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The transition towards a sustainable, decentralised and decarbonised energy system is a collective endeavour. Local and regional governments across Europe are already demonstrating leadership, delivering a significant share of the EU’s climate objectives. Yet, despite their strong track record and growing involvement, their role in shaping national climate and energy strategies remains fragmented. Ongoing negotiations on Energy Union Governance open the door to correcting this imbalance by establishing permanent Multilevel Climate and Energy Dialogue Platforms.

Building on local experience
Cities and regions have proven to be persistent drivers of Europe’s energy transition, with research showing they contribute to more than a third of the EU’s 2020 climate target. Initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors have showcased how local ambition can exceed European targets, but without a formal structure, their contributions risk being underutilised. The European Parliament’s proposal for dialogue platforms would ensure local authorities, alongside civil society and business stakeholders, are systematically involved in drafting, monitoring, and reviewing National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and Long-Term Strategies.

Such platforms would offer multiple benefits: continuous political support, feedback loops between delivery agents and policymakers, shared responsibility across sectors, stronger policy implementation, and the spread of best practices across Member States.

National examples to inspire Europe

Several countries already provide valuable models. In the Netherlands, municipalities and provinces negotiate national energy strategies with the government and social partners, resulting in formal agreements and regional climate plans. France has institutionalised citizen and stakeholder involvement through its Public Debate Commission, engaging the public directly in shaping energy programmes. Sweden demonstrates the value of capacity-building, with national agencies supporting local governments in setting and implementing climate objectives aligned with national goals.

These examples show that permanent platforms for dialogue are both feasible and effective. Institutionalising multilevel dialogue under the Energy Union Governance would not only ensure that the EU benefits from the proven ambition of local authorities but also strengthen the democratic legitimacy and efficiency of Europe’s energy transition. Local governments are ready to contribute, what is needed now is a framework that guarantees their voice is heard at every stage.

For more information, contact:

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Latest, Local finances, Local finances, Publications, Territorial development

Regional actors in economic governance

CEMR–EPSU report maps current involvement of local and regional actors in EU economic governance

The European Semester, created in 2010 in response to the financial crisis, is the EU’s annual cycle for coordinating Member States’ economic, social, employment, and budgetary policies. Its aim is to align national reforms with shared EU objectives, including stability, sustainable growth, and the Europe 2020 strategy.

While central governments and EU institutions remain the main players, the process increasingly affects local and regional governments (LRGs) and their social partners. From public finance and taxation to health, social care and employment, many Semester reforms directly touch the responsibilities of municipalities and regions, as well as the working conditions of the sector’s employees.

The joint CEMR–EPSU project “Localising the European Semester” (2018–2020) set out to better understand and strengthen this involvement. The first deliverable, a background report published in February 2018, provided an overview of the Semester’s development, evidence of how LRGs and social partners are engaged, and identified important gaps in knowledge.

Key findings from the report include:

Limited evidence of structured involvement: While LRGs are often consulted through existing dialogue structures, their influence remains inconsistent across Member States. For social partners, involvement is even less systematic, with sectoral trade unions and employers’ organisations often sidelined in favour of peak-level organisations.
Impact remains unclear: Academic studies assess when countries follow Semester recommendations, for example, during election cycles, under market pressure, or when backed by EU enforcement. However, little research exists on whether reforms are more likely to succeed when LRGs and social partners contribute.
Need for deeper analysis: The extent to which local governments and sectoral social partners shape National Reform Programmes (NRPs) is largely undocumented. Equally, it remains uncertain whether peak organisations fully represent the concerns of the local government sector in national consultations.
Opportunities for good practice: Where involvement does occur, it is often tied to long-standing structures for social dialogue or intergovernmental coordination. The challenge is to turn sporadic consultation into regular, structured dialogue with clear impact.

