CEMR participation in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in the Council of Europe
At the 48th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg, CEMR reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violence against women in politics (VAWIP) and ensuring equal representation at all levels of governance.
Among the powerful voices at the session was Councillor Flo Clucas, Chair of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality at CEMR, who highlighted the growing threats faced by women in politics, from online harassment to direct physical violence. As she noted, 32% of women in politics have experienced violence, with cyberviolence becoming a major concern. These realities are discouraging women from standing for office, ultimately undermining democracy itself.
The Testimony of the Lord Provost of Glasgow
A particularly striking intervention came from the Lord Provost of Glasgow, who shared her personal experience of violence and intimidation as a local councillor and civic leader.
Through her participation in the Eurocities Women City Leaders Mentorship Programme, she has been working to empower the next generation of female leaders in city governance across Europe. Yet, despite this progress, she has personally faced harassment, misogyny, and threats, including attacks on her appearance, doxxing, and even direct calls for physical violence.
“Would this have happened if I were a man?” she asked, urging leaders to take decisive action.
Instead of stepping back, she chose to act, using her platform to push for a safer and more inclusive environment where women can thrive without fear.
The Power of Local Action: Sophie’s Stop
One of the most inspiring initiatives presented was Sophie’s Stop, a multi-media campaign and signposting app designed to help young women identify and respond to different forms of violence. Led by Glasgow Girls Club, it provides practical tools and support to those facing harassment or abuse. The campaign’s impact has been profound, with young women reporting that it has transformed their confidence and safety awareness.
A Whole-Society Approach for Change
The discussions in Strasbourg made one thing clear: change must happen at the local level. Governments, local authorities, civil society, and institutions like the Council of Europe and CEMR all have a role to play in ensuring that:
Women have equal access to political spaces
Threats and harassment are tackled with zero tolerance
Education and mentorship support young women in leadership
CEMR’s report, Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, underscores the urgency of these actions. Without them, women’s voices will remain unheard, and democracy itself will be weakened.
The fight for gender equality in politics is not just about representation, it’s about creating a political culture where women can lead without fear.
Beijing+30: Empowering Local Governments to Fulfil the Promise of Gender Equality
Walking into the halls of the United Nations for CSW69, it is impossible not to feel the weight of history. Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (PfA) was hailed as a breakthrough—a promise that gender equality would no longer be an aspiration but an urgent global priority. Yet, three decades later, the struggle for women remains critical.
The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) coincides with both the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the start of Trump’s second mandate, which is actively undermining progress made in these 30 years. The U.S. refusal to support the CSW Political Declaration signals a broader rollback of gender rights. By opposing references to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the U.S. seeks to decouple gender equality from international commitments on social and economic progress. Its insistence on defining women strictly as “biologically female” further marginalises disadvantaged groups, while framing gender-based violence as a migration issue shifts focus away from structural inequalities.
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, full gender parity is still 134 years away, and political empowerment will take even longer—169 years. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making, particularly locally, where policies directly impact daily lives. Gender-based violence persists, with 1 in 3 women experiencing violence in their lifetime. These realities highlight the urgent need for stronger institutional responses and more significant local government action.
At CSW69, locally elected politicians gathered by UCLG, CEMR and PLATFORMA met to discuss how to push back against this regression. Gender equality is inseparable from local development and climate action, and dismantling these connections threatens hard-won gains.
Why Gender Equality Policies Need Local and Regional Governments
While international frameworks and national policies set the tone for gender equality, local governments are responsible for implementing changes that directly impact citizens. Without their involvement, gender policies will be ineffective and disconnected from local realities. Several key areas highlight this need:
Street Safety: Ensuring safe public spaces for women in all their diversity is a fundamental responsibility of local governments. From well-lit streets to community policing and secure public transport, municipal policies play a crucial role in reducing gender-based violence and harassment in public spaces.
Access to Childcare and Early Education: Affordable and accessible childcare remains a barrier for many women seeking employment as they remain the main caregivers in the household. Expanding early childhood education and care services at the municipal level allows women to participate in the workforce while ensuring children’s well-being.
