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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.

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

Bridges of Trust Training

BoT Training - News 2023

Enhancing Municipal Capacities: Training for Bridges of Trust Project

CEMR, in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities and with support from the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, is organising training sessions for municipalities participating in the Bridges of Trust project. These trainings aim to equip municipalities with practical knowledge of EU funding programmes, including Interreg Next, Erasmus+, and the Black Sea programme, along with essential project management skills.

One objective of the training is to strengthen the capacities of local governments for international cooperation and European integration, with a particular focus on the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Participants will gain a comprehensive overview of the programmes, including eligibility criteria and the intricacies of the application process. The sessions will enhance the abilities of Ukrainian and European local governments to access EU funds effectively.

In addition, three specific training sessions will concentrate on project management, covering the three crucial phases of a project’s lifecycle: planning and initiation, implementation, and monitoring and control. These sessions aim to provide participants with a solid understanding of project management principles and practical tools to assist them throughout the process.
Leading the sessions will be Kirill Dimanopoulos, an expert from CEMR specialising in EU funding and project management. Following the training, participants will apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to develop collaborative reconstruction projects with their partners as part of the Bridges of Trust initiative.

Take a look on the trainings’ agendas: Introduction to Interreg Next – Bilateral and Multilateral Interreg Next programmes – Erasmus+ programme – Interreg Danube programme – Black Sea programme – First Steps in Project Management – Implementing the Project – Monitoring and Control

GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Energy, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications

Electricity market design reforms

Electricity Market - News 2023

Reforming the European Electricity Market: Priorities and Challenges

Read full position paper

In March, the European Commission proposed a regulation to improve the EU’s electricity market. The reform is important for local and regional governments, since they play a central role as suppliers, distributers and consumers of electricity. While the current internal market for electricity has brought positive effects and lower prices, reforms are needed to address decarbonization of the electricity sector and gas shortages caused by Russia’s energy weaponization in the Ukraine conflict.

The past winter has made it clear for all Europeans that ensuring the security of supply and lower prices of electricity were top priorities for the years to come. The EU and Member States must increase both the production of electricity and their capacity in terms of energy storage. They also need to take strong measures to decarbonize the electricity sector in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In other words, the European electricity market is at a crossroads: to move forward, the EU needs to take strong actions and work together with local and regional governments.

Facilitate local and regional governments’ work driving investments in renewable energy

Local and regional governments have important roles to play in changing the electricity sector. They are responsible for finding suitable locations for production, distribution and transmission; they also must speed up permitting, manage spatial planning, invest in energy companies, and enable consumers and energy communities.

Furthermore, they possess valuable insights due to their direct engagement with local communities, and are therefore essential in ensuring citizens’ acceptance of the rollout of renewable energy. Considering all these factors, local and regional governments must be key partners in the reform of an efficient, sustainable European electricity market.

Make electricity prices less reliant on short-term fossil fuel costs

It is important to offer the option of long-term contracts, including to individuals and smaller consumers. This helps protect them from high and unpredictable prices, especially until more renewable energy production at lower generation prices is available.

Keep emergency measures as permanent features of the Electricity Market Design

During periods of excessively high electricity prices, it is advisable to maintain certain emergency measures. These measures can include price caps, taxes on windfall profits, and reimbursements for consumers. However, they should only target fossil fuel and other phased-out energy sources to encourage investment in renewable energy. These measures should not discourage energy savings or flexibility.

Encourage better consumer empowerment and protection

Efforts should be made to empower and protect consumers, particularly vulnerable ones, when implementing renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures. Support schemes, loans, and technical assistance can help achieve this goal. Moreover, regional and municipal energy providers, acting as a “supplier of last resort,” should receive adequate financial compensation from national or European funding to support vulnerable households and enterprises.

Promote efficient multi-level governance solutions and financial support

Collaboration among different levels of governance, following the principles of subsidiarity and multilevel governance, is crucial for success. Platforms like the Covenant of Mayors facilitate cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of good practices at EU, national, and regional levels.

Finally, to successfully implement changes at local and regional levels, it is important to provide financial resources and supportive measures, while avoiding excessive regulations and administrative burdens.

In conclusion, the Commission’s proposed regulation offers an opportunity to address challenges in the European electricity market. To achieve climate neutrality and ensure a secure energy supply, increasing production and storage capacities, promoting renewable energy sources, and involving local and regional governments are crucial. Collaboration, financial support, and efficient governance will contribute to a sustainable European electricity market.

To learn more about the measures proposed by CEMR, read the full position paper.

