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Impact community Cohesion100

BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Press

The Local Alliance on the next MFF

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.

Local-Alliance-MFF-paper_Download_

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Publications, Territorial development

Is the European Semester important?

EU Semester - News 2024

Top level decision – Local consequences
The European Semester explained

Discover the EU Semester study

Just as the EU Commissioners were officially starting their new mandate – which includes the responsibility to put forward by mid-2025 a proposal for the next EU long-term budget -, CEMR was releasing a timely publication in view of the “cash for reforms” debate: “Top level decision – local consequences: The European Semester explained”.

The release event organised on 2nd December attracted participants from several institutions: European Commission, European Parliament, Permanent Representations of Member States to the EU, in addition to CEMR own members and representatives of cities and regions in Brussels.
On this occasion, CEMR’s Secretariat presented the publication which aims at informing local and regional governments about the functioning and process of the European Semester, how it has evolved over the year and how it is likely to become the next overarching policy coordination framework of the EU.

The study also includes some case studies demonstrating that most of the recommendations included in the EU Semester Country Specific Recommendations have either a direct or indirect impact on local and regional governments. This impact can be on their budget and investment possibilities: the study recalls that subnational finance is included in the national government budget deficit and expenditure efforts monitored by the EU Semester. But it also reveals that some recommendations touch upon areas of competences of local and regional governments in different Member States.

For instance, in Germany, subnational public administrations are the ones targeted by the 2024 Country Specific Recommendation (CSR) to speed up the digitalisation of public administration. For Spain, the 2024 CSRs call for improving water management where water supply is a competence of local governments. In the Netherlands, urban planning and (social) housing is a shared competence between municipalities and national governments, who are therefore both concerned with the recommendation to ensure the affordability and availability of housing.

The event allowed for a multi-level discussion between Joao Nogueira, Head of Unit for Policy coordination at the DG ECFIN of the European Commission, Thomas Prorok, Managing Director at KDZ – Centre for Public Administration Research in Austria, and Michael Schmitz, Deputy Head of the Brussels Office of the German County Association (DLT) who debated on the impact and (lack of) involvement of local and regional governments in the European Semester. The speakers were all invited to react to the recommendations included in the CEMR study, which created a lively discussion and also engaged participants in the room.

This report will be an important piece for CEMR and all representatives of local and regional governments in the coming months to build the narrative on the importance of involving subnational governments in the decisions on investments and reform priorities to be financed by the EU instruments.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

ROSSI Fabrizio
In Energy, Environment, Impact community Society, Press, 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.

THOMAS Carol
In Impact community Cohesion, Local finances, Press, Territorial development

New Mandate, Funding Crossroads

New EU Mandate: Navigating a Crossroads in European Funding and Governance

With the confirmation of the European Commissioner College, the second mandate of Ursula von der Leyen is ready to start. If you are wondering on the direction the EU will turn, especially when it comes to what is coming next for local governments, the hearings of Commissioners-designate provide valuable insight into the mindset, priorities and challenges of the next EU Executive. It is evident that addressing these challenges – boosting European competitiveness and improving citizens’ lives – will require more than ambition. Vision needs to be translated into action through effective policy implementation and ensuring funding meets the Europeans everywhere. It will also be crucial to avoid learning the wrong lessons from past experiences, especially when it comes to fund management and policy implementation.  

What did the interviews with College candidates at the European Parliament reveal? 

© European Union, 2024 – Source: EP – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20241029IPR25049/hearing-of-executive-vice-president-designate-raffaele-fitto

Yet the hearings offered little reassurance for local governments. The centralisation intentions clearly outlined in Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s political guidelines, which propose replacing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) with “fewer programmes and a plan for each country linking key reforms with investment”. The RRF, the centrepiece of the EU’s €800 billion NextGenerationEU recovery package, revealed the pitfalls of the performance-based, cash for reform approach. From the outset, CEMR, in partnership with the Committee of Regions (CoR), has closely monitored the RRF’s rollout, consulting with stakeholders to assess local and regional governments participation. The findings are clear: the exclusion of those closest to understanding local needs has hampered the RRF’s effectiveness. The lack of involvement of local governments has led to misaligned priorities, with some reforms and investments failing to address local needs or capitalise on the unique insights and expertise of regional authorities. With the risk of not only missing the RRF community targets but also displacing other essential funding streams, such as cohesion funds, further compromising the EU’s territorial cohesion goals. 