Job Market Inclusion: Women continue to face wage gaps, discrimination, and limited career opportunities. Local governments can introduce gender-sensitive employment policies, support female entrepreneurship, and enforce equal pay regulations.
Political Representation: Women remain underrepresented in local decision-making bodies. Municipalities can adopt gender quotas, leadership training programs, and policies that encourage women’s active participation in politics.
Gender-Responsive Urban Planning: City planning must consider gender perspectives to ensure inclusive public spaces, transportation, and housing policies that support the needs of women and marginalised groups.
Access to Healthcare and Social Services: Local governments are crucial in ensuring gender-responsive healthcare, including reproductive health services, mental health support, and services for survivors of gender-based violence.
By integrating gender equality into local governance, municipalities can create inclusive environments that empower women and contribute to broader societal progress.
CEMR’s Key Messages at CSW69
CEMR brought a strong and urgent message to CSW69: gender equality cannot remain a distant goal—it must be implemented at the local level, where policies can have a direct impact on communities.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted at CSW69 was violence against women, particularly in politics. Data from CEMR’s Women in Politics study revealed that 41% of women in politics experience psychological attacks on their personal lives, appearance, or status, leading to isolation and reduced political engagement. Cyberviolence, including doxxing, cyberstalking, and deepfake content, disproportionately affects younger women, with 67% of those under 24 reporting online abuse.
“The reality is that women in politics face a level of hostility that their male counterparts simply do not. This is a direct threat to democracy and inclusivity,” said Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of CEMR, during the Local and Regional Governments Day, organised within the conference. “We must act decisively to protect women who step up as leaders”. Despite the alarming statistics, only 29% of victims report violence, and even fewer—22%—see any consequences for the perpetrators.
Women’s political participation is a key priority for CEMR, which reiterated its call for equal representation at all levels of governance, pointing to data that shows women make up just 32% of local elected officials across Europe, with only 17.4% of mayors being women. Political participation at the local level is crucial because local governments are closest to citizens and best positioned to facilitate engagement.
To support structural change, institutional mechanisms for gender equality must be strengthened. CEMR has long advocated for integrating intersectionality into local and regional governance, ensuring that policies address multiple forms of discrimination. The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life remains a key tool for municipalities committed to gender mainstreaming.
Beyond Europe, decentralised cooperation offers opportunities to advance gender equality through international partnerships. One example is the Les Elegides programme, a project led by the Mallorcan Fund of Solidarity and Cooperation (Spain) and the Association of Women Councillors in Bolivia -ACOBOL, among other organisations, aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making structures and fostering a democratic debate on gender issues at the local level.
Finally, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) requires localised action. Local and regional governments are key players in raising awareness and building capacity to advance gender equality. Without their leadership, global goals risk remaining unfulfilled promises rather than tangible realities.
UCLG’s Programme and the CEMR Delegation’s Participation
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), in partnership with CEMR and PLATFORMA, has organised a robust program at CSW69. Under the theme “Localising Beijing+30: The Municipal Movement Leads the Way to Equality and Democracy,” UCLG convened discussions on feminist municipal leadership, multilevel governance, and intergenerational commitments to gender equality. CEMR and UCLG elected politicians also participated in key events organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cities Alliance, and other UN agencies.These events provided a platform to advocate for stronger local government involvement in gender-responsive policymaking and to exchange concrete examples of gender local actions from municipalities worldwide.
As part of the broader engagements surrounding CSW69, Boris Tonhauser, Director of PLATFORMA, participated in a meeting organised by the EU delegation at the UN. This gathering brought together key civil society actors present in New York for the conference. During the meeting, Boris presented CEMR’s study on women in politics to the EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib and the other organisations present at the meeting, emphasising the need for stronger local-level policies that support female leadership and participation in decision-making.
CSW Political Declaration: Protecting Gender Equality at the Local Level
The political declaration of CSW69 outlined the current challenges for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action (PfA), and included Member States’ commitments to advancing gender equality. However, as Member States approved the declaration in the first days, CEMR, PLATFORMA and UCLG expressed their concern regarding language regressionsthat could undermine progress. While the commitments made in Beijing 30 years ago should be non-negotiable, recent years have shown that hard-won gains towards gender equality are being questioned and, in some cases, even reversed.
