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

Bridges of Trust

How cooperation opens up opportunities for small Ukrainian and Lithuanian cities

What brings closer two cities, one Ukrainian, the other Lithuanian, separated by 700 km? Some will say their similar demographics or town size. Others will put forward their common urban challenges and opportunities.

This is precisely what the “Bridges of Trust” project is heading at: to increasing cooperation and exchange of best practices, knowledge and skills between municipalities in Ukraine and the EU.

On 22 October 2021, a first exchange between Korosten (Ukraine) and Ukmergė (Lithuania) took place online. Earlier, the two municipalities expressed interest to establish a new partnership in the framework of the project.

During this first meeting, the partners presented their respective municipalities and discussed possible areas of cooperation. Speakers on either side noted with great interest how similar the two communities are, for example, in terms of key business sectors (e.g. woodworking), interest in green tourism, culture and even some joint challenges (e.g. ageing of the population, migration of the young people, investments).

Energy efficiency and rising gas prices, waste management, investments and business attractiveness, digitalization of public services, are just some of the topics that were discussed during this first exchange.

The exchanges will continue to take place online during the next months. In spring 2022, it is planned that representatives of Korosten will visit Ukmergė to learn more about its successful projects and to see what aspects of these projects can be taken, adapted and integrated to the local realities in Korosten.

As correctly pointed out by the mayor of Ukmergė, Rolandas Janickas, it is always better to see something once, and Ukmergė is looking forward to welcome Ukrainian colleagues next year.

About the “Bridges of Trust” project

The project is implemented by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions and PLATFORMA, and is funded by the U-LEAD with Europe programme, a multi-donor action of the European Union and its member states Germany, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Slovenia.

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)

BIZARRO Pedro In EU Covenant of Mayors, Latest, Projects and Programmes

EU Week of Regions and Cities

How the Covenant Community is blazing trails for the green transition

The recent European Week of Regions and Cities 2021 was the occasion to highlight how local governments and their associations are pioneering new ways of fighting against climate change.

The Covenant of Mayors Europe Office and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) highlighted such local climate action during their workshop “The Covenant Community: a trailblazer for the green transition”, heldon 13 October 2021.

The event was the moment to bring together the Covenant Community of Coordinators, Supporters and National Ambassadors from the CoR to demonstrate how the Covenant of Mayors’ model of cooperation between levels of government works in practice to accelerate the green transition.

The event notably presented the Covenant report “Multi-Level Governance in (Climate) Action – Co-creating policy solutions to tackle climate change”, which makes recommendations for cooperation and highlights examples of how the Community has worked on climate change mitigation, adaptation and energy povery.

Committing and cooperating for net zero

Julije Domac, member of the Covenant of Mayors Political Board and Director of the North-West Croatia Energy Agency (REGEA), opened the event highlighting that “2021 marks new ambitions, new targets, a new Covenant, and indeed, one shared vision: By 2050, all European citizens will be living in climate-neutral, decarbonised and resilient cities with access to affordable, secure and clean energy.”

On behalf of the National Ambassadors, Kata Tutto, Vice Mayor of Budapest and Covenant Ambassador for Hungary, stressed the close cooperation between the Covenant of Mayors and the CoR: “It’s a natural cooperation. The role of the national ambassadors is to help the process, promote and reinforce the Covenant in their own EU Member States, in cooperation with the Covenant of Mayors Office and the European Commission.”

95% of Flemish municipalities to join the Covenant

Local and regional government associations also share their perspectives as CEMR members and Covenant Supporters. During a session on multi-level climate action, Marteen Tavernier of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) presented the Flemish Climate Pact, an idea launched two years ago by the association and developed with the Flemish government.

One of the requirements to participate in the Flemish Climate Pact is to also be a Covenant Signatory. “We think we will end up with more than 95% of local authorities participating in both the Climate Pact and the Covenant of Mayors”, Marteen Tavernier said. The Pact covers both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Wide-ranging support for local action in Finland

We learned about the Finnish and Latvian contexts during the session on local adaptation to climate change. Pauliina Jalonen of the Finnish Association of Local and Regional Authorities (Kuntaliitto) highlighted that two-thirds of Finnish municipalities have a climate target and 130 out of 309 have a carbon neutrality target.