The report concludes that strengthening the role of LRGs and their social partners in the Semester is both necessary and possible. By documenting experiences, identifying good practices, and pressing for meaningful engagement, the CEMR–EPSU project aims to ensure that the voices of local governments, employers and workers are better reflected in one of the EU’s most powerful policy coordination tools.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Latest, Publications

Making the EU semester inclusive

Final declaration of the CEMR–EPSU project calls for stronger involvement of local governments and social partners in the European Semester

Read full declaration

The European Semester, once primarily a tool for economic coordination, has evolved into a wide-ranging policy process that shapes social legislation, EU funding priorities, and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, its democratic legitimacy remains limited, with insufficient involvement of local and regional governments (LRGs) and their social partners.

From 2018 to 2020, CEMR and EPSU ran the joint project Localising the European Semester with the support of the European Commission. The initiative explored ways to better involve sectoral social partners of local and regional governments in the Semester cycle. Its findings confirm that around 80% of Country Specific Recommendations have a territorial impact, making the engagement of municipalities, cities and regions essential for their effective implementation.

The project demonstrated a growing interest from social partner organisations in contributing to the Semester. However, practices across Member States remain inconsistent, and consultation processes are often too formal to be effective. CEMR and EPSU therefore call for clearer standards and stronger mechanisms to ensure meaningful participation.

Key recommendations include:

Guaranteeing that the views of local and regional social partners are fully taken into account.
Setting EU-wide quality standards for inclusive consultation processes.
Providing dedicated fora and visibility for sectoral social partners in the Semester cycle.
Establishing an ad-hoc grant to support information and consultation at the national level.
Ensuring the Semester becomes an inclusive framework for achieving the SDGs.

CEMR and EPSU underline that municipalities, cities and regions are vital socio-economic actors, delivering investments, growth and high-quality services. To strengthen the legitimacy and impact of the European Semester, EU institutions and national governments must involve them, and their social partners, much more closely. Only by doing so can the Semester live up to its promise of supporting sustainable and inclusive development across Europe.

Read the declaration here

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

OKKALI AKTAS Ayben In About CEMR, About CEMR, Latest, Publications

CEMR rules of procedure

Ensuring transparent, balanced, and effective governance within CEMR

Read rules of procedure

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) operates through a structured and transparent governance framework designed to ensure fair representation, accountability, and effective decision-making across its network. The Rules of Procedure set out how the organisation functions, from membership and institutional structures to decision-making processes and financial management.

CEMR membership is open to national associations of local and regional governments that meet defined criteria. Clear procedures guide applications, cooperation between members within the same country, and the handling of fees, ensuring both inclusiveness and organisational coherence.

The organisation is governed by key statutory bodies, including the Policy Committee, Executive Bureau, and Financial Management Committee. These bodies are responsible for political direction, operational oversight, and financial supervision. Particular attention is given to balanced representation, especially gender equality, reflecting CEMR’s commitment to inclusivity and the principles of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life.

Decision-making processes are designed to be democratic and transparent. Meetings are convened with advance notice, voting procedures are clearly defined, and mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability, including rules on quorum, proxy voting, and financial compliance.

CEMR’s functioning is further supported by committees, expert groups, and spokespersons who contribute to policy development and represent the organisation externally. The Secretary General plays a central role in managing the Secretariat, implementing strategic priorities, and ensuring the smooth running of daily operations.

Financial governance is ensured through structured fee systems, oversight by the Financial Management Committee, and regular auditing. At the same time, cooperation with European and international organisations strengthens CEMR’s role in promoting local and regional self-government globally.

Overall, the Rules of Procedure provide a solid foundation for CEMR’s work, ensuring that the organisation remains democratic, representative, and effective in supporting local and regional governments across Europe.

For more information, contact:

OKKALI AKTAS Ayben

Officer – Statutory Affairs & Event

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications

Local and regional leaders at COP23

Driving decarbonisation through cooperation, finance and multilevel governance

At COP23, European towns and regions reaffirm their commitment to building decarbonised and sustainable societies. Local and regional governments are already on the frontlines of the climate transition, implementing concrete measures that bring global climate goals to life at the community level. As Mayor Juan Espadas of Seville and Mayor Furio Honsell of Udine underline:

Towns, regions and countries should all stand side by side to reach a sustainable planet. At COP23, let’s work together to achieve a decarbonised and sustainable future for everyone.

