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.
Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances
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.
Advisor – Environment and mobility
Start your day with insights at our Online Breakfast on October 22, from 9:00 to 9:45 AM.
Meet with CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi and Marta Galceran-Vercher, Senior Researcher at CIDOB, as they discuss a crucial new study examining the implications of the June 2024 European elections.
This report highlights a significant shift to the right in the European Parliament and explores the election results from the perspective of local and regional governments (LRGs). It examines territorial voting disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as the local backgrounds of Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission. Key issues like policy cohesion, rural-urban connections, the European budget, decentralized cooperation, climate transition, migration, the rights agenda, and local democracy will also be addressed.
The event will be livestreamed on LinkedIn, providing a platform for lively discussion and engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategic recommendations for LRGs to advocate effectively with European institutions during the 2024-2027 term.
Don’t miss out—register here to secure your spot and join us for breakfast and insights!
Secretary General
CEMR is excited to announce the launch of its new report, “Local Green Transition: Prospects for an Inclusive and Competitive Deal”. This study examines how Local and Regional Governments adapt to and implement the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges LRGs face in executing green policies, highlighting their critical role in achieving Europe’s climate goals. With over 300 LRGs participating in extensive surveys, the study presents sector-cross-cutting and specific recommendations to enhance local-level implementation of green strategies.
Key Insights:
Recommendations for EU Decision-Makers: CEMR identifies crucial priorities for European and national governments to support LRGs in their green transition efforts, including:
CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen emphasised the importance of local governments in facilitating real change, stating, “Municipalities and regions lay the groundwork for a more competitive Europe by implementing renewable energy projects and developing sustainable infrastructure.”
This report serves as a vital resource for local and regional governments, aiming to guide them in harnessing the green transition to foster economic growth while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change
For more information, contact:
Advisor – Environment and mobility
CEMR and ALDA are pleased to announce the Public Conference “Managing the Future for Environmental Resilience”, organised on October 9th, from 11.00 to 17.00. The conference will be a chance to exchange in an interactive way how to overcome the preference for short-term solutions when it comes to local management of climate change and planning for more prepared and participatory environmental governance.
The conference provides an interactive platform to explore how to overcome short-termism in local climate management, with a focus on future-oriented and participatory environmental governance. It will begin with a keynote speech from the European Environment Agency, followed by a panel debate titled “Local and Regional Policy Making for a Sustainable Future,” featuring institutional speakers discussing the challenges facing European cities and innovative approaches to addressing climate change. In the afternoon, experts will share insights on strategic foresight and key elements for future-oriented climate policies, including decentralised cooperation, participatory policymaking, and non-formal education.
Register here and join us on the 9th of October!
The FOSTER project aims to contribute to the development of governance frameworks that can effectively and inclusively address future environmental challenges at the local level, by fostering strategic foresight and preventative local management of climate change-related phenomena. It is a two-year project funded by the CERV – Citizens Equality Rights and Values programme of the European Union
Project Officer – Climate & Energy
Digital transformation is reshaping local public services across Europe, from how services are delivered to how public employees work and engage with citizens. To understand these changes and support effective responses, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the European Public Service Union (EPSU) launched a joint project: “Local, Social, Digital”, co-funded by the European Commission and implemented between 2023 and 2024.
This initiative explored the challenges, opportunities and impact of digitalisation in local and regional governments (LRGs), with a particular focus on working conditions, skills development, social dialogue, and inclusive governance.
At the heart of the project is a comprehensive research report prepared by an independent expert, based on desk research, interviews with national CEMR and EPSU affiliates, and key insights from international conferences and webinars held in Cagliari, Tallinn and online.
The research revealed a wide range of digital practices and challenges across European LRGs. Digital tools are enhancing flexibility, accessibility and efficiency, but also raising important questions around workers’ rights, surveillance, data privacy, and fair access to training and upskilling. The study also found growing awareness around the gendered impact of digitalisation, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key themes included:
Many national and local social partners have already launched strategies, tools and agreements to manage this transformation, including practical guidelines, awareness-raising events and training programmes.
As Europe enters its Digital Decade, local and regional governments stand at the forefront of this transformation. The “Local, Social, Digital” project reinforces the crucial role of social dialogue in managing digital change, ensuring fair working conditions, and promoting inclusive public services.
CEMR and EPSU call for continued EU support and structured collaboration among employers, trade unions and institutions to empower local administrations in navigating digital change, sustainably, socially, and with dignity.
For more information, contact:
Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services
The inclusion of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in the recently adopted Pact for the Future, particularly in Article 83, represents a significant milestone. This article acknowledges their crucial role and calls on the UN Secretary-General to offer recommendations on engaging with local and regional authorities to advance the 2030 Agenda, especially by localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, this achievement is only the beginning. Realising the full potential of LRGs in global governance requires continued effort. Below are five key takeaways that reflect the pact’s impact on the local leadership community.
The adoption of this text reflects widespread recognition of the vital role cities and local governments play in building a sustainable future. The conversation has shifted from questioning their relevance to focusing on collaboration to drive progress across all levels. This shift is crucial for advancing the 2030 Agenda and promoting sustainable development for all.
