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TSKHELISHVILI Bella In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Latest

Gender Equality for all

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

For more on the Charter, visit the European Charter for Equality.

Learn more about global initiatives at the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Equality and the Local Authorities Charter for Gender Equality in Africa.

TSKHELISHVILI Bella

Advisor – Eastern Partnership and Geographical Dialogues

GAUDRON Marine In Impact community Cohesion, Latest

Reinforce Cohesion Policy

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.

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA In About CEMR, Latest

CEMR Strategic Retreat

CEMR’s commitment to gender equality and talent for local governments showcased at Smart City Expo World Congress

The Talent Hub for Cities and Regions and the study Women in Politics will be presented tomorrow at the Smart City Expo World Congress
CEMR will gather local leaders from across Europe in Barcelona to set priorities for the new EU cycle

Barcelona, 5–7 November 2024 – The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) will hold its Strategic Retreat in Barcelona, coinciding with the renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. This three-day gathering will bring together leaders from across Europe to set priorities for the years ahead, focusing on building inclusive, democratic, and resilient communities.

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen stated: “Gathering in Barcelona during these difficult days for Valencia and many other communities hit by Dana is particularly important for us. The challenges we face, especially in accelerating climate adaptation, require local governments to attract and nurture the best talents. This retreat will enable us to share a vision for the future, ensuring that our communities are equipped to tackle these challenges head-on.”

A key highlight of the retreat will be the presentation of the Talent Hub for Cities and Regions, (Tuesday 5 November, 10.45, Orange Agora), an innovative initiative launched by CEMR in collaboration with Eurocities and UCLG. The Talent Hub aims to attract, develop, and retain top talent in the fields of territorial development and diplomacy, reinforcing Local and Regional Governments’ capacities to tackle today’s complex challenges.

Additionally, CEMR will introduce its latest study, Women in Politics (Tuesday 5 November, 16.45, Green Room), a pivotal exploration of gender equality in political representation across Europe. This study sheds light on progress and gaps, providing actionable insights for local leaders committed to advancing gender equality.

The Strategic Retreat promises to be an inspiring forum where CEMR members and partners can reflect on key challenges and opportunities, charting a path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for Europe’s communities.

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA

Head of Communications

BENNIS Hamza In Digitalisation, Impact community Labour, Latest

Digital Inclusive Future

CEMR and EPSU Release New Report on Digital Transformation in Local Governments

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the European Public Services Union (EPSU) are pleased to announce the release of “Local, Social, Digital” – a report examining the impact, opportunities, and challenges of digital transformation across Europe’s Local and Regional governments. Co-financed by the European Commission, the report gathers insights from extensive research and contributions by CEMR and EPSU members across Europe.

Digitalisation is reshaping public service delivery, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and adaptability. However, it also presents challenges, from ensuring supportive working conditions and safeguarding privacy to addressing skills gaps. This report highlights both the opportunities and the complexities digitalisation brings, presenting key findings from research, social partner agreements, and project discussions.

Key areas include:

Teleworking and Remote Work: Outlines best practices to ensure fair working conditions, health, safety, and the right to disconnect.

Digital Skills and Employment: Details agreements that support lifelong learning, equipping municipalities to meet digital demands.

Privacy, Surveillance, and AI: Proposes policies that respect human dignity and privacy as AI becomes more integrated.

Gender Equality: Examines the gendered impact of digitalisation, supporting inclusive strategies for a diverse workforce.

CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi stated: “These findings underscore the importance of a balanced approach to digitalisation that safeguards workers’ rights while advancing technology. Our members are committed to using digital tools to improve public services, ensuring this transformation aligns with the values and well-being of all employees and citizens.”

The Local, Social, Digital report is now available for download. The report supports ongoing policy initiatives, fostering collaboration between local governments and public service unions to create a digitally inclusive and socially responsible future.

BENNIS Hamza

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

TSKHELISHVILI Bella In Latest, PLATFORMA

Moldova’s path to Europe

How Local Governments and International Networks Strengthen Moldova’s European Path and why this matters even more after the Referendum

CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi offered heartfelt congratulations to Moldova following the results of last week’s referendum on EU accession. Moldovan citizens narrowly approved constitutional changes reflecting a commitment to joining the EU, with 50.46% voting “Yes” and 49.54% voting “No.”

