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GAUDRON Marine
In Climate, Climate, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Publications, Territorial development

Investing in Europe’s future 

Investing in Europe - News

A new EU growth model must empower local services, boost resilience and deliver sustainable investments 

Read declaration

The war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis have placed Europe at a critical crossroads. These overlapping challenges are testing the strength of our democracies, economies and social fabric and call for a bold rethinking of Europe’s economic governance. 

In response, the SGIs Network, bringing together key public service stakeholders, has issued a joint declaration ahead of the Tripartite Social Summit on 23 March 2022. The message is clear: to manage the transition and strengthen the EU’s resilience, Europe must urgently shift towards a more forward-looking, inclusive and investment-oriented growth model. 

A new economic framework 
The current EU fiscal rules are no longer fit for purpose in the face of permacrisis. The declaration calls for a reformed fiscal architecture that reconciles debt sustainability with long-term, growth-enhancing investments. This includes distinguishing productive investments, such as in green infrastructure, digitalisation, healthcare and education, from unproductive spending. 

Empowering local action 
Local and regional governments are essential to achieving a green, digital and fair transition. The declaration stresses the need for their full involvement in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) and accessing the Next Generation EU funds. Without this multilevel approach, the EU risks missing the full potential of its recovery strategy. 

From temporary response to permanent capacity 
As the NGEU package and current EU budget cycle expire in 2026–2027, the declaration urges leaders to prepare for a longer-term fiscal and investment strategy. A permanent common fiscal capacity will be vital to address future shared challenges, from climate change to geopolitical instability, and avoid deepening inequalities between territories. 

The call from the SGIs Network is not just for more funding, but for better governance and greater solidarity. It is a reminder that investing in public services, social cohesion and local resilience is not a cost. It is the foundation of a stronger, united Europe. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Latest

Europe’s Charter

Gender Equality - News Section

Renovating Europe’s Charter for local equality: bringing gender equality closer to home, one municipality at a time

Gender equality is not something that can be decreed in a top-down way, nor something we can achieve in isolation. Rather, it is an issue which involves all of us – men and women, boys and girls, and all levels of society and government – in a common struggle for equal opportunities and fundamental rights.
 
It is in this spirit that CEMR has promoted gender equality in our municipalities and regions. In particular, the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life was promulgated to support local and regional governments’ efforts to act proactively to create gender equality. Today, over 1850 signatories in 36 countries are committed to promoting gender equality in their locality.
 
Renovating the Charter
 
Fifteen years have passed since the original text of the Charter was first presented to a group of local leaders in Innsbruck, Austria. Naturally, the world has changed a great deal since then, not least with the rise of the Internet, the sustainability agenda and the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and abuse. The COVID pandemic has also led to a disproportionate private and professional burdens fall on women, as well as a rise in domestic violence.
 
That’s why, through webinars and interviews, we have been consulting with members and partners on how to revitalise the Charter. The conclusions of our reflection process were presented at a seminar on 7 March, on the eve of International Women’s Day, along with a report with recommendations for concrete improvements to introduce to the text in 2022.
 
The new text of the Charter will now deal with topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the environment, digitalisation (notably online harassment), intersectionality, COVID and public procurement. We are also upgrading the communications tools promoting the Charter.
 
Our aim is to continue reaching new generations of leaders and administrators who have made it their mission to make their territory gender-equal and to keep the Charter relevant to the new trends and challenges of this century.
 
A tool for local action
 
The Charter is not simply a declaration of intent but a practical tool that can help municipalities and regions in the quest for equality. In October 2021, the Association of Polish Cities held an event in which 16 Polish municipalities joined the Charter for Equality in a collective signing ceremony.
 
This was a powerful moment federating like-minded governments and other players, at a time when the national government has been hostile to women’s rights and, concerning abortion, put their very lives at risk. This municipal movement, spearheaded by the city of Poznań, shows how local leaders can use the Charter to challenge a regressive national narrative.
 
Meanwhile, that same year, the city of Graz in Austria celebrated 20 years of local action promoting gender equality. Graz reinforced its commitment by signing the Charter in 2012 and has been regular and ambitious in producing gender action plans. In fact, Graz’s third gender action plan was adopted in 2021 and will guide the work for the next several years.
 
Join the movement
 
This work remains as relevant as ever. Any municipalities, counties and regions who would like to be part of the local movement to promote gender equality in Europe should sign the Charter today. You can benefit from the upcoming improved text and the ever-expanding support resources provided to signatories by CEMR and its member associations.

