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TSKHELISHVILI Bella
In EU enlargement and eastern partnership, EU enlargement and Eastern Partnership, Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Publications, Twinning

Local role in the EU enlargement 

EU Enlargement - News

Decentralisation and strong local governance are key for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s EU accession path 

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The decision of the European Council to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and to recognise Georgia’s perspective once further reforms are met marks a historic step in the enlargement of the European Union. Beyond the geopolitical dimension, the process will require profound reforms at the local level, particularly in decentralisation, public administration, and democratic governance. 

The European Commission’s opinions emphasise decentralisation as a cornerstone of EU membership criteria. Strengthening local autonomy, building institutional capacity, and fostering multilevel governance are essential for sustainable reforms in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Empowering municipalities and regions will not only improve service delivery but also ensure that EU values and standards are implemented where citizens feel them most directly: at the local level. 

Decentralised cooperation plays a decisive role in this transformation. Peer exchanges, partnerships, mentorship programmes, and twinning initiatives provide practical support for reforms while reinforcing democratic practices. These mechanisms are particularly vital in contexts of crisis and recovery, such as the post-pandemic and post-war reconstruction efforts. 

Granting candidate status also strengthens local governments’ ability to modernise, adopt new technologies, and access tools that improve governance and resilience. This process will accelerate reforms in public administration, boost citizen participation, and ensure a closer alignment with the EU’s Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. 

The path toward EU membership for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia must include a strong local dimension. By prioritising decentralisation and local autonomy, the accession process can deliver long-term sustainable development, stronger democracies, and better services for citizens. Supporting municipalities and regions is therefore not just complementary, but essential for a successful enlargement process. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Study on how local and regional governments apply the SDGs

ADD ME project

Just out: New study on how towns, regions and their associations bring international ambitions to territorial realities

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Four years into Agenda 2030, it is clearer than ever that a global shift requires local action. But how are local and regional governments, and their associations, paving the way towards sustainable development? Find out more in the new study carried out by the Council of European and Municipalities (CEMR) and PLATFORMA.

This study entitled “How local & regional government associations bring the SDGs to life” highlights how towns and regions are bringing international ambitions to territorial realities.

The 10 recommendations of this study are there to take towns and regions one step closer to better localise the SDGs. The study also shows that no less than 73% of the European countries surveyed are now developing local indicators to assess the implementation of the SDGs.

Towns and regions are “tailoring, mainstreaming and living” the SDGs

“One year on, local and regional government associations have not just been implementing policies in service of the goals, they are tailoring, mainstreaming and living them. Local and regional government associations are increasingly being recognised as the torchbearers in embracing the 2030 Agenda,” said Frédéric Vallier, Secretary General of CEMR, lead partner of PLATFORMA.

“The clock is ticking – we only have around ten years left before we hit 2030. We need all hands on deck! Until then, we should be proud of what Europe’s cities and regions have already achieved,” added Stefano Bonaccini, President of CEMR, AICCRE & Emilia Romagna Region (Italy).

This new study is based on a joint survey conducted by CEMR, PLATFORMA and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) sent out to national associations of local and regional governments. It is a follow up of the 2018 study entitled “Sustainable Development Goals – How Europe’s towns and regions are taking the lead”.

More about #LocalizingSDGs

  • Local and regional governments represented in New York

European local and regional leaders from a CEMR-PLATFORMA delegation are calling to accelerate climate action and the localisation of UN Global Goals at the UN General Assembly.

> Read more

  • Engaging citizens in Global Sustainable Development

PLATFORMA is presenting the 4th edition of the European Days of Local Solidarity (EDLS) at the Europeaid InfoPoint Lunchtime Conference “Cities & regions: engaging citizens in Global Sustainable Development” on Wednesday 25 September 2019, 12:30-14:00.