The Finnish Association is providing concrete and practical support such as by piloting a climate leadership coaching programme for mayors to undertake local climate work, reinforcing knowledge by producing a guide on climate adaptation for municipalities and advocating at national level for funding for climate-proof infrastructure. “The impacts of climate change are happening already,” said Pauliina Jalonen. “So adaptation needs to take place today.”

“No regrets” for Latvian municipalities

Agita Kaupuza outlined the actions being taken by the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG) to support local climate mitigation. LALRG works with municipalities to choose the “no regrets option”, which can feature work on coastal areas, notably erosion prevention, or inland areas. The Association helps showcase and share best practices of local adaptation actions, on issues ranging from urban regeneration in topics that cover from regeneration to water management.

You can also consult the recording of the event.

The Covenant of Mayors campaign for achieving a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 is at full speed. More and more municipalities are renewing their commitments and joining the world’s largest movement for local climate and energy action. As a CEMR member, if you want to organise national events to promote the Covenant and provide capacitybuilding support to municipalities in your country reach out to Pedro Bizarro.

BIZARRO Pedro

Project Lead – Climate, Energy & Urban Development

GAUDRON Marine In EU budget, EU budget, Latest, Local finances, Local finances, Publications

Local finances hit by COVID-19

CEMR report reveals rising costs and falling revenues for local and regional governments during the pandemic, threatening public services and investments

Read full study

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Europe, local and regional governments (LRGs) were on the frontlines, maintaining public services, managing emergency measures, and supporting vulnerable communities. A new analysis by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) sheds light on how this essential work came at a high financial cost, creating long-lasting challenges for municipalities and regions across Europe.

Based on a survey conducted among 40 national associations in 15 countries, the CEMR report highlights what it calls a “scissor effect”: rising local expenditure paired with declining revenue. While towns and regions had to invest in health, social care, education, and digital tools to respond to the crisis, income from taxes, public service fees, and tourism sharply declined.

Some countries, such as Sweden and Estonia, offered significant support to help offset these financial shocks. Others, including Portugal, provided little to no compensation. The situation varied widely, revealing major disparities in how LRGs were supported at the national level.

The report also underscores the challenges LRGs faced in accessing EU support due to limited consultation, legal constraints, or complex procedures. Despite some flexibility under EU fiscal rules, many authorities remain uncertain about their mid- and long-term financial stability. The risk: cuts to investment in essential areas like climate action, digitalisation, housing, and public transport.

CEMR calls for a long-term rethink of how LRGs are financed and included in national and EU recovery plans. Municipalities and regions have proven their capacity to lead in times of crisis. To continue doing so, they need clear legal frameworks, financial autonomy, and a real partnership with national and European institutions.

The report is a clear reminder: Europe’s recovery depends on strong, resilient local and regional governments. Equipping them today is the key to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof tomorrow.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

TSKHELISHVILI Bella In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

National Distinction in Moldova

NALAS President receives the highest national distinction – Order of the Republic of Moldova

Tatiana Badan, Mayor of Selemet (Moldova), President of the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) and President of the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS), was awarded with the highest distinction of Moldova, the Order of the Republic, on 15 October 2021.

This distinction was presented by Moldovan President Maia Sandu “as a sign of high appreciation of special merits to the state, for substantial contribution to asserting interests and promoting the image of the Republic of Moldova in the world, for outstanding professional success, for civic initiative and active participation in advancing reforms”.

This Prize was handed to Ms Badan on the occasion of the 30th anniversary since the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova. She has over 28 years of experience in local public administration, serves as a mayor for more than 18 years, in 5 mandates

NALAS is a network of associations of local authorities of South East Europe. The Network brings together 14 associations which represent roughly 9000 local authorities, directly elected by more than 80 million citizens of this region. CALM promotes the interests and rights of local authorities in Moldova. It was established in 2010 and is a member of the CEMR since 2013.

TSKHELISHVILI Bella

Advisor – Eastern Partnership and Geographical Dialogues

BENNIS Hamza In Digitalisation, Impact community Labour, Latest

Muni World 2021

Take part in Muni World 2021, a hybrid event focusing on smart cities

The Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, Masham, invites you to its annual event, MUNI WORLD 2021. Taking place from 19 to 21 October 2021, this hybrid event will focus on areas pertaining to smart cities innovation, environmental issues, approaches to urban planning or transportation.

