Latest Archives - Page 25 of 57

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications, Waste, Waste

Fixing Textile Waste

CEMR calls for a stronger local role and producer responsibility in EU textile waste reforms

Read position paper

In response to the European Commission’s proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has published key messages to ensure that local and regional authorities are central to a fair and effective textile waste management system.

The revision, which includes mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles, is welcomed by CEMR. However, urgent improvements are needed to ensure timely implementation, comprehensive cost coverage, and clearer roles for public authorities and social enterprises.

CEMR’s recommendations highlight several critical areas:

Broaden the definition of textile waste to include non-household sources such as hotels, hospitals, and offices.
Clarify the role of social enterprises and ensure they are fully integrated into EPR schemes.
Align deadlines for separate collection (due by 2025) with the establishment of EPR schemes to avoid unfunded obligations for municipalities.
Guarantee full cost coverage for collection, sorting, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
Include unsold textiles under EPR rules, in line with the upcoming Ecodesign Regulation.
Promote prevention, especially by tackling overproduction and fast fashion.

Drawing on best practices from France’s “Refashion” scheme, CEMR shows how EPR can drive higher collection and reuse rates, stimulate innovation, and improve cooperation across the value chain, but only when properly implemented.

CEMR urges EU institutions to embed these recommendations into the revised directive to ensure that local governments can continue to lead on circular economy goals without being burdened by unfunded mandates.

Read our position

For more information, contact:

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

FERNANDES André In Latest

Looking for Proposals

CEMR is currently looking for an agency or developers to create a new website

CEMR is calling for proposals for external services to develop a new website. For more information, you can access our Terms of Reference here.

To be sent to: admin@ccre-cemrg.org
Deadline: 26 October 2023

→ Read all of our terms and conditions here

FERNANDES André

Officer – Digital Communication

ROSSI Fabrizio In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

AFCCRE – European University

CEMR Secretary General Delivers Keynote Address at Marseille Event on EU Enlargement and Local Partnerships

Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), delivered a keynote speech in Marseille during an event organised by the Université européenne de l’AFCCRE. The gathering aimed to explore the critical role of regional and local partnerships in the context of the European Union’s enlargement.

The event comes at a pivotal moment in the EU’s history, stressing the importance of examining the active involvement of regional and local entities, which play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and shaping policies that resonate with the diverse needs of communities.

In his address, Rossi highlighted the indispensable role that regional and local partnerships play in shaping the European Union’s future. He emphasised that involving these entities in policy-making and collaboration is crucial for creating policies that truly understand and address the distinct requirements of different communities.

Fabrizio Rossi summed up the sentiment, stating, “Local and regional authorities are the backbone of our societies. Their active engagement is vital for a successful and cohesive European Union. Let us join hands and work towards a stronger, more unified Europe, where the voices of local and regional entities are at the forefront of policy-making and progress.”

The Secretary expressed warm appreciation towards the Association Française du Conseil des Communes et Régions d’Europe (AFCCRE) for arranging the event and lauded their steadfast dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding regarding EU enlargement. The event acts as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to a stronger, more unified Europe where local and regional perspectives hold significant value and are integrated.

ROSSI Fabrizio

Secretary General

GURI Durmish In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

EPRS Annual Joint workshop

CEMR and EPRS Annual Joint Workshop: Paving the Way for a Sustainable and Cohesive Europe

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is holding the Annual Joint workshop with the European Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) on Tuesday, October 3rd, from 10:00 to 11:45 at the CEMR Secretariat headquarters located at 1 Square de Meeûs, 1000 Brussels. This recurrent gathering provides a platform for both organisations to engage in a fruitful exchange regarding their respective priorities, delve into discussions concerning the 2024 working plan, and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration in their shared mission.

Durmish Guri, External Resources and Knowledge Strategy at CEMR emphasised, “This meeting holds significant promise for fostering a stronger partnership and driving our joint efforts towards a more sustainable and cohesive European community, highlighting the pivotal role of territorial governments in achieving this vision.”

Participants will convene in three specialised thematic rooms, fostering an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue:

Cooperation and International Issues
Sustainable Transition
EU Governance and Funds

Colleagues from both organisations will have the chance to acquaint themselves, engage in informal exchanges concerning their ongoing projects, and share their perspectives on future plans and priorities.