> Read more & register

CEMR Congress on SDGs

Ten years ahead of the SDGs global deadline, CEMR invites you to its congress on SDGs in Innsbruck, from 6 to 8 May 2020. One of a kind, the congress will bring together the whole SDG family in one place: mayors, local and regional leaders, national governments, etc.

> Read the interview with the Mayor of Innsbruck, Georg Willi.

Note to the editor:

25 September is the Global Day to act for SDGs: it marks the 4th anniversary of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by Heads of State and Government. But even though the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were launched by the United Nations, the targeted beneficiaries are citizens and its primary implementers are local and regional governments.

For more information, contact:

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Publications

Global goals into local action  

Localising SDGs study - News

How local and regional government associations turn global goals into local action 

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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals are often seen as a global framework, but their success depends on local action. Nearly two-thirds of the SDGs must be implemented at the local level, making municipalities, regions, and their associations crucial actors in bringing this agenda to life. 

Local and regional government associations (LRGAs) act as bridges between citizens and higher levels of governance. They support awareness-raising, provide technical expertise, and advocate on behalf of local governments at the national, European, and international levels. Their proximity to communities allows them to translate abstract global objectives into tangible improvements in daily life, from better public services and climate action plans to gender equality policies and local economic development. 

Since the first CEMR-PLATFORMA study in 2018, the role of associations in localising the SDGs has grown significantly. Many are now actively involved in monitoring, reporting, and international advocacy, including through contributions to the UN’s High-Level Political Forum. Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and decentralised cooperation projects have become powerful tools to highlight progress, inspire others, and ensure that local voices are heard on the global stage. 

At the same time, challenges remain. Municipalities and their associations still struggle with limited resources, lack of data, and uneven awareness across regions. In particular, gaps persist between Northern/Western Europe, where SDG implementation is more advanced, and Central/Eastern Europe, where awareness and uptake are still developing. To make the 2030 Agenda truly transformative, multi-level collaboration and inclusive partnerships are essential. 

Despite these hurdles, LRGAs continue to push boundaries. By fostering cooperation between cities and regions, they strengthen international solidarity, enhance capacity-building, and adapt services to better reflect sustainability goals. They are not only localising the SDGs but also giving them credibility and momentum in Europe and beyond. 

In short, associations of towns and regions are proving that the SDGs are more than a global vision: they are a practical tool for creating sustainable, inclusive communities, driven by partnerships and citizen engagement. 

Read the study here 

Check the infographic here 

For more information, contact: 

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Publications

Towns leading global change  

Sustainable Development Goals - News

How Europe’s towns and regions are turning global sustainability goals into everyday reality 

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Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it has become increasingly clear that towns and regions are at the forefront of making the global goals a reality. Local and regional governments are responsible for many of the services that directly affect citizens’ lives, education, housing, transport, waste management, and health. Their actions, often taken without reference to international frameworks, already contribute to creating more sustainable communities. 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA highlight the central role of local governments not just as service providers but also as policy shapers, awareness raisers, and partnership builders. By engaging citizens and other stakeholders, municipalities are uniquely placed to embed sustainability principles in everyday governance. 

To support and strengthen this work, four clear recommendations emerge: 

  1. Increase participation – raise awareness among citizens and encourage greater involvement in sustainability initiatives. 
  1. Ensure coherence – integrate local governments into national strategies to avoid fragmented approaches. 
  1. Build capacity – provide technical tools and knowledge so municipalities can implement goals effectively. 
  1. Support partnerships – back international cooperation and exchange between towns and regions to reinforce solidarity. 

Progress is visible, but challenges remain: insufficient resources, difficulties in collecting local data, and the need for stronger national frameworks. Despite these obstacles, municipalities are proving to be powerful drivers of sustainable change. From inclusive policies to decentralised cooperation, they are demonstrating that building a sustainable future must begin at the local level. 

