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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.

TONHAUSER Boris

Director – PLATFORMA

THOMAS Carol In Latest

State of the Union 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.

THOMAS Carol

Senior Adviser, Governance, Gender Equality, Local Democracy

ROSSI Fabrizio In Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Territorial development

CEMR – Development Aid

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.

ROSSI Fabrizio

Secretary General

GURI Durmish In Latest

Looking for Consultants

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

GURI Durmish

Director – Projects & Programmes

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

Call for Proposals

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.

To be sent to: applications@ccre-cemr.org
Subject: Interactive Video – Bridges of Trust Project + your name

→ For more information, click here

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)

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

Insights on cohesion policy funds

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:

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Cohesion Fund (CF)
Just Transition Fund (JTF)
Asylum and Migration Fund (AMIF)
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
Internal Security Fund (ISF)
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.

Read the position paper

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

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

Ukranian recovery strategy

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.

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)

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

Study on SDGs localisation

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:

Discover the study online local-sdgs.eu
Read the study (pdf)
Follow the conversation online with #HLPF2023 & #LocalizingSDGs