“We understand how significant this is for you and your daily efforts. Please know that we at CEMR have been standing by your side and advocating for it from the beginning, and we share in your joy. “- stated Mr.Rossi.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Moldova’s accelerated reform efforts, the EU granted Moldova candidate status in June 2022. By December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations, and the first intergovernmental conference in June 2024 officially commenced the process, signifying Moldova’s significant progress toward EU membership.

CEMR engagement with Moldovan Local Government and the Association CALM:

Local and Regional cooperation has played an important role in this process. Indeed, since 2015, the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) has partnered with PLATFORMA to strengthen Moldova’s role in the European landscape and build local resilience through sustainable governance. CALM has become a trusted and engaged ally, representing Moldova’s local governments in development discussions and promoting international collaboration within the Neighbourhood East cluster.

“The role of local authorities in this context is essential, and the membership support processes must guarantee them the means to ensure with responsibility, integrity, and autonomy the provision of local public services to their citizens” – continues CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi.

In this perspective, technical cooperation, and exchanges of experience between communities in the EU and candidate countries, or among the candidate countries, constitute an essential tool to enable adapted and pragmatic implementation of the regulatory framework and local public services in compliance with EU standards.

CEMR and PLATFORMA, since 2015, have delved into critical themes for Europe’s future exploring issues of democracy, sustainable development, and the EU enlargement process. For instance, under the Eastern Partnership programme, our members have longstanding decentralised cooperation activities with Moldovan counterparts.

PLATFORMA and CALM partnership:

In August, Lithuania’s association ALAL organised a local-to-local seminar in Moldova promoting youth participation in governance, aiming to build leadership capacity through international cooperation. Similarly, in September, leaders from France and Moldova gathered in Grenoble for the first forum on decentralised Franco-Moldovan cooperation. Organised by the French Association of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (AFCCRE) under the PLATFORMA Eastern Neighbourhood programme, the event, “Choosing Europe: Decentralisation as a Driving Force Behind the Franco-Moldovan Partnership,” brought together around forty elected officials, reinforcing the links between both nations and highlighting decentralisation’s role in Moldova’s EU accession process.

On 28 November, local leaders from Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine will join the EU-Eastern Neighbourhood Local Leaders Seminar in Brussels. This event, organised with SALAR International (part of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) and PLATFORMA, will offer a critical opportunity for dialogue with the European Commission and other leaders on the challenges facing local governments across Europe. You can register for the seminar here.

Local and regional governments, supported by associations such as CALM, play a vital role in Moldova’s EU journey. Their commitment to decentralised cooperation and alignment with EU standards strengthens Moldova’s democratic institutions and helps meet citizens’ aspirations for a European future.

Why does this matter?

On 3 November, Moldovan citizens will return to the polls for the second round of the presidential election. Pro-European candidate Maia Sandu led the first round with 41% of the vote, while her opponent, Aleksandr Stoianoglo—backed by the pro-Russian Socialist Party—surprised many with 26%. Sandu now faces a challenging runoff as opposition forces may rally around Stoianoglo. This election could overturn the results of the 20 October referendum, committing local leaders even more crucial to safeguard the hard-won progress achieved so far to bring Moldova closer to the EU.

Interested in CEMR and PLATFORMA’s work in the Eastern Neighbourhood countries?

You may want to check the PLATFORMA SGA4 2023-2026 Eastern Partnership Cluster, a hub of collaborative action and regional growth and see how you can get involved!

Our activities include:

Thematic Cluster Meetings: Regular sessions to set strategies, share updates, and align priorities for Eastern Partnership policies and initiatives.

Advocacy and Policy Work with EU Institutions: Engaging with EU bodies to shape policies, advocate for local government interests, and support integration efforts.

Country Coordination Meetings: National meetings to align activities, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation among local authorities.

Study Visits: Exchange programs where local leaders can learn from peers, enhancing skills and building capacity for effective policy implementation.

Seminars: Workshops to deepen knowledge, foster partnerships, and tackle challenges in local governance.

Get in touch to learn more about how you can be part of this initiative!

TSKHELISHVILI Bella

Advisor – Eastern Partnership and Geographical Dialogues

BORDELOT Federica In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Latest

Women in Politics

Event on the launch of the Women in Politics study

Women in Politics: Local and European Trends

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!