Data from CCRE-COR consultation on the RRF implementation.

The hearings of the Commissioner-designates echoed these concerns. Commissioner-designate Valdis Dombrovskis faced sharp criticism for the RRF’s shortcomings, with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressing frustration over the performance of the RRF to date. Mr Dombrovskis conceded that stronger partnerships with local governments are essential for the RRF to have a transformative impact, and this needs to be addressed as we go forward. In his hearing Commissioner-designate for Budget Piotr Serafin backed the idea, expressed in von der Leyen political guidelines, of single national plans for investment and reforms but also emphasised the central role that regions should play in the elaboration of these plans. On the other hand, Vice-President and Commissioner-designate for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto did not substantively address MEPs concerns regarding the risks of centralisation. However, he expressed that a single national plan would not be problematic, provided that local and regional governments are consulted – demonstrating at least a recognition of multi-level governance. 

We need to make room for learning complex lessons  

Designed to foster a greener, more resilient, and innovative Europe, the delays in implementing national recovery plans have worsened the governance conversation surrounding the RRF, casting doubt on its ability to meet its goals. However, the proposed cure risks misusing EU resources and undermining the critical green and digital transitions essential for towns, cities, and regions. 

CEMR is committed to promoting evidence-based evaluations of funding performance, ensuring that critical development policies are not subject to hasty adjustments. Local governments, which implement 70% of European legislation—including key policies for the green transition—cannot be excluded from these discussions. They are on the frontlines of delivering climate action, digital innovation, and social transformation. Their unique territorial knowledge ensures that EU funding aligns with real, localised needs rather than blanket national strategies that often overlook regional disparities. As we learnt from the RRF, neglecting this level of expertise risks inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and a failure to meet citizens’ expectations. Discussions on the next major EU funding package must acknowledge the lessons from the RRF’s shortcomings. Decentralising funding management will not only enhance transparency but also ensure resources are channelled where they can make the most significant long-term impact. 

From the roundtable: Local and Regional Perspectives on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)

As the new Commission takes office, CEMR will continue pushing for transparent monitoring of the RRF’s performance, emphasising the need for territorial expertise to shape EU funding policies. Ensuring that those with the greatest knowledge of their localities have a say in how resources are allocated is not just a matter of fairness—it is the key to delivering sustainable, transformative outcomes across Europe.

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Press

The EU Semester & local governments

EU Enlargement - News

Top level decision – Local consequences
The European Semester explained

Our study

How does the European Semester impact your local government and the public services they provide?

The European Semester, the EU’s vital mechanism for coordinating economic and social policies among Member States, is steadily growing in scope and impact. As it increasingly shapes investment and reform priorities across Europe, it’s essential for local governments to understand its direct consequences on their work.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) invites you to an exclusive event on December 2nd, where we will unveil our latest publication, “Top-Level Decisions – Local Consequences: The European Semester Explained.” This breakfast session will provide an engaging platform for policymakers, local leaders, and stakeholders to explore the report’s findings and share perspectives.

Event Programme:

8:30 – 9:00 | Welcome and networking breakfast

9:00 – 9:10 | Welcome remarks by CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi

9:10 – 9:20 | Presentation of EU Semester’s study findings by CEMR Secretariat

9:20 – 10:20 | Panel debate Moderation by Federica Bordelot, CEMR Director for Policy and Impact, on:

  • How does Cohesion Policy link with the EU Semester?
  • The next programming period wants to create a stronger link between investments and reforms: what does this mean for local and regional governments?
  • How does the EU economic governance impact local finance and investments?
  • Is the EU Semester compatible with multi-level governance? examples and reflections on needed changes.

10:20 – 10:30 | Q&A and discussion

10:30 – 10:45 | Wrap up with panel speakers and conclusions

Why attend?