The event’s highlights will be the international MUNIEXPO exhibition dedicated to urban innovation and smart cities and the MUNIWORLD Conference focusing this year on the threats of urban terrorism on smart cities.

Online live tours will be available throughout the event for registered participants. The tours will be conducted in English and will convey what is happening in the exhibitions at those moments. To register, click here. More information is available here.

Aslo discover MUNI WORLD is this 37” video.

BENNIS Hamza

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

TARAN Stanislav In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, EU enlargement and Eastern Partnership, Impact community Society, Latest, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Twinning, Ukraine reconstruction

Building partnerships with Ukraine

Key factors for successful and sustainable partnerships between Ukrainian and EU local governments

Read full study

Ukrainian municipalities have a long tradition of international cooperation, especially with their counterparts in European Union (EU) member states. Today, this cooperation is more relevant than ever. Municipalities seek to improve local services, modernise administration, attract investment, and promote tourism and culture by learning from and working with EU partners.

At the same time, establishing meaningful partnerships is not straightforward. Many municipalities, particularly those with limited international experience and resources, face challenges in sustaining long-term cooperation. To respond to this need, the Bridges of Trust initiative was launched to support exchange, promote best practices, and help local governments in Ukraine and the EU build effective partnerships.

Mapping cooperation

Ukraine’s decentralisation reform, launched in 2014, created 1,469 consolidated territorial communities, strengthening local governance and budgets. This has enabled municipalities to take greater responsibility for international engagement. Reports by the European Commission and the European Parliament have recognised Ukraine’s decentralisation as a success story, while also stressing the need to safeguard its achievements through constitutional reform.

Success factors in municipal cooperation

Drawing on decades of European experience with twinning and decentralised cooperation, several factors emerge as critical to success:

Careful partner selection, ensuring shared interests and commitment.
Clear partnership strategies with defined objectives.
Sustainable planning and dedicated support structures (e.g. steering committees).
Joint financing and access to external funding.
Active involvement of schools, youth, and citizens to broaden visibility.
Political leadership and motivated staff, supported by international departments.
A strong European dimension to reinforce unity and common identity.

Challenges facing Ukrainian municipalities

Despite progress, obstacles remain. Studies of cooperation with Polish and other EU municipalities highlight recurring issues:

Partnerships that exist only on paper, with little or no joint activity.
Limited staff capacity, foreign language barriers, and a lack of experience in managing international projects.
Insufficient awareness among citizens of the benefits of cooperation.
Irregular contacts and a lack of strategic alignment between partners.
Funding shortages for travel, exchanges, and project implementation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities. While some partnerships stalled due to travel restrictions, others adapted by embracing online platforms. Virtual exchanges, such as U-LEAD’s study visits and the Bridges of Trust online forums, demonstrated how digital tools can sustain and even intensify cooperation.

Looking ahead

Above all, motivation and leadership remain the decisive factors. As Ukrainian officials note, training and case studies are valuable, but without committed local leaders and engaged staff, partnerships cannot thrive. Conversely, municipalities with strong motivation but little experience can quickly grow if supported with targeted training, funding, and practical guidance.

International municipal cooperation is not simply an instrument of solidarity: it is a strategic investment in Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and European future. By learning from each other, municipalities in Ukraine and the EU can build sustainable partnerships that deliver tangible results for their communities and strengthen the foundations of a common European identity.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)

GRIFFON Axelle In Energy, Impact community Climate, Latest

Fit for 55

What the EU’s mammoth climate and energy package means for local governments

If the European Green Deal set general objectives for a more sustainable and eventually carbon-neutral Europe, the Fit for 55 package presented earlier this year outlines the legislative measures to achieve this. This analysis highlights a few of the package’s major proposals: energy efficiency, alternative fuel infrastructure and forests.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put the attainment of climate neutrality by 2050 at the core of her political agenda with the adoption of the Green Deal a few months after taking office in 2019. The intermediary target of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 is enshrined in the Climate Law adopted in early 2021.

Published ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November, the Fit for 55 package contains 13 legislative and non-legislative proposals[1]. These aim to raise the ambitions of several EU policies in the fields of climate, energy, environment, buildings, forests and transport, while ensuring a socially fair transition.