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

ROSSI Fabrizio In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

Nobel Peace Prize

Nobel Peace Prize 2024: A Tribute to the Japanese Anti-Nuclear Movement and a Call for Global Peace

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Praised by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for their relentless efforts to promote a world free of nuclear weapons, this group has spent decades highlighting the devastating human toll of nuclear warfare through survivor testimonies. Since its founding in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo has been a powerful voice against the threat of nuclear arms, ensuring that the horrors of the past are never repeated.

The Nobel Committee’s choice is particularly poignant as 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the bombings that claimed over 120,000 lives and left countless more suffering from burn and radiation injuries. This recognition also arrives at a time when nuclear powers are modernising their arsenals, and the spectre of nuclear conflict looms larger than ever. As Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, warned, “A nuclear war could destroy our civilisation.”

In a world marked by increasing armed conflicts – 59 in 2023, according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program – the message of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize resonates strongly. The recognition of Nihon Hidankyo highlights the urgency of global cooperation to prevent further destruction and the vital role of grassroots movements in shaping a peaceful future.

At the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), we recognise that lasting peace is built not only at the international level but also through local and regional governance. Cities and regions play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and understanding between communities. They are the building blocks of a peaceful society, promoting inclusivity and resilience from the ground up. By empowering local authorities and encouraging cross-border collaboration, we can create environments where peace is nurtured, and conflicts are prevented before they escalate.

CEMR continues to advocate for a better world, one where hope and cooperation bind nations together, not fear.

ROSSI Fabrizio

Secretary General

BORDELOT Federica In Gender equality, Impact community Society, Latest

Nobel Prize Literature

Celebrating Han Kang’s Nobel Prize: Advancing Equality and Inclusion

South Korean author Han Kang, known for “The Vegetarian” and “The White Book”, has become the 18th woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. You can see how many Female Nobel Laureates have been nominated since 1901 below.

Source: Wikipedia

Her powerful prose, recognised for confronting historical traumas and exploring human fragility, resonates deeply in today’s world. The Nobel Committee praised her innovative style and unique awareness of the connection between body, soul, life, and death.

Han Kang’s recognition highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in fields like literature, where women remain underrepresented. This achievement aligns with the values of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which has long championed equality and inclusion. Through initiatives like the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, CEMR supports local governments in advancing gender equality and ensuring equal representation in decision-making.

Just as Han Kang’s work challenges societal norms, CEMR continues to advocate for a more inclusive, equal future for all.

Learn more about our work: https://charter-equality.eu.

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

GAUDRON Marine In Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Territorial development

Looking for Proposals

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.

To be sent to: communications@ccre-cemrg.org
Budget: 8,000 euros (including VAT)
Deadline: 18 October 2024

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

GRIFFON Axelle In Energy, Impact community Climate, Latest

Meet Local Leaders Event

CEMR’s ‘MEPs Meet Local Leaders’ Event: Bridging Local and European Governance

On 2 October, CEMR hosted the networking event “MEPs Meet Local Leaders,” which united over 80 participants, including 15 newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and local elected officials from across Europe.

This gathering served as a crucial platform for discussing the current needs and opportunities in both urban and rural areas. Participants delved into insights from CEMR’s recent study on the future of the green transition, emphasising the necessity of ensuring that local voices are heard in shaping European policy.

The urgency of the moment was palpable, as discussions focused on how local governments—often the true experts of their territories—can effectively leverage EU resources to benefit citizens. The role of local leaders is irreplaceable in this context, and the event powerfully underscored their unique position in fostering meaningful change.

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “We face unprecedented challenges that highlight the need to unite efforts across all levels of governance—local, regional, national, and European—to ensure the well-being of Europe’s citizens remains central to our collective mission.”

Jean-Paul Judson expertly moderated the proceedings, guiding discussions that illuminated the perspectives and expectations of local and regional elected officials regarding the work of the European Parliament. The event underscored the necessity of unity across all governance levels as we collectively strive to place citizens’ well-being at the heart of the European project.

Since its founding in 1951, CEMR has been at the forefront of promoting collaboration among local and regional leaders, advocating for a united, peaceful, sustainable, and democratic Europe. As we face increasingly complex challenges, the dialogue fostered at this event is essential for shaping the future of Europe’s governance.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants for making the evening a success. Together, we can bring EU resources closer to the people, paving the way for an economy that truly works for future generations of Europeans. This memorable evening highlighted the power of partnership and dialogue, reaffirming our commitment to building a better future for all.

Explore the event’s gallery here.

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

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