BORDELOT Federica
In European Charter for Equality, European Charter for Equality, Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

European charter for equality  

Gender Equality News

Europe’s towns and regions commit to building fairer societies through the European Charter for Equality 

Read full charter

Equality between women and men is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. Yet, despite legal recognition, disparities remain in pay, representation, and everyday opportunities across Europe. Recognising the pivotal role of local and regional governments in tackling these inequalities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) developed the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life in 2006. 

By signing the Charter, municipalities and regions make a public commitment to promoting equality across their policies, services and institutions, and to developing Equality Action Plans that transform principles into practice. 

The Charter was drafted with the support of the European Commission and has since become a reference tool for towns and regions seeking to mainstream gender equality. It encourages signatories to act not only within their own administrations but also with local institutions, organisations and citizens. 

Over the years, supporting tools have strengthened their implementation: 

  • An online Observatory launched in 2011 provides resources and examples of good practice. 
  • A toolkit of indicators, developed in 2014, helps monitor and evaluate progress. 
  • A 2022 update, funded by the EU, introduced amendments to strengthen the Charter, clarifying language and emphasising intersectionality under the guiding principle: “always gender, never gender alone.” 

New provisions were also added, including the need to apply a gender lens in crisis management and to address gender perspectives in digitalisation and online life. From 2023 onwards, all new signatories commit automatically to both the original Charter and the 2022 amendments. 

The European Charter for Equality demonstrates how local and regional democracy is crucial for advancing fairness in daily life, whether through housing, transport, health, or political participation. By embedding gender equality into decision-making and governance, towns and regions can both safeguard rights and unlock economic and social potential. 

More than a symbolic document, the Charter is a practical instrument for change, mobilising local authorities across Europe to ensure that equality between women and men is not only a principle on paper but a reality in every community. 

Read the charter here 

For more information, contact: 

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

European social partners with Ukraine 

Ukraine people - News

Social partners offer solidarity and support in response to the Russian invasion

Read full declaration

The European social partners for local and regional governments, CEMR and EPSU, have jointly expressed their strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a grave violation of international law and a direct threat to democracy and peace in Europe. 

In a statement released through the European Social Dialogue Committee, the two organisations extended full support to the Ukrainian people, especially to workers in cities, municipalities, and local public services, who continue to serve their communities under attack. 

“Our thoughts are with first responders, emergency services workers and municipal staff who are ensuring the delivery of basic services, despite the ongoing destruction,” the statement reads. 

CEMR and EPSU pledged to mobilise both material assistance and technical expertise to support their peers in Ukraine and urged the EU and international community to provide shelter and asylum for those fleeing the war. 

As municipalities across Europe begin to welcome displaced persons, the statement also highlights the importance of supporting local migration services and coordinating with national governments to ensure dignified reception and integration. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

THOMAS Carol
In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

G7

Twinning REALISE - News 2024

Urban alliance formed to support German G7 Presidency

The Association of German Cities (DST, a CEMR member), ICLEI and the Global Parliament of Mayors have launched an urban alliance to accompany the German G7 Presidency. The alliance will support the G7 Presidency programme and provide urban perspectives throughout.

The German G7 Presidency began at the beginning of 2022 and will culminate with the G7 summit on 26-28 June in Schloss Elmau (Bavaria). For more information on the urban alliance, please consult the press releases of ICLEI (in English) and DST (in German).

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Governance, Governance, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Ukraine reconstruction

Local support to Ukraine 

Mayors in Ukraine - News 2023

European local and regional governments denounce Russia’s aggression and pledge solidarity with Ukrainian communities 

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European local and regional governments have expressed their strongest condemnation of Russia’s repeated attacks and violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They reject any attempt to dismantle a free and democratic state in Europe, stressing that these acts threaten peace and democracy across the continent. 

Solidarity with Ukrainian Communities 
Mayors, councils, and regional leaders stand firmly with their peers in Ukraine, municipalities, hromadas, districts, and their associations, who remain on the frontline providing essential services to citizens under the constant threat of bombings and destruction of infrastructure. 

Commitment to Support 
Local and regional governments across Europe, representing 60 national associations in 40 countries, commit to offering Ukrainian communities the materials, expertise, and assistance needed to face the ongoing crisis. They also prepare to respond to the humanitarian consequences, including the likely arrival of refugees, in close coordination with national governments. 

City Diplomacy for Peace 
Rooted in a tradition of local democracy and city diplomacy since 1951, European municipalities reaffirm their belief in peace and cooperation. They call on Russia to cease its aggression, withdraw from Ukraine, including Donbas and Crimea, and respect international law. 