The creation of an EU Social Climate Fund has been proposed as part of the revision of the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS). The ETS reform will extend emissions trading to cover the building and road transport sectors. Emissions from these sectors will not be covered by the existing EU ETS, but by a new, separate emissions trading system. The Social Climate Fund is meant to address the social impacts that would arise from the new system.

Energy efficient buildings: 3% renovation target is excessive

The Commission proposes to amend the Energy Efficiency Directive to require EU countries to collectively ensure an additional reduction of energy consumption of 9% by 2030 compared to the objectives set for 2020.

A key element for the public sector – including local and regional governments – is a requirement to achieve an annual energy consumption reduction of 1.7% and to renovate each year at least 3% of the total floor area of buildings owned by all levels of public administration.

CEMR is concerned about this obligation as presented. A certain level of flexibility should be applied insofar as emission reductions are proven. Many public buildings are older or even historic buildings, and therefore a uniform 3% annual renovation target would be too onerous for local and regional governments.

Alternative fuel instracture: coordination needed between all levels of government

A revised directive will set a number of mandatory national targets for the deployment of infrastructure so road vehicles can use alternative fuels, such as electricity, hydrogen or natural gas. It is crucial that Member States engage with municipalities and regions to ensure that the measures implemented by different governance levels reinforce and leverage impact.

The transition to alternative fuels also requires strong technical resources and capacity. Local and regional governments need technical expertise, enabling measures for joint public procurement and adequate financial support to make this transition a reality.

Forests: 3 billion trees to be planted by 2030

Within the new EU Forest Strategy, the European Commission aims to improve the quantity and quality of forests. Acting as carbon sinks, forests contribute to reducing emissions and are essential to maintaining biodiversity. The Commission is notably calling for a strict protection of remaining EU primary and ancient forests (today estimated at 3% of the EU’s territory). In addition, the EU wants 3 billion additional trees to be planted by 2030.

The strategy has been under discussion for some time with a wide range of stakeholders, including local and regional representatives. They call for sustainable forest management with a balance between three pillars: environment, social and economy.

Next steps

The Fit for 55 package has a strong territorial dimension given that a wide range of actions to attenuate or mitigate climate change are taking place at local or regional level. Moreover, climate change disproportionately affects certain vulnerable territories and populations.

While the majority of the proposals do not directly target local and regional governments, they will have a significant impact on them. This is why the local and regional level needs appropriate resources to comply with the legislation and cannot be left unsupported. The local and regional perspective must be well reflected in the legislative proposals going forward.

The CEMR Secretariat will closely follow the negotiations in the Parliament and the Council for the most relevant proposals, notably on energy efficiency, renewables, buildings and transport.

[1] The proposals include revisions and amendments to existing legislation:

Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
Revision of the Regulation on LULUCF and Effort Sharing Regulation
Amendment of the Renewable Energy Directive
Amendment of the Energy Efficiency Directive
Revision of the Energy Tax Directive
Revision of the Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure
Revision of the Regulation setting CO2 emission performance standards for cars

New proposals:

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Social Climate Fund
New EU Forest Strategy

And future proposals:

Revision of the energy performance of Buildings Directive
Revision of the Third Energy Package for gas

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

GRIFFON Axelle In Energy, Impact community Climate, Latest

World Climate Awards

Paris and Samsø are “climate leaders”, says UN

The UN has revealed the winners of the 10th anniversary edition of its Global Climate Action Awards. Among the winners are the City of Paris and the Danish island-municipality of Samsø. The two municipalities were awarded the title of “climate leaders”.

Paris was recognised for its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, to expand the use of solar panels to 20% of Parisian rooftops and to become a 100% bikeable city.

Samsø, with a population of around 3700, has already become net carbon zero through the use of renewable energy, electric vehicles and biomass.

The awards serve as another example that all places – urban or rural, great or small, central or peripheral – can do their part and have an impact against climate change.

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

THOMAS Carol In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Twinning

Committee of the regions

Stefano Bonaccini: “President von der Leyen should stick to her words when she said that local and regional governments will be at the heart of our recovery”

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has a long and fruitful cooperation with the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which turns 70 this year. Many joint initiatives, consultations and activities have been developed by the CoR and the CEMR so far and many others are already in the pipeline.