The past five years have been marked by global adversity—health and financial crises, renewed conflicts, and environmental degradation—all of which have disproportionately affected women and girls, widening gender gaps. This is why local and regional governments are calling for a reinforced commitment, ensuring that gender equality remains a global priority.
One of the main challenges of this year’s declaration is ensuring that local governments are explicitly recognised as essential actors in implementing gender policies. Without their involvement, international commitments risk remaining empty promises. Amidst the gender equality backlash, local and regional governments will continue to advocate for stronger recognition, financial commitments, and concrete actions that protect and advance women’s rights at the community level. It is only with local action, women’s leadership and global solidarity that gender equality can be achieved.
Conclusion: The Future of Multilateralism and the Role of Local Funding
The year 2025 is crucial for the future of multilateralism and gender equality. CSW69 is just one of many global forums where local governments must assert their role. Upcoming events such as the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be critical in ensuring that local authorities are recognised as development cooperation actors and receive the funding and resources needed to implement local and international gender equality policies effectively.
Local governments are on the frontlines of progress. If the world is to build on the achievements of the Beijing Platform for Action, funding for local initiatives must be a priority. By recognising the indispensable role of municipalities and regional authorities, the international community can ensure that gender equality is not just a distant goal but a lived reality in communities around the world.
Strengthening Partnerships for Ukraine’s Recovery: CEMR’s Actions on Solidarity, Municipal Cooperation, and EU Integration
24th February 2025, marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their freedom and democracy. For CEMR, it reaffirms a long-standing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration, through tangible, grassroots cooperation between local governments.
In recent months, this commitment has translated into new concrete actions, from public declarations of solidarity to community building and launching innovative digital tools that strengthen municipal partnerships. Across Europe, local and regional governments are not just expressing support but actively contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction and future within the EU.
A Declaration of Solidarity and Action
Three years after the invasion, CEMR issued a declaration reaffirming its unwavering support for Ukraine. The statement highlighted the indispensable role of local leaders in sustaining communities under siege — from ensuring basic services to preserving democratic governance.
Yet these leaders are not just bearing the weight of war; they are targets. The abduction, imprisonment, and murder of Ukrainian mayors are stark reminders of the risks they face. CEMR, standing alongside the Association of Ukrainian Cities, called for the immediate release of detained local leaders and condemned the Russian attacks on local democracy. More information: https://ccre-cemr.org/press/declaration-on-three-years-of-war-in-ukraine
Strengthening Networks: Joining the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities This year, CEMR reinforced its commitment by joining the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities, an initiative launched by Ukraine, Germany, and international partners at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2024. During the conference in Berlin, CEMR’s Secretary-General announced the launch of the Matchmaking Platform—an innovative digital tool designed to help municipalities across Europe connect and collaborate with their Ukrainian counterparts.
On 12th February, as part of the Coalition, CEMR participated in an Open Exchange on Best Practices for Ukraine’s Recovery, organised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and U-LEAD. Among other key topics, the event showcased insights into the fully operational Matchmaking Platform, which is already facilitating municipal partnerships. CEMR remains a dedicated partner, upholding the core principles of the Coalition.
Empowering Local Leaders: The Matchmaking Platform
One of CEMR’s most impactful recent initiatives in strengthening international municipal cooperation is the Matchmaking Platform, officially launched during the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in December. This innovative tool is transforming how municipalities establish partnerships.
Building on CEMR’s seven decades of town twinning expertise, the platform enables local governments to connect and collaborate on projects in a few clicks. In just two months, it has attracted hundreds of verified users across Europe, fostering direct engagement between municipalities. Ukrainian local leaders have shown strong interest in harnessing its potential, with over 400 participants attending two dedicated info sessions organised by U-LEAD on 29th January and 12th February, where CEMR provided a comprehensive overview of the platform and addressed participants’ questions.
To further extend its reach, a broader communication campaign will enhance visibility, while future developments will introduce new functionalities—potentially including funding opportunities, capacity-building programmes, and partnerships with key stakeholders of the Bridges of Trust Community.