GURI Durmish

Director – Projects & Programmes

GAUDRON Marine In Impact community Cohesion, Latest

A new gateway to learning

Portico, the new gateway to urban learning in the EU

Portico, the new knowledge-sharing and community platform for sustainable urban development in the EU, is set for official launch on 10 October at mid-day during the 2023 European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels.

The new platform is being launched by the European Urban Initiative (EUI) in partnership with CEMR and a range of initiatives, programmes and organisations supporting urban development under the EU Cohesion Policy. It combines knowledge and resources from EUI and partners on productive, green and just cities, as well as key tools for putting policy into
Urban knowledge, tools, people, community

Discover Portico’s three main pillars, available from 10 October 2023 mid-day:

Knowledge Hub: This knowledge repository integrates resources and tools from the European Urban Initiative, EU Urban Agenda, URBACT and other Cohesion Policy actors to support urban practitioners in building their knowledge and skills.
Urban Panorama: Drawn from existing EU knowledge and initiatives, this is an overview of the main bodies contributing to the design and implementation of sustainable urban development policies and strategies in Europe.
Portico Community: Brings together practitioners, policymakers, urban experts, mayors… anyone interested in improving sustainable urban development from across the EU. This is where peers can exchange ideas, get information on upcoming events, and participate in discussions on sustainable urban development themes.

As Portico develops in line with users’ needs, new modules will become available. Sign up and join the journey!

Follow Portico on social media: #portico #EUI4learning
Register for the guided tour of Portico at EURegionsWeek
For more information, contact: communication@urban-initiative.eu

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

TONHAUSER Boris In Latest, PLATFORMA

Policy Forum on Development

CEMR Secretary General to Address Global Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development 2023

The upcoming “Global meeting of the Policy Forum on Development 2023” is set to kick off with a keynote address by the Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Fabrizio Rossi. Starting on September 27, the three-day Conference will serve as a vital platform for discussing multistakeholder partnerships, equality, and the civic space within the context of the Global Gateway initiative.

The Secretary General of CEMR will address the Conference’s inaugural session on September 27, drawing upon CEMR’s extensive experience, which champions active engagement of local governments and regions in influencing policies that directly affect their communities.

The opening session will feature Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. Commissioner Urpilainen will open the session with a keynote address on the Global Gateway initiative and its role in addressing global inequalities. Her insights will set the stage for discussions throughout the Conference.

The “Global Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development 2023” aims to facilitate constructive dialogue on topics ranging from sustainable development goals to inclusive governance. Participants will explore innovative solutions and strategies for advancing the Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to foster international cooperation and bridge disparities on a global scale.

TONHAUSER Boris

Director – PLATFORMA

GAUDRON Marine In Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Local finances

Resilient Cities and Regions

CEMR Advocates for Robust Public Investments at ‘Resilient Cities and Regions’ Seminar

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) actively participated in the event “Resilient Cities and Regions: Impact of Public Investments on Economic and Social Development at the local level,” organised by the Committee of the Regions. The seminar’s primary focus was to assess the influence of public investments on the economic and social growth of cities and regions and to exchange insights and experiences on local public investment, green infrastructure development, and digitalisation scaling within the European Union.

The event gathered esteemed experts, policymakers, and representatives from various regions and municipalities across the EU engage in discussions and share their perspectives on the critical role of public investments in shaping sustainable development.

Carol Thomas, Interim Director of Policy at CEMR and speaker at the event, emphasised the significance of effective governance in partnership for achieving favourable policy outcomes. Drawing on CEMR’s research, Thomas highlighted that local and regional governments play a substantial role, accounting for 64% of investments linked to climate and environmental actions.

Carol stated: “CEMR’s studies have shown the importance of robust governance-in-partnership for effective policy outcomes. Local and regional governments account for 64% of investment linked to climate and environment actions, and their contribution is essential if we want to achieve the objectives of the green and digital transition.”

Furthermore, she insisted on the vital role of local finances, asserting that investments in local infrastructure and public finances are pivotal in bolstering Europe’s recovery: “Shoring up our local finances is not just a nice to have. Investment in local infrastructure and public finances is key to boosting Europe’s recovery and reducing the innovation gap”.