Looking Ahead 
Despite the violence, local leaders remain convinced that diplomacy between cities can once again be a powerful force for unity, peace, and rebuilding across Europe. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

THOMAS Carol
In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

#DemocracyUnderPressure

Belarus - News 2022

CEMR joins 2022 campaign for democracy in Belarus

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) joins this year’s campaign on #DemocracyUnderPressure in Belarus initiated by the Young European Federalists (JEF). During last year’s campaign, many European cities lit up their town halls in white-red-white, the colours of the flag of free Belarus. The following statement has been adopted by CEMR.

We support the Belarusian people’s wishes for a peaceful democratic transition in the country at all levels – including making local governance systems more democratic. This process follows the Presidential elections of August 2020, which were neither free nor fair.
​
CEMR recallslast year’s statement and urges the EU institutions and national governments to strengthen assistance to Belarusian civil society, including to organisations promoting local democracy and municipal autonomy, which are a genuine training ground for democratic citizenship and the rule of law.

We express our solidarity towards border cities and regions in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland and we welcome the European Commission’s proposition on the temporary legal and practical measures to address the emergency situation at the EU’s external border with Belarus.

We ask our members, like last year, to illuminate their public buildings in the colour of the Belarusian flag on 25 March unofficial day of freedom in Belarus, celebrated annually by the democratic opposition.

THOMAS Carol
In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

Rights and values

Democracy - News Section

Discover the “rights and values” programme for the period 2021-2027

The presidency of the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the rights and values programme for the period 2021-2027.

Funding through this programme aims at protecting rights and values enshrined in the EU treaties in order to sustain open, democratic and inclusive societies. It will have a substantial overall budget of maximum €1.55 billion.

The programme will have a budget of €641.7 million, with an additional allocation of maximum €912 million and it sets out four specific objectives:

  • to promote equality and rights, including gender equality, anti-discrimination and the rights of children
  • to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the EU and to raise awareness of the common European history
  • to fight violence, notably against children and women
  • to protect and promote EU values

The newly introduced objective to protect and promote EU values will receive a substantial allocation of € 689.5 million. An amount of € 91.2 million will be left unattributed so as to be able to tackle any emerging needs and future challenges.

To achieve this, the programme will support civil society organisations and other stakeholders active at local, regional, national and transnational level, and encourage civic and democratic participation.

The provisional political agreement reached today will have to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council. The necessary steps will be undertaken at the beginning of next year.

BAIER Jessica
In Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning

Twinning funds

Twinning - News

Get funded for town twinning and networks of towns

Do you want to set up a town twinning or a network of towns? The EU’s CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) can provide up to 30,000 euros for town twinnings and financing with no upper bound for networks of towns.

You have until 24 March 2022, 17:00 CET, to send your request for funding. The results will be shared between June and July 2022 after evaluation of the proposals.

An information session will be held on 8 February between 10:00 and 12:00 (in English). The session aims to explain the content and conditions of the call for proposals, as well as giving participants space to ask questions. You can else get directly in touch with your national CERV contact point.

BORDELOT Federica
In Climate, Climate, Governance, Governance, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Publications, Territorial development, Twinning

Empowering local Europe 

European Town - News

CEMR unveils its vision for stronger, inclusive and sustainable territories across Europe

Read full position paper

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has launched its political manifesto calling for a more inclusive, resilient, and citizen-driven European Union. With over 41 national associations of local and regional governments behind it, the manifesto sets out a roadmap to bring Europe closer to its citizens, starting from the ground up. 

At its heart are six concrete proposals to reinvigorate European democracy: from establishing permanent citizen panels and annual Europe Day debates in schools, to relaunching town twinning and creating an Erasmus-style programme for civil servants. 

CEMR also stresses that a strong Europe must leave no one and no place behind. It calls for renewed efforts to tackle territorial disparities, address depopulation, and ensure that public services, from education to health, are accessible to all citizens, no matter where they live. 

The manifesto also focuses on key priorities for the coming decade, including: 

  • Citizen participation through inclusive local democracy; 
  • Empowered local climate action, as cities and regions lead Europe’s green transition; 
  • Fair and coordinated migration policies, with strong local support for integration; 
  • Digital transformation that bridges the urban–rural divide; 
  • New forms of town-to-town partnerships, especially beyond the EU’s borders; 
  • And financial means to invest in sustainable local infrastructure and innovation. 

CEMR’s proposals emphasise the urgent need for deeper recognition of local and regional governments in European decision-making. This includes a stronger role for the Committee of the Regions, the creation of a local chamber, and systematic consultation of representative associations like CEMR when shaping EU legislation and strategies. 

By calling for a Europe that is democratic, sustainable, and close to its people, the manifesto is a bold invitation to reimagine the Union from the local level up, with municipalities and regions playing a central role in shaping the continent’s future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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