Since 2021, CEMR has been actively implementing the Bridges of Trust project in collaboration with national associations and U-LEAD to strengthen municipal partnerships between the EU and Ukraine. Following two successful phases, the initiative reached a major milestone with the launch of the Bridges of Trust Community, announced at the CEMR Leaders’ Summit last December.
This growing community serves as a central hub for municipalities looking to establish and sustain partnerships at a crucial moment in Ukraine’s transformation. The third phase of the project will further enhance the community’s benefits, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement—expanding from bilateral cooperation to a more structured and comprehensive framework.
New possible cooperations have been explored through the participation of potential members of the Bridges of Trust Community such as the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and many more, to explore their involvement in Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration efforts.
For those interested in learning more, the revamped Bridges of Trust page on CEMR’s website offers key resources, funding opportunities, and success stories that highlight impactful municipal partnerships.
The Matchmaking Platform is fully integrated into the community, providing a dynamic tool to not only establish new partnerships but also sustain and expand them over time. CEMR invites all interested stakeholders to join the Bridges of Trust Community, which is set to become a key hub for municipal collaboration across Europe.
With Ukraine’s path to EU integration in focus, local and regional governments must play a key role in shaping decentralisation, governance, and resilience. As we prepare for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, CEMR is actively contributing to the Working Group for the Local and Regional Component and the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Our commitment remains steadfast in amplifying local voices and strengthening municipal partnerships to support Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration.
Through community building supporting international municipal partnerships, advocacy for EU integration, decentralised cooperation, and innovative digital tools, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to supporting Ukraine. We remain open to further engagement and collaboration, ensuring a beneficiary-centred approach prioritising European municipalities.
Call for proposals for the sub-granting 2025 – extended deadline until Tuesday, May 20
Building on the success of the 2024 pilot phase, CEMR is excited to announce the launch of the second sub-granting scheme, as part of the SPICE project —Empowering Local and Regional Governments for Sustainable Policy Implementation and Civic Engagement in Europe.
This call for project proposals is open to CEMR’s member associations and aims to strengthen further Twinning exchanges and activities between EU Local and Regional Governments. The focus is on promoting EU values and tackling key challenges such as democracy, citizens participation, gender equality, and inclusion.
Interested members are encouraged to participate in this call and contribute to fostering collaboration across the EU. For more details, and to submit your proposal, please read the full guidelines and complete the forms below.’
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 releasedposition 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 withlocal 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.
After three years of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s full-scale invasion, local and regional elected representatives from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.
CEMR has issued a formal declaration condemning the war launched by Russia and calling for decisive international action.
Call against attacks on Ukrainian mayors
Local and regional elected representatives are on the frontlines of this war, ensuring that essential services continue despite difficult conditions. Yet, they have also become targets of aggression.
CEMR denounces the abduction of Ukrainian mayors and supports the call of the Association of Ukrainian Cities demanding the immediate release of those still detained:
Oleksandr Babych – Mayor of Hola Prystan (Kherson region)
Ihor Kolykhaiev – Mayor of Kherson
Anatolii Siryi – Starosta of Novi Borovychi (Chernihiv region)
CEMR also condemns arbitrary imprisonment, torture and murder of Ukrainian people in Russian captivity including:
Yevhenii Matvieiev – Mayor of Dniprorudne (Zaporizhzhia region)
Oleksii Vynnychenko – Starosta of Hrebenykivka (Sumy region)
Call for Ukraine’s full EU membership
A victory for Ukraine and a just peace that will allow its reconstruction requires the full engagement of the European Union and its member states.
CEMR is committed to fostering resilience, recovery, and democratic governance in Ukraine. In its declaration, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to:
Supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine’s municipalities and regions through partnerships and exchanges.
Advocating for Ukraine’s full integration into the European Union to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.
Sustaining cooperation between European and Ukrainian local and regional governments through key initiatives, including:
The Bridges of Trust Community, Strengthening democratic governance, fostering partnerships, advancing recovery, and supporting Ukraine’s EU integration.
As the war continues, it is time for European institutions, national governments, and local and regional authorities to intensify their support for and to Ukraine. The path to peace and reconstruction requires decisive action, sustained cooperation, and a commitment to justice.
