evening a success. Together, we can bring EU resources closer to the people, paving the way for an economy that truly works for future generations of Europeans. This memorable evening highlighted the power of partnership and dialogue, reaffirming our commitment to building a better future for all.
CEMR is excited to announce the launch of its new report, “Local Green Transition: Prospects for an Inclusive and Competitive Deal”. This study examines how Local and Regional Governments adapt to and implement the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges LRGs face in executing green policies, highlighting their critical role in achieving Europe’s climate goals. With over 300 LRGs participating in extensive surveys, the study presents sector-cross-cutting and specific recommendations to enhance local-level implementation of green strategies.
Key Insights:
High Awareness: An impressive 92% of LRGs are familiar with the decarbonisation legislation affecting their regions.
Impact of Climate Change and Preparedness: Many LRGs report feeling the effects of climate change acutely, with only a third feeling adequately prepared to implement necessary legislation.
Positive Outcomes: More than half of the surveyed LRGs have experienced benefits from green policies, including job creation and improved air quality, although challenges like funding access and regulatory complexity remain significant.
Social Equity: The report emphasises the need for equitable and responsive policies to the diverse needs of urban and rural areas.
Recommendations for EU Decision-Makers: CEMR identifies crucial priorities for European and national governments to support LRGs in their green transition efforts, including:
Addressing local needs during EGD implementation.
Fostering collaborative dialogue and partnerships with LRGs.
Simplifying and increasing funding for local initiatives.
Ensuring equitable implementation across regions.
Making the green transition a priority for cross-border cooperation.
CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen emphasised the importance of local governments in facilitating real change, stating, “Municipalities and regions lay the groundwork for a more competitive Europe by implementing renewable energy projects and developing sustainable infrastructure.”
This report serves as a vital resource for local and regional governments, aiming to guide them in harnessing the green transition to foster economic growth while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change
“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.
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
Local & Regional Governments are in, but still far from where they should be
The inclusion of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in the recently adopted Pact for the Future, particularly in Article 83, represents a significant milestone. This article acknowledges their crucial role and calls on the UN Secretary-General to offer recommendations on engaging with local and regional authorities to advance the 2030 Agenda, especially by localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, this achievement is only the beginning. Realising the full potential of LRGs in global governance requires continued effort. Below are five key takeaways that reflect the pact’s impact on the local leadership community.
Cities and Local Governments on the Global Stage
The adoption of this text reflects widespread recognition of the vital role cities and local governments play in building a sustainable future. The conversation has shifted from questioning their relevance to focusing on collaboration to drive progress across all levels. This shift is crucial for advancing the 2030 Agenda and promoting sustainable development for all.
The Growing Movement for Local Governance
Engagement with the UN Secretary-General and other key stakeholders highlights the increasing momentum behind the movement advocating for LRGs’ unique role. Unlike civil society organisations, local governments have distinct mandates and constituencies, making their contributions essential for shaping a sustainable future.
The Global Task Force Model: A Proven Approach
Global challenges—whether securing peace, reducing inequalities, addressing water scarcity, or reforming food systems—require coordinated action across all levels of government. The Global Task Force of LRGs has proven effective in uniting agendas and coordinating advocacy on issues that transcend borders and jurisdictions.
Recognition is Progressing, But Still Limited
While LRGs’ inclusion in the text is a positive step, their role remains largely focused on implementing SDGs. It is essential that local and regional governments are recognised not only as implementers but also as full partners in shaping policies that affect the future of our communities.
Challenges to Local Democracy
There are growing concerns about the future of local democracy, as autocratic regimes and centralising reforms threaten the autonomy of local governments. Reduced powers and budget cuts jeopardise the sustainability of local democracy. Although the current UN Secretary-General supports local governance, the post-2025 landscape remains uncertain, posing risks to local self-government.
What to watch
While the Pact for the Future marks a crucial milestone, much work is still needed to achieve full recognition and empowerment of LRGs. Now is the time to press forward, ensuring our voices continue to shape global and national agendas for the future of our communities.
A delegation of European Mayors and councillors is heading to New York to defend the key role of local and regional governments in United Nations intergovernmental bodies during the upcoming High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) (8-17 July).
This year, HLPF will focus on “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises” and is held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council.
Once again, European Mayors and councillors will make they voice heard and present how the local level can deliver sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.
Among them are:
Véronique Bertholle, Vice Mayor on European and International Relations, City of Strasbourg (France), PLATFORMA spokesperson
Francine Farrugia, Local Councillor in the locality of Siggiewi (Malta), member of CEMR-PLATFORMA Young Elected Officials Committee
Clare Hart, Vice-President Montpellier Métropole, President of Crisis and Rehabilitation Group, Cités Unies France
Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scotland, UK (COSLA), Spokesperson for Environment and Economy, CEMR Spokesperson on SDGs
Nicole Unterseh, Mayor City of Bonn (Germany), Deutscher Städtetag
…
Mayors and councillors will actively participate in several meetings, including the Local2030 Coalition Special Event “Unlocking transformative change through the localisation of the six SDG transitions” on 10 June, during which Francine Farrugia will officially present the CEMR-PLATFORMA 2024 annual study on SDGs.
This year, the study European Territories Localise the SDGs – The time for impact is running out gathers 46 responses from associations of local and regional governments, representing 31 European countries.
In the Foreword, Tengiz Mtvarelishvili, Chair of Telavi City Council in Georgia, and PLATFORMA Spokesperson, warns about delays in implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “But there’s hope: local and regional governments are on the front lines, closest to citizens, and uniquely positioned to find tailored solutions”, he says.
Eva Baños de Guisasola, PLATFORMA Advisor on SDGs, Global Agendas and Climate, and Federica Bordelot, CEMR Director of Policy and Impact, will moderate several sessions.
To strengthen the voice of local and regional governments, PLATFORMA and CEMR are joining forces with the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments (GTF) led by UCLG.
This year, HLPF will be followed by the UN Summit of the Future, also in New York on 22-23 September, where local and regional governments will gather during an Action weekend ahead of the meeting.
