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Impact community Cohesion102

BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Publications, Territorial development

Final call for the EU budget

MFF - Position paper News 2025

Local and regional governments’ final call to EU institutions for a real involvement in the design of the EU budget 

Read full position paper

The future of the EU budget is at a crossroads. As the European Commission launches consultations on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), local and regional governments across Europe, represented by CEMR, are calling for a fundamental change: an EU budget that is inclusive, decentralised, and truly aligned with the needs of cities, municipalities, and regions.  

This requires that future national plans and investment priorities in each Member State are not imposed from the top-down, but shaped through meaningful consultations with local and regional governments, just as the Partnership Principle ensures in Cohesion Policy. Only in this way can EU investments be fit for purpose and truly serve the people it is intended to benefit. 

CEMR’s newly released position paper on the post-2027 MFF sets out a clear vision for a reformed EU budget that strengthens multi-level governance and empowers local and regional governments as essential partners for effective spending of the EU budget on the ground. With growing social and economic inequalities, the need to accelerate climate adaptation, and increasing geopolitical instability, Europe cannot afford to sideline local and regional governments—the very actors that implement over 70% of EU policies on the ground. 

National plans must include mandatory consultations to local and regional governments 

The roadmap on the next MFF confirmed the European Commission’s ambition to establish single national plans for reforms and investments based on priorities defined at European level. The European Commission mentions the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as a good example of an instrument linking investments and reforms and points out that two thirds of the EU budget (Cohesion Policy funds and the Common Agricultural Policy) could in the future be implemented according to the RRF approach. In this context, CEMR issues a final warning to the European Commission: the RRF model failed to ensure effective multi-level governance. CEMR found that, since consultation with local and regional governments was not mandatory, it simply did not occur in most of the Member States.  

The European Commission must ensure that national plans and the definition of investment priorities in each Member State are developed through meaningful consultations with local and regional governments, similar to the Partnership Principle in Cohesion Policy. This is the only way to guarantee that EU investments are fit for purpose and meet the real needs of the population.  

“The EU is more than its institutions and the 27 states—it belongs to its people, municipalities, cities, and regions. Decisions based solely on macroeconomic trends risk disconnecting it from citizens” — Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President. 

CEMR key priorities for the post-2027 EU budget 

CEMR’s position paper, backed by national associations of local and regional governments across Europe, contains concrete proposals to reform the post-2027 EU budget and enhance its effectiveness: 

  • Empowering municipalities, cities and regions not only as implementers but also as planners 
    The Partnership Principle should be made mandatory across all EU-funded programmes to ensure that the funds effectively reflect the actual needs of local and regional governments. 
  • Decentralising the Cohesion Policy 
    Strengthening the capacity of local and regional governments to manage EU funds will ensure that investments address real local needs and promote balanced territorial development. 
  • Diversifying EU instruments as part of the ambitious policy agenda for cities 
    From shared management funds to increased direct funding, it would allow EU investment to reach local and regional authorities of all sizes, from all types of territories, both urban and rural.   
  • Simplifying and easing EU funding mechanisms  
    to reduce administrative burdens for both Managing Authorities and beneficiaries. CEMR proposals for simplification include: a single set of rules for beneficiaries across the different funds; flexibility in thematic concentration to allow place-based definition of priorities, hence accelerating funds disbursement; and a labelling of auditing processes as compliant with EU rules to avoid multiplication of auditing.
  • Enhancing synergies among EU funds. 
    The next MFF must improve coordination between different EU funding instruments to maximise impact at the territorial level. 

Take part in the public consultation 

Local and regional governments must not be sidelined in shaping the post-2027 EU budget. The European Commission’s consultation must not be reduced to a bureaucratic exercise or a mere checkbox. Consultations alone are not enough. The next EU budget regulations must include a mandatory requirement to involve local and regional governments in defining the investments that will meet the real needs of the population. 

Use this public consultation —open until May 7 2025— to demand a real seat at the table and a budget that truly serves our communities. A stronger, more inclusive Europe starts from the ground up. Speak up before it’s too late. 