Just a few days ahead of the 19th European Week of Regions and Cities, which will take place from 11 to 14 October, we spoke with the President of Emilia-Romagna and CEMR, Stefano Bonaccini, on how local and regional governments take up the new challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate disruption and territorial inequalities.

President Bonaccini, after seven decades of work to empower local and regional authorities in Europe, what would you say are CEMR’s main achievements?

Seventy years is a long time in politics and there is much to choose from. In the early years, CEMR greatly contributed to the European project with the promotion of town twinning. This movement was crucial to reconcile people across the continent in the aftermath of the war. Today it is estimated that there are over 20,000 twinning across Europe.

Protecting local democracy and autonomy was also crucial. CEMR’s advocacy in this area culminated in the 1985 European Charter of Local Self-Government of the Council of Europe . Today, the Charter’s 47 signatories all commit to respecting local democracy and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is responsible for evaluating the application of the Charter, in each Member State, through a regular monitoring, country-by-country.

Over the years, we have extended our action to an increasingly wide variety of areas, including issues of gender equality, the environment or international cooperation. But in terms of achievements, I would cite two recent examples.

Alongside other networks of local and regional governments, we have successfully influenced negotiations on cohesion policy to ensure that towns, cities and regions must be consulted when designing and delivering EU funds. To bolster our efforts, we joined with other supporters of a strong regional policy to form the #CohesionAlliance, launched by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in 2018.

CEMR also recently achieved the recognition that national and European associations of local and regional governments no longer need to appear on the EU Transparency Register. Thus, municipalities, regions and their representatives are no longer treated the same as private sector lobbyists, but an integral part of Europe’s democratic governance.

The context has definitely changed over the past decades. What is the raison d’être of CEMR today?

European integration has allowed its member states to enjoy the longest period of peace ever, but nowadays we are fighting other kinds of battles. The pandemic has shown that our lives can easily change within days, but also that local and regional governments play a key role, throughout all types of territories, to respond to citizens’ basic needs and ensure cohesion and safety in our communities in times of crisis.

CEMR reacted quickly, offering its members the space to exchange on how local and regional governments were implementing social and protective measures as the health crisis unfolded. We have closely evaluated the devastating impact of the crisis on local and regional finances and raised the alarm on their reduced capacities to invest in a more sustainable future.

But we still need to fight for their voices to be heard, both at the EU and national levels. In a consultation carried out together with the CoR, we documented the poor level of consultation of municipalities and regions’ representatives in the drafting of the national recovery and resilience plans. We must take a strong stance to affirm their right to be involved. Fortunately, we could count on the support of the European Commission and the European Parliament, to amplify our message. CEMR will continue to monitor the rollout of these plans over the coming months.

Climate remains high on the EU’s legislative agenda (Fit for 55, social fund, etc.): how are cities and regions contributing to advancing the green transition?

The fight against climate change is the other battle we cannot afford to lose! Our territories are subject to more and more floods, as we saw this summer in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. But there were also fires in Greece, France, Turkey and in my own country Italy. Climate change is no longer a challenge for tomorrow but one that affect our lives now.

President von der Leyen’s commitment in the European Green Deal is a clear sign that the EU is pushing to move forward on the green transition. But without effective EU and national support for local and regional governments, this will remain nothing but fine words. And here, the EU must reflect on how to leave no territories behind, including smaller and less connected territories with less human and financial means.

It’s not enough to allocate funds when a catastrophe arrives like the one last summer. We need to work on a preventive facility to help municipalities and regions adapt to climate change and be prepared to face any extreme climate event. These are some issues where CEMR can work and contribute to building the resilience against climate change.

To what extent can the Next Generation EU programme support cities and regions to face such challenge?

Under the spending rules, at least 37% of EU recovery funds should address climate change. In Italy there are plans to integrate more regions into the high-speed rail network and to extend bicycle paths or zero emission bus networks. Citizens are asking for more action on the ground and the recovery plans are a great opportunity to meet their expectations!

Also, the digital transition. Italy’s recovery plan will allocate 25% of the total budget to support the digitalisation of our public administrations or to implement digital public services among many other projects. But we will also aim to transform vulnerable territories into smart and sustainable areas by investing in social housing or by strengthening local social services.

