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THOMAS Carol
In Latest

State of the Union 2023

State of the Union - News 2023

The Missing Piece: Local governments in President Von der Leyen’s 2023 SOTEU

The Council of European Regions and Municipalities (CEMR) invited its member associations at the Secretariat in Square de Meeus, Brussels, to follow the State of the Union (SOTEU) address.
 
In her 2023 State of the Union speech, European Commission President, Madame Von der Leyen, highlighted the primary issues expected to influence the 2024 elections, opening her address with a call to the younger generations, implicitly encouraging them to defend the unique nature of European Democracy, particularly with a war ongoing on European soil. She placed a significant emphasis on the achievements of her mandate since 2019, such as the European Green Deal, competitiveness, AI, digital transition, enlargement, inflation, and gender equality. While we commend all the commitments and accomplishments so far, there was no mention of the strategic role that local and regional governments play in successfully implementing these initiatives.
 
Local and regional governments are instrumental in impacting the daily lives of European citizens. The President referenced the “Europe of the regions”, but European regions require more focus and investment, especially in education, minority integration, cohesion policy, and social security.
 
CEMR welcomed President von der Leyen’s commitment to revitalising the European Social Dialogue to respond to the deep-rooted shifts in technology, society and demography. However, cohesion policy needed to find a place in the address. We know that Cohesion policy is pivotal in promoting economic and social convergence across Europe while avoiding the surge of new inequalities. CEMR believes it should remain a central element of the EU’s agenda.
 
Nevertheless, CEMR remains committed to working hand in hand with the European Commission to shape a greener and fairer Europe. With its unparalleled ability to represent one million elected representatives spanning 40 countries, CEMR is a critical bridge between local governments and the European Commission. In the spirit of unity and cooperation, CEMR and its members look forward to actively participating in the ongoing dialogue to ensure that local governments’ voices are heard and considered in the EU’s future policies and initiatives.

ROSSI Fabrizio
In Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Territorial development

CEMR – Development Aid

Development Aid - News 2023

CEMR and DevelopmentAid partner for a more sustainable and innovative local communities

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has signed a partnership agreement with DevelopmentAid, at a time when CEMR is working to make sustainable innovation accessible to local and regional governments.
 
DevelopmentAid is an innovative membership organisation founded in 2007. It provides essential information to donors, agencies, consultancies, non-governmental organisations, and individuals working in the international development sector. With a network of 500,000 aid stakeholders, the organisation aims to bring together the international development community.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, CEMR members will benefit from a number of services, including free access to the Calls4Partners Service and the DevelopmentAid Job Board.
 
CEMR will soon provide its members with information on how to access the DevelopmentAid platform and take advantage of the partnership benefits.

GURI Durmish
In Latest

Looking for Consultants

Consultants - News 2023

Organisation/ Expert Consultant in EU Project Development

CEMR is in search of a certification organisation or expert proficient in EU project development and proposal writing. The objective will be to develop a specific training programme for the Local and Regional Governments and their associations.

  • Deadline for submissions: 22 September 2023, 12:00 (CET Time)
  • To be sent to: applications@ccre-cemr.org
  • Subject: Organisation/Expert Consultant on EU Project Development

→ For more information, click here 

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Call, Latest, Projects and Programmes

Call for Proposals 

Call for Proposals BoT - News 2023

Subcontracting for external services on the production of an interactive video on the journey of the “Bridges of Trust” project

CEMR is pleased to announce a call for proposals for external services to contribute to the Bridges of Trust video. The selected provider will be responsible for summarising project activities and enhancing the visibility of the project deliverables. This will be achieved through the development of an interactive video designed for promotional activities.

→ For more information, click here

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications, Territorial development

Insights on cohesion policy funds

Cohesion Policy - News 2023

CEMR released in-depth study unveiling insights into European cohesion policy funds

Read full position paper

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is pleased to announce the release of its comprehensive study on European Cohesion Policy funds. This illuminating study offers valuable insights into the management and implementation of European Structural and Investment Funds, a cornerstone of the European Union’s investment strategy.

Offers practitioners and policymakers a comprehensive overview of how Cohesion Policy Funds are implemented in different countries.