Key Messages from Local and Regional Governments

Global climate agendas are only achieved with local action
Cities and regions are essential for turning international commitments into reality. Localising the Agenda 2030 and strengthening multilevel alliances ensures that national and international targets translate into measurable change on the ground.

Appropriate financial and political frameworks are crucial
Ambitious local climate action depends on strong frameworks that provide resources and recognition. National governments must formally acknowledge local authorities as legitimate partners and equip them with the means to lead mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Governing together for a stronger impact
Tackling climate change requires collaboration at all levels. Early involvement of towns, cities and regions in national and international policymaking strengthens implementation and creates unity of purpose. Global initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors demonstrate the power of collective local action.

Europe’s global responsibility
Europe must reinforce its role as a leader in protecting the planet by working hand in hand with local and regional governments. Their active participation in shaping climate policy will ensure effective, democratic and sustainable results at both the EU and global levels.

Decentralised cooperation accelerates decarbonisation
Cities have already developed extensive expertise in sustainable planning and international partnerships. Through decentralised cooperation, European towns and regions support their peers worldwide to implement climate projects, strengthening the global movement towards decarbonised societies.

The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement highlights the need for all other actors to step up. Local and regional governments across Europe are ready to intensify their cooperation, within Europe and globally, to keep the world on track towards a sustainable, decarbonised future.

For more information, contact:

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva

Senior Advisor – Global Agendas, SDGs & Climate

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Publications

Guidelines for gender equality

Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the European Public Service Union (EPSU) have adopted revised guidelines to help local and regional governments strengthen gender equality in the workplace. These updated guidelines replace the original 2007 version, reflecting new social challenges and priorities, such as the effects of austerity policies and demographic change.

Recognising the central role that municipalities and regions play as employers and service providers, the guidelines provide a practical framework for developing Gender Equality Action Plans (GEAPs). These plans aim to improve working conditions, promote equal career opportunities for women and men, and support a better work-life balance for all staff.

“Gender equality is essential to create fair and resilient communities. Local governments can lead by example,” state the social partners.

The revised guidelines:

Encourage positive action and gender mainstreaming in HR and service provision;

Offer templates and checklists to support the creation of tailored local plans;

Promote cooperation between employers, employees, and trade unions;

Align with existing EU legislation and the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

The document also outlines the importance of political backing, training, and long-term commitment to ensure successful implementation. CEMR and EPSU plan to assess the impact of these updated guidelines through the Social Dialogue Committee in 2019.

For municipalities, county councils, and regions, this tool is an opportunity to foster more inclusive, equitable workplaces while meeting broader European goals on gender equality.

For more information, contact:

Read full position paper here

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Public services, Public services, Publications

Extending social protection rights

CEMR highlights challenges and priorities in ensuring fair access to social protection for all forms of employment

In June 2017, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) responded to the European Commission’s first-phase consultation of social partners on access to social protection within the framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights. CEMR welcomed the initiative but emphasised that further detail is needed to ensure effective and fair implementation across Europe.

CEMR underlined that while improving access to social protection is beneficial, implementation must remain balanced between workers’ rights and employers’ needs. The organisation cautioned that additional measures, such as parental leave provisions under the Work-Life Balance Directive, may create significant costs for local governments and should be carefully planned.

A key challenge lies in ensuring similar social protection rights for similar work, while recognising that not all workers lacking access face the same risks. The main issue arises when individuals have no coverage at all, not when they are already protected through another job.

For self-employed workers, CEMR identified several priority areas for EU action under social protection, including:

sickness and accident-at-work benefits,
old-age and invalidity benefits,
maternity and paternity benefits.

In terms of employment services, CEMR stressed the importance of strengthening guidance, counselling, training, and reintegration measures to support workers in transition.

While CEMR agreed that all self-employed workers should, in principle, be included in such an initiative, it pointed out the particular difficulties faced by small and micro-businesses. A tailored approach is needed, with careful assessment of different employment types.