Read the full CEMR position paper here

Contribute to the public consultation on the future EU budget here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_486 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Latest

Competitiveness Compass

Europe of the regions is dead,
long live Europe of the industries

If you were still a “Europe of the regions” believer in spite of all the signs in the direction of re-nationalisation of European policies; the latest communication from the European Commission “A Competitiveness Compass for the EU” could leave the impression that it is the final blow to the idea that the European project also takes place at the local level, closer to the citizens.

There had been many warning signals: in the last years, the EU has changed the “delivery model” of its funds towards a de facto recentralisation. After the National CAP Strategic Plans, the National Social Climate Plans and the National Recovery and Resilience Plans, there was not much doubt anymore that the European Commission is looking to simplify the life of its own administration, with a single contact point in Member States, preferably budget Ministries. Then, however the Member States decide to organise and draft the national plans, in consultation or not with the subnational government levels and the most relevant stakeholders, this is outside of the Commission’s remit.

Mayors, counties or regions’ local leaders know the best their local ecosystem and the development opportunities in their territories. The Competitiveness framework should rely on them and suggest not another centralised national plan, but territorial competitiveness plans, ensuring a broad territorial coherence of investments for growth and competitiveness.  Yet, the few mentions of local and regional governments in the communication are to say that they should play their part in the simplification efforts and acceleration of administrative procedures at the service of the private sector.

With the new Competitiveness Compass, the Union at least reaffirms a common European objective that governments, at all levels, should follow. And there is a broad consensus that industrial renewal, research and innovation, transitioning to low carbon economies are all very important priorities that could contribute to improving life of Europeans – because that is the end goal, right? But there is one element critically missing for this vision to become true: a territorial vision.

Start-ups, universities, research labs, factories, all still need to be physically located somewhere: in a municipality, city, region. Somewhere with access to a fast broadband, somewhere with efficient mobility and transport solutions for employees commuting, receiving or shipping products, somewhere with good public services, ensuring a quality of life that would attract or retain the skilled workforce needed, and somewhere the taxes on these economic activities may contribute to a municipality’s revenues and therefore effectively benefit the entire local community[1].

And while the communication clearly identifies the need for public investments to de-risk and unlock private investments, it is completely overlooking the major role of local and regional governments to drive public investments. Subnational governments are responsible for 53% of the total public investment in the EU[2], and yet they are increasingly required to contribute to the fiscal consolidation efforts of Member States, steadily reducing their investment capacities.

One of the major risks with a complete lack of territorial vision, is the major downside of the Single Market: the concentration of capital, wealth and work forces in a few already attractive places, leaving entire regions behind the competitiveness run. The Cohesion Policy was created especially to prevent this type of concentration and channel EU public investments in places that would otherwise fail to attract businesses, investments or researchers.

And the Competitiveness Compass is probably just a foretaste of what the Commission is preparing for the entire architecture of EU funds in its next multi-annual financial framework. Writing in the communication “The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal will be the opportunity to further streamline access to and simplify EU funding instruments – currently fragmented over too many programmes – across the board”, the Commission is confirming the leak and rumours in the direction of having a single national plan (yes, another one) for all currently shared management fund (i.e. all Cohesion Policy funds, and the Common Agricultural Policy). This could be a worst-case scenario: investments and reforms priorities decided at top European level that make no sense for the people and the places where the funds are spent. This is already happening with the European Semester[3].

The only solution to reconcile the overarching European goal of competitiveness, and the actual needs and priorities of Europeans wherever they want to live, is to enshrine multi-level governance in the competitiveness agenda and the upcoming long-term budget of the EU.

[1] European Joint Research Centre, Local taxes on economic activity in municipalities in EU Member States, European Joint Research Centre, https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC129095

[2] OECD (2024) Subnational governments structure and finance, OECD, Paris, https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/topics/policy-issues/subnational-finance-and-investment/subnational-governments-infrastructure-finance-2024.pdf/_jcr_content/renditions/original./subnational-governments-infrastructure-finance-2024.pdf

[3] CEMR, Top level decision – local consequences: The European Semester explained, 2024 https://ccre-cemr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EU-Semester-Study-2024.pdf

For more information, contact:

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

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, 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.

THOMAS Carol
In Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Local finances, 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, Latest

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, Latest

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, Latest, 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

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