European Cohesion Policy funds, also known as European Structural and Investment Funds, are pivotal to the EU’s vision of a more prosperous and sustainable continent. These funds reach every corner of Europe, supporting critical initiatives such as job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, green and digital transitions, and the building of inclusive societies. In the funding period from 2021 to 2027, eight distinct funds play a key role:

  1. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
  2. European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
  3. Cohesion Fund (CF)
  4. Just Transition Fund (JTF)
  5. Asylum and Migration Fund (AMIF)
  6. European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
  7. Internal Security Fund (ISF)
  8. Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI)

However, to truly understand the impact of these funds and their operational dynamics, one must delve deeper. Questions emerge, such as who manages these funds, how Member States approach their administration, and how coordination is ensured to prevent overlap. Additionally, understanding their alignment with non-Cohesion Policy funds, like the Recovery and Resilience Facility, is crucial.

The Cohesion Policy Funds study delves into these fundamental questions. It offers a comprehensive exploration of Cohesion Policy funds for 2021-2027, shedding light on their management, coordination, and impact.
This pioneering study reveals critical insights into:

  • Centralised vs. Decentralised Management: Discover how Member States manage Cohesion Policy funds, whether through centralized, decentralized, or mixed models.
  • Sustainable Urban Development: Explore the rising emphasis on sustainable urban development, a core component of Cohesion Policy, with Member States committing an average of approximately 12%, surpassing the required 8% allocation for this purpose.

CEMR’s study is a valuable resource for policymakers, regional and local authorities, and all stakeholders invested in Europe’s advancement.
Unlock the potential of Cohesion Policy funds and their transformative role in shaping Europe’s future.

Cohesion Policy Fund graph

Read the position paper

For more information, contact:

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Impact community Society, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning, Ukraine reconstruction

Ukranian recovery strategy

Bridges of Trust Visit - News 2023

Bridges of Trust initiative helped in the cooperation between Ukrainian and French municipalities for a reconstruction plan

3 Ukrainian municipalities Apostolove, Zelenodolsk and Korosten began their study visit to partner municipalities in France with a Solidarity Forum in Issy-les-Moulineaux on 1 of July.
 
The cooperation between Ukrainian and French municipalities is being developed in the framework of the Bridges of Trust initiative implemented by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) together with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) and with the support of U-LEAD with Europe programme. 
 
The partnership of Bourges and Korosten is taking a new step since the first contact between the municipalities in March 2022. While Zelenodolsk and Apostolove are only at the initial stage of building partner relationships with Sceaux and La Rochelle.
 
The Ukrainian delegation was warmly welcomed during the Solidarity Forum held by AFCCRE in the framework of the National Forum on Europe, Twinning and Partnerships. The Ambassador of Ukraine to France, Vadym Omelchenko was among the speakers at the event and reiterated the important and substantial results of cooperation between France and Ukraine on different levels and in various sectors. He reminded the success of the Bilateral Conference for the resilience and reconstruction of Ukraine held by the French government in December 2022 where hundreds of French companies took part and confirmed their interest in engaging in Ukraine’s reconstruction process.
 
The representatives of 3 Ukrainian municipalities Korosten, Zelenodolsk and Apostolove had an opportunity to speak about the daily challenges they face because of the war provoked by Russia against Ukraine, their needs and the ideas of projects that can help the municipalities in the recovery process. Among the priority topics of cooperation were mentioned the exchange of knowledge and experience on water management and purification, inclusivity of municipalities towards disabled people, reconstruction of municipal infrastructure, mental health and rehabilitation. 
 
The representatives of Ukrainian local governments begin today their 3 day study visits to Sceau, Bourges and La Rochelle in order to work on joint projects of reconstruction and recovery and to strengthen partnership ties between municipalities of Ukraine and France. 

TONHAUSER Boris
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Publications

Study on SDGs localisation

Energy Behaviour Forum - image 1

Discover our new study on progress made by local governments in promoting the Global Goals

Read full study

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA are releasing today (12 July) their annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a United Nations special event in New York. The study is presented by CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen at the 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, organised in the framework of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the United Nations annual event on the SDGs.

The report collects data from 41 associations of local and regional governments from greater Europe and makes seven recommendations. As estimates show, 65% of the 169 targets underpinning the 17 SDGs cannot be achieved without the involvement of local and regional governments.