CEMR reaffirmed that responsibility for social policy and social insurance design remains with Member States, and that self-governance by social partners must be respected. Any EU initiative on access to social protection should therefore act as a framework for guidance and support, while preserving national competencies and diversity.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

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

Shaping the future of cohesion

CEMR outlines 14 key reforms for a more inclusive, place-based EU policy

As the EU prepares the next programming period, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is calling for a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping and delivering cohesion policy.

In a new position paper, CEMR presents 14 key recommendations to improve the way EU funds are managed on the ground, making them simpler, more flexible, and better suited to the needs of Europe’s territories.

Key priorities include:

A guaranteed budget for cohesion policy to meet EU goals like the Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Stronger partnerships between the EU, national, and local authorities, with clear responsibilities and joint agreements.

Simpler rules and more flexibility to reflect local realities, especially in rural or less-developed areas.

Improved access to funding through a “one-stop-shop” system and support for small municipalities.

A new capacity-building tool to help local authorities manage and deliver EU funds more effectively.

CEMR also warns against replacing grants with loans and calls for more manageable audits and controls, especially for small projects.

Why it matters:

Cohesion policy is a key pillar of EU solidarity, helping to reduce inequalities and support green and social transitions. But local governments often face too much red tape and too little say in how the funds are used.

With these recommendations, CEMR urges EU institutions to design a place-based, inclusive cohesion policy, one that truly works with and for Europe’s territories.

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Public services, Public services, Publications

Revision of written statement directive

New obligations on short-term contracts could burden local employers

As the European Commission considers revising the Written Statement Directive (91/533/EEC) to reflect the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for a balanced and flexible approach that takes into account the realities of local and regional government employment.

In its official response to the Commission’s first-phase consultation of the social partners, CEMR acknowledges that the Commission has correctly identified many relevant issues. However, it expresses concern that expanding the scope of the directive, particularly to cover all atypical and short-term work contracts, could result in disproportionate administrative burdens for local authorities.

“The introduction of written statements for contracts under one month or eight hours would place a burden on employers that is not proportionate to the benefits for employees,” the response notes.

CEMR stresses that:

Most local government staff already fall under the existing rules;

Local authorities need flexibility in handling casual and supply contracts, especially in sectors like education;

Contractual elements should remain a matter for national decision-making, not EU regulation;

There is a risk in conflating very different work arrangements, such as traineeships, digital platform work, and genuine self-employment.

While supportive of fair and transparent working conditions, CEMR does not currently support new EU-level legislation in the areas identified and advises further analysis of the impact on public employers. Should EU-level social partners initiate negotiations under Article 155 TFEU, CEMR affirms its willingness to support the process.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Latest, Publications

European pillar of social rights

Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery

As the European Commission advances its agenda on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reiterates that success hinges on meaningful involvement of local and regional governments, alongside social partners.

CEMR emphasises that the diversity of Europe’s social and labour systems must be fully respected. Rather than setting additional minimum standards at the EU level, the Pillar should serve as a reference framework, offering benchmarks and guidance while preserving subsidiarity and national ownership.

The organisation underlines three main priorities for strengthening the social dimension of the EU:

Skills for the future: Preparing for digitalisation, demographic change and migrant integration through targeted investment in education and lifelong learning.

Inclusive labour markets: Supporting active participation of underrepresented groups, including women, older workers, and migrants, to strengthen social cohesion and economic resilience.

Gender equality: Promoting flexible working conditions, better work-life balance, and innovative employment practices to increase women’s participation in the workforce.

CEMR warns that increasing EU-level regulation in sensitive areas like minimum wages or employment contracts risks undermining national and regional competencies. Instead, the focus should be on empowering local actors to deliver tailored social and employment policies that reflect local realities.

David Simmonds, CEMR spokesperson on local and regional governments as employers, concludes:

“The best way to achieve the goals of the Social Pillar is to recognise the diversity of our territories and fully involve the local level in shaping and implementing social policies. This is the path toward a more inclusive and democratic Social Europe.”

For more information, contact: