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.
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is proud to have launched its second groundbreaking study Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, which provides important data and insights into women’s representation in politics across Europe from 2019 to 2024.
The study shines a light on both the progress and the persistent, systemic challenges, from underrepresentation in leadership to the rising issue of violence against women in politics – especially online abuse and cyberviolence.
This study comes at a critical time. While representation in local councils has risen to above 40% in some European countries, leadership roles at all levels still show a troubling gender gap. At the national level, women’s representation in parliaments averages around 33%, with notable disparities among countries. In the European Parliament, women currently occupy 38.5% of the seats, which is the first decrease in the proportion of women Members of the European Parliament since 1979.
Source: Women in Politics – Local and European Trends, page 14
Violence against women in politics, both physical and digital, remains a major deterrent to women’s political participation. The data collected shows that 32% of respondents have experienced violence during their political career, and of those that suffered some type of violence 29% experienced cyberviolence. As highlighted by one of the speakers, Dr Marta Mazurek, Councillor from Poznan, on “recognising the serious consequences of cyberviolence” signalling that the responsibility to combat online harassment lies not only with national bodies but also with local authorities dedicated to fostering inclusive governance.
Only 29% of those affected by violence had reported experiencing different types of violences, which may not only undermine their personal well-being but also their potential participation in politics. Angela Lowe, Senior Advisor at Women Political Leaders (WPL) emphasized that “the path towards a safe environment for women requires a collaborative effort,” underscoring the importance of working together across sectors to protect women in politics.
Source: Women in Politics – Local and European Trends, page 87
The Women in Politics study collected data from across Europe, presenting the importance and need for reliable data on women’s political representation and experience to ensure informed policies and targeted actions. Robin Devroe, a researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), pointed to the broader impact of these challenges, noting that “these issues of gender-based violence contribute to a more global cycle of underrepresentation,” which weakens democratic structures and the inclusiveness of policymaking. Additionally, women from disadvantaged backgrounds—such as women of colour and LGBTQI+ women—are particularly vulnerable, facing unique and compounded challenges that further hinder their political participation.
The study also underscored that lasting change will require widespread engagement from everyone within society and the need to shift our mindset of the current social and cultural norms and attitudes towards more inclusive equality, with Sari Rautio from Hämeenlinna City Council in Finland stressing that “all genders, all girls and boys should be interested in working on gender balance”.
For a deeper understanding of these findings and practical recommendations, the Women in Politics: Local and European Trends report is now available on the CEMR website. This study serves as a call to action for governments, communities, and advocates to work together in building a political landscape that champions gender equality and safeguards women’s participation across all levels of governance.
Municipalities Can Lead by Example: The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life
Today, at the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, France, CEMR’s Bella Tskhelishvili shared insights into a powerful instrument for local change: the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life. “Gender equality is more than an ambition—it’s a necessary foundation for democratic and inclusive communities,” Bella affirmed.
Since its launch in 2006, the Charter has empowered over 2,035 local and regional governments in 36 countries to commit to gender equality. With updates in 2022 that tackle issues like cyber violence, workplace flexibility, and climate change, the Charter has adapted to modern challenges, making it a living document that continues to evolve.
Empowering Local Governments
Local governments are uniquely positioned to lead in promoting gender equality. Initiatives inspired by the Charter, such as gender-responsive budgeting in Ixelles and stereotype prevention in Sienna, exemplify how local measures can drive tangible results. The Observatory of the European Charter for Equality supports municipalities with tools and frameworks to develop and track action plans, ensuring impactful progress.
A Call for Continued Action
Despite challenges such as resource constraints and opposition from anti-gender movements, the drive for gender equality persists. As Bella highlighted, “Our journey to equality requires resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.”
Disseminating the Charter throughout Europe and beyond is crucial. By expanding the reach of the European Charter for Equality and forging international connections, CEMR demonstrates that this mission is global. The Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Equality and the Local Authorities Charter for Gender Equality in Africa underscore this commitment, promoting shared values and actionable strategies across diverse regions. These efforts reflect CEMR’s vision to inspire a world where every local government embraces and advances gender equality
Are women truly breaking through in politics, or are they still facing invisible barriers? Is violence just a private matter, or is it also hindering women’s participation in public life?
Join us for the exclusive launch of a groundbreaking study that uncovers the latest trends shaping women’s participation in politics—both locally and across Europe. Dive into the challenges, successes, and the evolving impact of violence on women’s political leadership.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this critical conversation shaping the future of leadership in Europe!