One more time, this report resonates as a strong call to national and European institutions to further recognise and include in their reports progress made by municipalities and regions in achieving the SDGs. More than ever, decentralised cooperation and partnerships are crucial instruments to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels.

“We are fast approaching the halfway point on the road to the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meaning there are only six summers left!” warns Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President, in the foreword of the study.

The 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda is organised by UN DESA, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), UN-Habitat, UNDP and Local 2030.

Mayors have a say

This year, the European delegation of local and regional governments is composed of several mayors and councillors:

  • Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President and Councillor of Vestfold and Telemark, President of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)
  • Magda Kostava, Member of Kutaisi Municipal Council, Georgia (NALAG), member of the CEMR Young elected officials committee
  • Wim Dries, VVSG President and Mayor of the City of Genk
  • Luisa Salgueiro, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) and Mayor of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Manueal Alvares, Councillor in the Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Stephan Neher, Mayor, City of Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany
  • Anne-Marie Jean, Vice-President of Eurométropole de Strasbourg (CUF)
  • André Viola, Councillor, Department of Aude (AFCCRE)

Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General, Emilia Saiz, UCLG Secretary General, Lucy Slack, CLGF Secretary General, Unai Tellería, Delegate of the Basque Government (Spain) in the United States, Leen Verbeek and Mathieu Mori, respectively President and Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Congress of Europe are also attending HLPF and parallel dedicated to local and regional governments.

More information:

For more information, contact:

TONHAUSER Boris
In Latest, PLATFORMA

Promoting the Global Goals

Promoting the Global Goals - News 2023

Discover our new study on progress made by local governments in tracking & promoting the Global Goals

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA are releasing today (12 July) their annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a United Nations special event in New York. The study is presented by CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen at the 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda organised in the framework of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the United Nations annual event on the SDGs.

The report collects data from 41 associations of local and regional governments from greater Europe and makes seven recommendations. As estimates show, 65% of the 169 targets underpinning the 17 SDGs cannot be achieved without the involvement of local and regional governments.
One more time, this report resonates as a strong call to national and European institutions to further recognise and include in their reports the progress made by municipalities and regions in achieving the SDGs. More than ever, decentralised cooperation and partnerships are crucial instruments to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels.
“We are fast approaching the halfway point on the road to the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meaning there are only six summers left!” warns Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President in the foreword of the study.
The 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda is organised by UN DESA, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), UN-Habitat, UNDP and Local 2030.
Mayors have a say
This year, the European delegation of local and regional governments is composed of mayors and councillors:

  • Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President and Councillor of Vestfold and Telemark, President of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)
  • Magda Kostava, Member of Kutaisi Municipal Council, Georgia (NALAG), member of the CEMR Young elected officials committee
  • Wim Dries, VVSG President and Mayor of the City of Genk
  • Luisa Salgueiro, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) and Mayor of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Manueal Alvares, Councilor in the Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Stephan Neher, Mayor, City of Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany
  • Anne-Marie Jean, Vice-President of Eurométropole de Strasbourg (CUF)
  • André Viola, Councillor, Department of Aude (AFCCRE)

Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General, Emilia Saiz, UCLG Secretary General, Lucy Slack, CLGF Secretary General, Unai Tellería, Delegate of the Basque Government (Spain) in the United States, Leen Verbeek and Mathieu Mori, respectively President and Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Congress of Europe are also attending HLPF and parallel dedicated to local and regional governments.
More information:

  • Discover the study online local-sdgs.eu
  • Read the study (pdf)
  • Follow the conversation online with #HLPF2023 & #LocalizingSDGs
TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Latest, Projects and Programmes

Bridges of Trust

Bridges of Trust Branding - News 2024

Fostering Collaboration and Hope: Ukrainian Local Governments Visit Spain under ‘Bridges of Trust’ Project

A delegation of local government officials from Ukraine embarked on a visit to Spain from June 19 to June 23 as part of the “Bridges of Trust” project. This project, implemented by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) and with the support of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, aims to foster cooperation and rebuild Ukrainian towns devastated by Russian attacks. The Ukrainian delegation, representing Novomoskovsk, Kremenchuk, and Nikopol, visited prominent Spanish cities to explore collaboration opportunities and gather support for their respective communities.

The Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kremenchuk, Vitalii Maletskyi and Olga Usanova, received a warm welcome from Mayor Eneko Goia of Donostia / San Sebastián. Donostia / San Sebastián, along with Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz, is participating in the “Bridges of Trust” project facilitated by the Association of Basque Municipalities EUDEL, one of the ten local government associations chosen for this noble undertaking.

The Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kremenchuk, Vitalii Maletskyi and Olga Usanova, were warmly welcomed by Mayor Eneko Goia of Donostia / San Sebastián. Donostia / San Sebastián, along with Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz, participates in the “Bridges of Trust” project facilitated by the Association of Basque Municipalities EUDEL, one of the ten local government associations chosen for this endeavour.

Donostia / San Sebastián, known for its commitment to solidarity and support, will provide assistance to Kremenchuk. Kremenchuk, a Ukrainian city with a population of 215,271, endured a devastating missile attack on its main shopping center in 2022. Donostia / San Sebastián, in collaboration with the Sociedad de Fomento de Donosti, will offer guidance and support to promote economic development and urban transformation in Kremenchuk. The city is renowned for its vehicle manufacturing and oil processing sectors, along with two prominent universities.

The Nikopol delegation met with Mayor Maider Etxebarria and representatives of municipal groups at the City Hall in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Vitoria-Gasteiz, a symbol of peace and advocate for rights and freedoms, expressed solidarity and support for the Ukrainian delegation. Nikopol, one of the Ukrainian towns heavily affected by Russian attacks, will receive technical assistance from AMVISA to rebuild its water supply, sewerage, and wastewater treatment networks.

During their visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Nikopol delegation engaged in technical meetings with AMVISA and the Development Cooperation Service. They also had the opportunity to visit key infrastructure projects, such as the Crispijana treatment plant, as well as notable landmarks like the Medieval Quarter and the Green Ring.

Nikopol, a former industrial hub with a population of 105,200, has been grappling with the aftermath of the Russian invasion. Situated near the Dnipro River, close to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and the recently destroyed Kakhovka dam, Nikopol aims to rebuild its economy and infrastructure with the support of European cities like Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The “Bridges of Trust” project, involving 30 European cities, signifies a collective effort to restore hope, cooperation, and stability in Ukrainian towns severely impacted by Russian aggression. By fostering collaborations and sharing expertise, the project aims to create a brighter future for the communities affected by the conflicts.

BENNIS Hamza
In Digitalisation, Impact community Labour, Latest

Digitalisation

Digitalisation - News 2023

Bridging the Digital Divide: Social Partners Convene for Local and Regional Government Transformation

Social partners from the local and regional government sector gathered in Cagliari, Italy on 16th June 2023 for the inaugural conference of the EU-funded project “Local, Social, Digital.” The initiative is jointly led by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU). It aims to enhance the capacity of national social partners by facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge, including good practice examples, technical expertise, and policy planning, in the context of the digital transformation of the EU’s public sector.

The digitalisation of local public services and administration will significantly impact working conditions and how public services are delivered in local and regional governments. The social partners representing these sectors have a vital role to play in expediting digitalisation efforts and ensuring a smooth transition that improves working conditions.

The conference was attended by representatives from the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission, Eurofound, SGI Europe, the European Trade Union Confederation, and social partners from the Education Sector.

Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of CEMR, inaugurated the conference and outlined the organization’s vision for the digital transformation of the EU’s public sector. He emphasized the urgent need for local and regional governments to spearhead digital transformation initiatives that serve all communities, leaving no territory behind.
During the conference, social partners from Italy, Denmark, Norway, and Estonia had the opportunity to showcase their best collective bargaining practices related to digitalisation. A significant portion of the conference was dedicated to Italy, where a recent collective bargaining agreement on digitalisation was presented.

Representatives Ms. Tatiana Cazzaniga (FP-CGIL) and Mr. Jacopo Massaro (National Association of Italian Cities) highlighted the key features of the agreement on behalf of the Italian social partners from the local and regional government sector. They also emphasized the importance of increased involvement from both parties within the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee on Local and Regional Governments.

As part of the project, CEMR and EPSU affiliates will continue their collaborative efforts over the next two years to develop sectoral guidelines that support the digital transition within local and regional public administration.

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