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Latest

Cohesion Policy Study

Cohesion Policy Study - News 2023

Implementing Cohesion Policy funds: Insights and Training

On 30 June, CEMR will introduce its new report on the implementation and management of European Structural and Investment Funds in the European countries. On this occasion, local and regional governments and their associations are invited to a hybrid training event on the European Cohesion Policy.

With the new funding period 2021-2027 being now underway, Cohesion Policy funds have been programmed in all Member States through Partnership Agreements, and most are already starting to be implementated.

But how does it work in practice? Who is in charge of implementing the funds? Are Member States privileging centralised or decentralised approach for funds targeting territories?  How are the different funds coordinated at central level to avoid overlap, and how do they coordinate with non-Cohesion Policy funds such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility?

All these questions, and more, will be covered during the event.

Information

Schedule: 30 June – 9.30-16.30

Format: Hybrid event (House of Cities and Regions, 1 Square de Meeus, 1000 Brussels and via Webex)
Inperson attendants will also receive a copy of the Overview of Implementation of Cohesion Policy fund, a new study to be released on the occasion of this event.

Discover the public agenda here.

Register for this event here.

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

Rebuild Ukraine

Bridges of Trust Branding - News 2024

Cooperating to rebuild Ukrainian: A Journey to Lombardy

In a successful venture from 11th to 17th June, representatives from various local governments in Ukraine visited Lombardy, Italy. This visit, organised under the Bridges of Trust project by CEMR and supported by the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, marked an important step towards fostering stronger ties and cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian municipalities.

The visit began with a welcome meeting at Arconate’s city hall. Mr. Durmish Guri, the Director of External Resources and Knowledge Strategy at CEMR, expressed gratitude to Italian mayors for their outstanding hospitality and cooperation. He also applauded the participation of Arconate, Inveruno, and Sesto San Giovanni in the Bridges of Trust initiative, acknowledging the support of Italian authorities and citizens towards Ukrainian mothers and children in need.

Mr. Guri highlighted CEMR’s efforts in helping Ukrainians affected by Russia’s invasion. “From mobilising humanitarian aid and financial support to offering refuge and steadfast political support, I am proud of every step taken by CEMR to help our Ukrainian partners. More than ever, we need mutually beneficial cooperation between Italian and Ukrainian municipalities, both within the Bridges of Trust project and beyond”, he affirmed.

Mr. Guri stressed the need for cooperation between Italian and Ukrainian municipalities in reconstruction projects, covering infrastructure, water treatment, waste management, sewage facilities, machinery renewal, heat supply modernization, and human development. Afterwards, the parties discussed these priorities and established memoranda of cooperation, laying the foundation for long-term collaboration.

The Ukrainian delegation’s visit was a crucial milestone in the Bridges of Trust project, promoting stronger ties between the local governments of Ukraine and Italy. As Mr. Guri concluded, “this initiative showcases the power of international partnerships in addressing common challenges and working towards a prosperous future.”

The Ukrainian delegation, led by distinguished representatives from various local governments, was accompanied by Ms. Yulia Bandura from the Association of Ukrainian Cities. Notable participants included Mr. Mykola Baksheiev and Ms. Tetiana Orlova from Pervomaysk, Ms. Nataliia Moskalenko and Ms. Pavlina Ohanesian from Romny, and Mr. Denys Petrenko and Mr. Serhii Hrankin from Lozova. The delegation was warmly welcomed by their Italian counterparts, including Mr. Sergio Calloni, Mayor of Arconate; Ms. Sara Bettinelli, Mayor of Inveruno; and Mr. Fabio Merlotti, Mayor of Buscate.

For more information on the Bridges of Trust project and collaboration between Ukrainian and Italian municipalities, please contact Bridges of Trust Project Officer Olga Ivanova at Olga.Ivanova@ccre-cemr.org.

ROSSI Fabrizio
In Latest

Internships

Internships - News

CEMR is offering 3 internships

Are you currently enrolled in a university programme?
Are you interested in EU policy issues?
Are you ready to learn a lot about European regions and municipalities?

Then an internship at CEMR might be what you are looking for!

CEMR is currently looking to recruit interns as follows:

  • 2 interns for policy work for a minimum of 4 months during the period September to December 2023 (exact dates to be agreed)

While policy interns will work across various topics, candidates are invited to indicate their areas of interest among the thematic areas described below.

  • 1 intern for the PLATFORMA project for a minimum of 4 months during the period September to December 2023 (exact dates to be agreed)

Find more information on the internships and how to apply here. Deadline for applications is 30 June 2023.

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