CEMR urges the international community to stand firm in defending democracy, peace, and the rule of law. We call for Ukraine’s victory and a just peace that will allow its cities, regions, and people to rebuild their brighter future.
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.
Bulgaria and Romania Join the Schengen Area: A Landmark Achievement for European Unity
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) congratulates Bulgaria and Romania on their historic accession to the Schengen Area, the world’s largest free-movement zone. This significant milestone, marked by border ceremonies at the Kulata crossing and the Friendship Bridge, represents years of dedicated effort and collaboration among European Union (EU) member states.
Strengthening European Integration
With this expansion, Schengen now encompasses 25 EU member states, facilitating the free movement of over 425 million people to travel, work, and reside without internal border controls. This milestone strengthens European unity, promotes economic growth, and fosters cultural exchange.
Celebrating Progress
At midnight on 1 January, Bulgarian and Romanian officials symbolically lifted border barriers, marking the end of land border checks between their countries and other Schengen countries. These celebrations were a testament to the hard work and commitment required to achieve full membership.
The Role of Local and Regional Governments
CEMR, representing Local and Regional Governments across Europe, recognises municipalities and regions’ vital role in fostering cross-border cooperation and facilitating integration. The expansion of Schengen will strengthen local partnerships, streamline mobility for citizens and businesses, and enhance regional development opportunities.
A Stronger Europe
Including Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen is more than a practical advancement; it is a symbolic reminder of the EU’s commitment to unity, collaboration, and shared prosperity. This milestone paves the way for continued progress in European integration and cooperation.
CEMR stands ready to support local and regional governments as they adapt to the opportunities and challenges of a border-free Europe.
CEMR launches a Matchmaking Platform for Twinning cooperation during the Leaders’ Summit in Karlsruhe
CEMR launches a new Matchmaking Platform to promote city-to-city cooperation and international partnerships during the Leaders’ Summit in Karlsruhe, Germany
The Bridges of Trust Community is launched in partnership between CEMR and U-Lead to foster new partnerships and support international municipal cooperation
The CEMR Leaders’ Summit gathered over 200 international leaders from across Europe, emphasising collaboration for sustainable and inclusive development
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) unveiled an innovative Matchmaking Platform to enhance city-to-city and local cooperation during its Leaders’ Summit in Karlsruhe. This high-profile event gathered over 200 international leaders, representing towns, regions, and cities from EU and Ukranian countries.
The platform, building on CEMR’s seven-decade legacy of town twinning, allows municipalities, cities, and regions to form partnerships sending a matching request to potential peers across Europe in just a few minutes.
First introduced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin and now open to all local governments in Europe, the platform is also meant to strengthen partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities to secure its vital recovery support and advance through its integration into the EU.
Building on its long-standing collaboration with Ukrainian local governments, CEMR in partnership with U-Lead with Europe have announced the creation of the Bridges of Trust Community. The project’s positive impact expanded beyond its initial scope, demonstrating the need for wider engagement and collaboration.
CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen underlined the Matchmaking Platform strategic importance: “Local leaders are at the forefront when it comes to adopting the acquis communautaire — the foundational laws of the EU. It is crucial to support them in this process to ensure it is carried out equitably, avoiding future disparities between urban and rural communities”.
Christoph Schnaudigel, CEMR Co-President, RGRE President and Mayor of Karlsruhe, highlighted: “City-to-city cooperation has already shown its power as a tool for post-war reconstruction, reconnecting people divided by war and cultural gaps, and fostering peace. Today, we are committed to putting our network at the service of every town in Europe, small or large, to connect, share experience, and work on their dream projects together.”
Stefano Poretti, Councillor of Arconate, Italy, a city twinned with the Ukranian city of Zlatopil, emphasized the Bridges of Trust impact: “In a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, local governments remain steadfast in promoting cooperation and solidarity. Thanks to Bridges of Trust, we have exchanged knowledge and experiences that will leave a lasting mark on my political journey.”
Media opportunities: Journalists can interview key participants, including mayors and local leaders, and explore the matchmaking platform in detail.
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.