Now that most of plans have been approved, we need to keep an eye on their implementation. We need President von der Leyen to stick to her words when she said that local and regional governments will be at the heart of our recovery.

Local and regional finances were strongly hit during the pandemic, what is the state of play of local finances?

The pandemic has greatly harmed local budgets! While the crisis confirmed the crucial role of local and regional governments, the impact on our finances and capacity to invest in the long term has been devastating.

According to our monitoring of local finances, the “scissor effect” has been confirmed with a sharp drop in revenue and a spike in spending, due notably to the provision of social care, the purchase of protective equipment and support to businesses, the tourism industry, cultural activities and local associations. We have also seen a disparity in the quantity and type support provided by national governments to towns, cities and regions.

We will follow closely the upcoming reform of EU economic governance, advocating for an enabling framework for local and regional investments.

What will be the role of local and regional governments and their associations in the future of Europe?

Today, 77% of Europeans consider that local and regional governments and civil society should be consulted on the use of Next Generation EU funds. This is a clear sign that municipalities and regions must play a role in Europe governance.

Local and regional governments and their associations are the best-placed to create the link between citizens and the EU institutions. That is what this crisis has shown: it is only by working hand-in-hand – Europe, national governments and municipalities and regions – that we can provide solutions for people’s well-being. And I can assure you that we are ready to mobilise citizens around the debates on the future of Europe: CEMR will play its role in this democratic process.

The Conference on the Future of Europe is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to strengthen cooperation with local and regional governments. Let’s seize this chance to put municipalities and regions at the heart of the European project!

THOMAS Carol

Senior Adviser, Governance, Gender Equality, Local Democracy

THOMAS Carol In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy

Future of Europe

EU Vice-President Věra Jourová: ‘You have an accomplice in the Commission’

The European Union is a work in progress which has constantly changed with the times. In that spirit, the Conference on the Future of Europe is being held as a great occasion for elected leaders, civil society and citizens to debate what shape should take our continent and our Union

CEMR’s fourth annual retreat featured a debate on the future of Europe with the participation of local and regional leaders and high-level national and European officials. There was widespread agreement on the need for municipalities and regions to engage citizens in the debates, as well as to make their own voices heard in the Conference.

Věra Jourová, EU Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency and former Czech minister for regional development, stressed the importance of municipalities and regions in promoting civic engagement. “Local and regional authorities are closest to citizens and are our crucial partners in the pursuit of common European goals and values, most recently also in promoting the Conference on the Future of Europe”, she said.

On the spending of EU cohesion and recovery funds, Jourová encouraged municipalities and regions to “be tough” with their national governments to ensure transparent and simple ways of spending the money. The Czech politician signaled that she is an ally on this issue: “If you need an accomplice in the Commission, I am here!”

Time to share our ‘criticisms and dreams’ for Europe

Clément Beaune, French Secretary of State for European Affairs, stressed that the Conference was unique moment for open debate and for citizens to express their criticisms and dreams for Europe. He argued that local and regional governments have to “make this debate known, encourage it, share it. This is a condition for the Conference’s success.”

Jan Olbrycht, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Poland, said the EU was reflecting upon itself in the wake of Brexit and the COVID crisis. He argued for decentralisation in general as a way of strengthening the EU. “The Committee of the Regions and multi-level governance should absolute be reinforced”, Olbrycht said. “If they don’t reinforce decentralisation in Europe, the centralisation in each of the Member States will work against a stronger EU.”

A make-or-break moment for Europe

For Eva Maydell, an MEP from Bulgaria and the president of the European Movement International (EMI), are at a make-or-break moment for Europe. “The Conference on the Future of Europe will either be a catalyst for deep changes or it will be a moment of steep decline in trust and legitimacy of the European Union.”

To ensure success, Maydell stressed the need for strong communications campaigns to promote civic participation in the Conference, also at local and regional level. She argued that instead of general debates that could be too vague, there should be topical ones on issues of strong interest to citizens, such as healthcare, agriculture and edcation. She urged local governments to “take the pulse” of citizens and participate in the process of translating this feedback into political proposals.

These interventions were followed by exchanges with the mayors Oss (Netherlands), Cumpăna (Romania), Soria (Spain) and Mlade Buky (Czech Republic) and Thessaloniki (Greece), sharing their ideas on how to best include local and regional governments in the recovery and the conference.