  • Discover Practical Insights: Gain an in-depth understanding of how the European Semester impacts local governance, from taxation and public services to territorial administration and cohesion investments.
  • Hear from Experts: The event will feature detailed country case studies and commentary from CEMR members who have firsthand experience navigating these challenges.
  • Engage in Forward-Looking Discussions: With the European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizing the link between reforms and future investments, learn how local governments can advocate for principles of partnership, subsidiarity, and multi-level governance.

As we move into discussions about the EU’s next long-term budget, this event is your chance to ensure your voice is part of the conversation.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the dialogue around the European Semester and its implications for subnational governments.

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Press

Reinforce Cohesion Policy

Cohesion Policy Study - News 2023

CEMR calls on Executive Vice-President designate for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto to preserve and reinforce the foundations of Cohesion policy

Looking ahead to the Executive Vice-President Designate for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto hearing on November 12, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) issues a strong call to ensure that future reforms to Cohesion Policy preserve its essential role in line with the Treaty objective of reducing economic, social and territorial disparities. 

Cohesion Policy is the EU’s main investment policy addressing and correcting economic, social and territorial inequalities. Amid mounting challenges —including Europe’s search for a competitive model— CEMR calls for a proactive approach to reinforce the policy’s original objectives.

CEMR’s expert group on territorial cohesion recently convened to discuss the next multi-annual financial framework. “We count on the European Parliament’s support,” said Michael Schmitz, Chair of the CEMR expert group on territorial cohesion, in response to centralisation concerns. “MEPs can still prevent the centralisation of EU funds and uphold the principles of shared management and partnership.”

CEMR Priorities for Cohesion Policy

Commitment to Multi-level Governance and the Partnership Principle

For EU investments to be effective, decision-making must involve all levels of governance and respond to local needs. CEMR advocates for a governance model where EU reforms are designed with local beneficiaries in mind. Cohesion Policy managed locally, brings EU funds closer to citizens, avoiding the centralisation trends observed in recent policies like the Common Agricultural Policy and the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

Support for locally driven Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness

Cohesion Policy underpins the European project, ensuring growth and competitiveness reach all territories, beyond capital cities. At the same time, Local and Regional Governments are responsible for more than half of public investments in the EU. For these reasons, CEMR urges the EU to earmark Cohesion Policy funds for local public services and essential local investments.

A Long-Term Vision with Simplified Rules

Cohesion Policy should minimize bureaucratic obstacles. To ease access for beneficiaries, CEMR calls for a streamlined set of rules for all EU funds, allowing municipalities, cities, and regions to identify their own priorities flexibly. 

Cohesion Policy at the Heart of the EU

CEMR affirms that Cohesion Policy is integral to the EU’s long-term project, essential to resilience in times of crisis, and calls on the incoming Commission to heed the High-Level Specialists Group’s recommendations and ensure that the 2028–2034 Cohesion Policy remains resilient, sustainable, and locally driven.

As a founding member of the Cohesion Alliance, CEMR stands ready to collaborate with the Executive Vice-President Designate for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto,  to shape a Cohesion Policy that provides equal opportunity, resilience, and sustainable growth for all European territories.

Read more in our position paper here

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Press, Territorial development

Looking for Proposals

Looking for Proposals EU Green Deal - News 2024

CEMR is currently looking for an agency to design, publish and print a study

CEMR calls for proposals for external services to design and produce a publication and a one-to-two-page document to promote it.

For more information, you can access our Terms of Reference here.

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Local Insights, Publications, Territorial development

Participatory Budgeting

Participatory Budget - Youth

Participatory Budgeting for Young People in Vienna

In 2020, Vienna embarked on a groundbreaking initiative with the introduction of its ‘Participatory Children and Youth’ strategy. This forward-thinking approach aims to empower children and young people to shape their futures by becoming key decision-makers in their communities. Central to this strategy is the allocation of municipal budget funds specifically for ideas proposed by young residents. Known as the ‘Participatory Children and Youth Million’, this initiative sets aside €1 million every two years to bring these ideas to life.