Engagement with the UN Secretary-General and other key stakeholders highlights the increasing momentum behind the movement advocating for LRGs’ unique role. Unlike civil society organisations, local governments have distinct mandates and constituencies, making their contributions essential for shaping a sustainable future.
Global challenges—whether securing peace, reducing inequalities, addressing water scarcity, or reforming food systems—require coordinated action across all levels of government. The Global Task Force of LRGs has proven effective in uniting agendas and coordinating advocacy on issues that transcend borders and jurisdictions.
While LRGs’ inclusion in the text is a positive step, their role remains largely focused on implementing SDGs. It is essential that local and regional governments are recognised not only as implementers but also as full partners in shaping policies that affect the future of our communities.
There are growing concerns about the future of local democracy, as autocratic regimes and centralising reforms threaten the autonomy of local governments. Reduced powers and budget cuts jeopardise the sustainability of local democracy. Although the current UN Secretary-General supports local governance, the post-2025 landscape remains uncertain, posing risks to local self-government.
While the Pact for the Future marks a crucial milestone, much work is still needed to achieve full recognition and empowerment of LRGs. Now is the time to press forward, ensuring our voices continue to shape global and national agendas for the future of our communities.
Secretary General
In the latest composition of the European Parliament, a significant 31.5% (227 out of 720) of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have had a local or regional mandate. This highlights the vital connection between local governance and the broader European legislative process.
The European Parliament, composed of 720 MEPs elected from 27 EU Member States, serves as one of the key institutions in the European Union. Since 1979, MEPs have been elected through direct universal suffrage for a five-year term. Their decisions influence laws and policies that have a direct impact on the lives of over 447 million EU citizens.
Local and Regional governance experience equips MEPs with unique insights into the everyday challenges and opportunities faced by citizens. This background allows them to better understand the implications of EU legislation on local communities and ensures that the voices of municipalities and regions are heard at the European level.
Key Functions of the European Parliament:
Promoting Democracy Globally: Beyond its legislative functions, the European Parliament is a strong advocate for democratic values within Europe and globally. The Parliament actively supports the fight for democracy, freedom of speech, and fair elections worldwide.
The significant presence of MEPs with local and regional mandates in the European Parliament underscores the importance of local governance in shaping European policy. As the newly elected MEPs take on their roles, their decisions will continue to influence the European Union’s and its citizens’ future.
Learn More: To gain a deeper understanding of the European Parliament and its functions, visit the official website.
Senior Adviser, Governance, Gender Equality, Local Democracy
Municipalities, cities and regions across Europe are at the forefront of delivering essential services, from housing and health to climate action and mobility. Yet, they face increasing financial pressures, recovering from the pandemic’s “scissor effect” of higher costs and lower revenues, and coping with inflation. In this context, how budgets are designed and allocated has become a powerful political tool.
To explore this potential, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) organised a training event on 23 May titled “X-budgeting – the power of subnational finance.” The session brought together experts and practitioners to share knowledge on innovative approaches to local and regional finance.
“X-budgeting” refers to a range of methods that go beyond simple accounting, transforming budgets into instruments for shaping policy and engaging citizens. These include:
Each approach offers opportunities, from fostering transparency and boosting trust to mobilising investment for sustainability, but also poses challenges, such as methodological complexity, resource needs and the demand for strong political support.
By experimenting with new forms of budgeting, municipalities and regions can make financial choices that not only keep services running but also reflect citizens’ voices and accelerate progress towards long-term goals.
For more information, contact:
Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances
As the European Union prepares to form its next Commission, a troubling reality emerges, the potential gender imbalance at the highest levels of EU decision-making. The top ranks of the European Commission, composed of one official from each of the EU’s 27 member states, could include as few as seven women. Additionally, the Commission could see a strong presence of members from the European People’s Party (EPP), raising concerns about diversity and representation.
President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has given EU governments until 30 August to nominate candidates for the new Commission. However, as the deadline approaches, it is increasingly clear that gender equality may once again take a backseat in the composition of one of the EU’s most powerful institutions.
Our Stand on Gender Equality:
At the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), we believe that gender equality is not just a goal but a fundamental right. Women’s representation at all levels of governance is crucial for achieving a balanced and fair society. Unfortunately, the current trajectory of the European Commission suggests that we are far from this ideal.
CEMR has long been committed to empowering women and advancing gender equality. Our initiatives range from supporting women in politics to advocating for equal opportunities across all sectors. We strive to create a world where every woman can thrive, free from any form of threat or violence.
Why Representation Matters:
The European Commission plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact the lives of millions of EU citizens. A gender-balanced Commission is essential to ensuring that these policies are inclusive and representative of the diverse population they serve. The underrepresentation of women in all their diversity in such a critical institution not only undermines the EU’s commitment to gender equality but also weakens the legitimacy of its decisions.
Our Call to Action:
As we await the final composition of the new European Commission, we call on all EU member states to prioritise gender balance in their nominations. The EU must lead by example, showing that it values diversity and equality in its highest offices.
CEMR will continue to advocate for gender equality and support initiatives that empower women at all levels of governance. Together, we can create a more inclusive and just Europe.
Director – Policy & Impact