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

GURI Durmish In Latest

Collaboration with KS

CEMR Strengthens Collaborative Ties with KS: A Promising Meeting for 2024 Agenda

On September 19, 2023, CEMR had the privilege of engaging in a productive meeting with KS, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities. Co-Chaired by Mr. Frode Lindtvedt, Director of the Department of Local Democracy, European Affairs, and International Work, and Ms. Åse Erdal, Chief Adviser for Local Democracy, European Politics, and International Work, this gathering held significant promise for both organisations.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to introduce KS to the wealth of opportunities that collaboration with CEMR brings. Discussions spanned various topics, including exchanging ideas on priorities for the upcoming year and shaping the European Research agenda.

One of the core objectives was to not only strengthen the partnership between CEMR and KS but also to set an example for other associations. CEMR is keen on fostering collaborations with like-minded organisations, creating a platform where shared goals and visions can be realised collectively.

CEMR is excited about the outcomes of this meeting and looks forward to an even more dynamic and collaborative 2024.

We are eager to extend these conversations and partnerships to other associations, inviting them to join us in making 2024 a year of fruitful collaborations and significant progress.

Follow our journey as we continue to foster partnerships and share ideas that drive positive change.

→ Learn more about KS: https://www.ks.no/

GURI Durmish

Director – Projects & Programmes

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva In Latest, PLATFORMA

UNGA 2023

CEMR and PLATFORMA to Showcase Local and Regional Commitment at the 2023 UN SDG Summit

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is participating in the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, scheduled for 18-19 September. This high-profile event will bring together leaders from across the globe to discuss crucial sustainability issues and progress toward achieving the SDGs.
CEMR and PLATFORMA will be leading a distinguished delegation, including CEMR Secretariat Eva Baños de Guisasola, Senior Adviser on Global Agendas, SDGs and Climate; Basque Government, Spain; CUF, Cités Unies France; DIBA – Diputació de Barcelona, Spain; ELVL, Estonia; FEMP; Association of German Cities; VNG, The Netherlands; SALAR, Sweden; UCLG.
CEMR’s main objectives at the conference are to advocate for a decentralised, bottom-up, territorial approach to SDG implementation and to emphasise the indispensable role of local and regional governments in achieving these global goals.

Key highlights of CEMR’s participation include:

EU Voluntary Review: CEMR calls for clear recognition of the contributions made by different levels of governance and civil society organisations in achieving the SDGs in Europe.
Localising SDGs: National governments and the EU are urged to accelerate the localisation and territorialisation of the SDGs, ensuring that local and regional governments have the necessary autonomy, means, and resources to drive change at the community level.
Citizen Engagement: CEMR promotes the production of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs) as tools to engage citizens and enhance awareness of global challenges.
Data Inclusion: CEMR advocates for including relevant disaggregated data and information at the subnational level in Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). Emphasising the importance of local governments in monitoring and reporting SDG progress.
Political Engagement: CEMR urges EU institutions and European States to engage with local and regional governments through regular dialogue and the inclusion of local elected representatives in high-level meetings.
International Cooperation: CEMR seeks more support for international cooperation at the local and regional levels, emphasising peer-to-peer learning and innovative partnerships as key drivers of SDG achievement.
Inclusivity: CEMR underscores the vital role of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in decision-making and activities contributing to SDG attainment.

CEMR is committed to making a significant impact at the 2023 UN SDG Summit by promoting the pivotal role of local and regional governments in driving sustainable development. We look forward to engaging with global leaders and partners to advance our shared vision for a more sustainable and equitable world. To learn more about CEMR/PLATFORMA’s SDG strategy, you can find our latest study online at this link https://local-sdgs.eu/.

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva

Senior Advisor – Global Agendas, SDGs & Climate

TONHAUSER Boris In Latest, PLATFORMA

“Rencontres de l’AICT”

Secretary General of CEMR Fabrizio Rossi to address the role of local and regional governments in solving global issues at “Rencontres de l’AICT” Conference

The Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) will participate in the “Rencontres de l’AICT” Conference. This annual event, hosted by Cités Unies France, brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss the role of local and regional authorities in resolving major global issues.

The Secretary General, Fabrizio Rossi, will speak on Tuesday, September 19 in the plenary session. During his intervention, Mr Rossi will showcase how regional partnerships can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the prism of their international action and by presenting CEMR and Platforma’s on-field experience.

The session will also be broadcast live via the Cités Uites France YouTube channel, with the option of asking questions.

Access the channel here

The Organisation will participate in the event:

On Tuesday, September 19, 14:30 to 15:00 – PLATFORMA workshop development education and awareness raising where the initiative “European Days of Local Solidarity” will be presented.