Youth Participatory Budgeting

Youth participatory budgeting is designed to actively engage young people in public decision-making processes. By providing platforms for discussion, deliberation, and proposal of projects, it fosters a collaborative environment where young voices are heard and valued. This approach not only encourages dialogue but also builds a strong sense of ownership and partnership between the youth and local government.

The process begins with young people, aged 5 to 20, submitting their ideas either individually or in groups. These submissions are then reviewed in co-creation workshops where participants work with representatives from over 30 municipal departments and district offices. These collaborations ensure that ideas are both innovative and practical. For example, in 2024, a total of 226 ideas were submitted, with 215 being retained for further development.

Public outreach plays a crucial role in this process, aiming to engage not just politically active youth but a broader demographic. In Phase 2, Vienna’s city departments and district administrators review these ideas, requiring clear communication and effective integration with municipal operations. Events and clear timelines are essential to keep the process transparent and inclusive. Proposals must have a minimum budget of €50,000 and be implemented within two years.

As of the May 2024 CEMR webinar, the process had advanced to the voting stage. At this point, 49 projects were presented online for voting, allowing both individual and group preferences to shape the outcomes.

Vienna’s participatory budgeting for children and young people exemplifies a successful model of inclusive governance, demonstrating how cities can harness the creativity and insights of their youngest residents to enhance community life.

Learn more about Participatory Budgeting here

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Gender equality, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications, Territorial development

X Budgeting – power of subnational finance

Participatory Budget - Youth

Municipalities and regions explore new approaches to budgeting, from participatory and priority-based models to green and SDG-oriented practices

Read full study

Municipalities, cities and regions across Europe are at the forefront of delivering essential services, from housing and health to climate action and mobility. Yet, they face increasing financial pressures, recovering from the pandemic’s “scissor effect” of higher costs and lower revenues, and coping with inflation. In this context, how budgets are designed and allocated has become a powerful political tool.

To explore this potential, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) organised a training event on 23 May titled “X-budgeting – the power of subnational finance.” The session brought together experts and practitioners to share knowledge on innovative approaches to local and regional finance.

“X-budgeting” refers to a range of methods that go beyond simple accounting, transforming budgets into instruments for shaping policy and engaging citizens. These include:

  • Priority-based budgeting, aligning spending with political or community priorities rather than repeating last year’s allocations.
  • Process-based budgeting, such as participatory models that involve residents directly in decisions.
  • Green and SDG budgeting, aligning local finances with climate goals and the Sustainable Development Agenda.

Each approach offers opportunities, from fostering transparency and boosting trust to mobilising investment for sustainability, but also poses challenges, such as methodological complexity, resource needs and the demand for strong political support.

By experimenting with new forms of budgeting, municipalities and regions can make financial choices that not only keep services running but also reflect citizens’ voices and accelerate progress towards long-term goals.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development

Future of EU cohesion policy

MFF - Position paper News 2025

Rethinking EU budget design to empower local and regional governments post-2027 

Read full position paper

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights the critical role of local and regional governments in shaping Europe’s future Cohesion Policy and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Municipalities, cities and regions are at the frontline of delivering essential services, from transport to education and climate adaptation, while also being major drivers of public investment. Yet, the upcoming EU budget debates risk sidelining their role, particularly with the disappearance of the Treaty objective for Territorial Cohesion. 

CEMR calls for a strong, ambitious Cohesion Policy that maintains at least one-third of the EU budget and embeds key principles such as partnership, multi-level governance, and place-based development. Simplification is a top priority: fewer funds, a single set of rules for beneficiaries, and reduced administrative burdens would make EU resources more accessible and effective. Importantly, local and regional governments must be clearly recognised as beneficiaries and implementing partners to ensure funds reach citizens directly. 

A place-based and integrated territorial approach should be at the core of future instruments, designed bottom-up with local authorities defining priorities. CEMR stresses that Cohesion funds must not be redirected towards large corporations without strategic planning, but rather reinforce local and regional capacity for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. 

For the post-2027 EU budget, the message is clear: no successful European project without local and regional governments at its heart. Territorial cohesion, simplified rules, and genuine partnership are essential to delivering a fair, sustainable, and effective Cohesion Policy. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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