The global goals are not about imposing new tasks on towns and regions, but about offering a common framework and shared language. Europe’s municipalities are showing that sustainability is not abstract: it is local, practical, and essential for the well-being of communities today and tomorrow. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

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

How Europe is taking the lead on SDGs

Localising SDGs - News

Just out: New study on how to assess the UN Global Goals on the ground

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Towns and regions still lack the financial resources to monitor the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is one of the problems identified by associations of local and regional governments in a ground-breaking study carried out by PLATFORMA and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) on the evaluation of the actions taken to localise the UN Global Goals.

This study, entitled “Sustainable Development Goals – How Europe’s town and regions are taking the lead”, highlights the main challenges identified by associations of towns and regions, the top three being the lack of financial resources, the lack of data available at the local level and the lack of training.

But this fresh study is not only about identifying obstacles, it also collects good practices taken by associations and makes concrete recommendations on how to monitor the local implementation of the SDGs at domestic and international level. This includes the nomination of local SDG ambassadors, the setting of indicators or awareness raising campaigns.

The study was presented today in New York, at the 2018 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, an 8-day meeting with a central role in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Representing CEMR and PLATFORMA, the Mayor of Soria (Spain), Carlos Martínez Mínguez, explains: “Today, cities represent the global leadership which allows people to be at the core of the 2030 Agenda.”

He adds: “There is no doubt that towns and regions, national governments, the European Union and international institutions can overcome obstacles together to achieve the localisation of the SDGs. However, local and regional governments need support, both financially and technically. This is the role that associations of towns and regions are playing, but they can’t achieve this alone.”

For Carlos Martínez, the study shows that by working closer together, everybody wins: on the design, implementation and monitoring of national SDG strategies. He also also called on all EU Member States to follow the Spanish example and include next year a chapter on local governments’ actions to localise SDGs in their Voluntary National Reviews to the UN.

This publication is also available in French.

Background

Based on a survey sent out to national associations of local and regional governments, this study complements the Global Task Force’s 2nd Report to the High-Level Political Forum 2018, to which CEMR and PLATFORMA have also contributed.

This study was developed in the framework of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between CEMR-PLATFORMA and the European Commission.

For more information, contact:

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

Regions driving climate action

Environment - News

Municipalities and regions as catalysts for COP22 progress 

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COP22 in Marrakesh marked a crucial moment in translating the Paris Agreement into concrete action. For Europe’s municipalities and regions, this summit was an opportunity to showcase their role as catalysts in building sustainable and decarbonised societies. Represented by CEMR and PLATFORMA, local and regional governments brought forward five key messages to ensure that climate policies are inclusive, effective, and grounded in local realities: 

  1. Embedding the subnational level in global climate governance 
    Since COP15, the EU has acknowledged the role of municipalities and regions in combating climate change. At COP22, local leaders urged the EU to formalise a permanent, structured dialogue, allowing subnational governments to join EU delegations in climate negotiations. This would not only strengthen governance but also ensure that national commitments reflect local realities. 
  1. Linking COP outcomes with global agendas 
    COP22 should not stand alone but connect to broader frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, and the Habitat III Urban Agenda. Local financial capacities and legal competences must be assessed early to avoid unrealistic policies or burdensome costs for municipalities. 
  1. Mobilising financial and political resources 
    Successful climate action requires adequate resources. CEMR and PLATFORMA highlighted the importance of EU Structural and Investment Funds, access to global climate financing, and innovative tools like sustainable public procurement. Local politicians’ direct engagement and citizen ownership are vital to building resilient and low-carbon communities. 
  1. Mainstreaming local action into EU and national policies 
    Climate legislation must fully integrate the local dimension. Early recognition of local authorities as legitimate actors is essential. Initiatives such as the EU Urban Agenda, Territorial Agenda 2020, and the Covenant of Mayors show how climate policies can work when municipalities are treated as true partners. 
  1. Encouraging cooperation and knowledge exchange 
    Sharing practices, tools, and joint initiatives among cities and regions is key to accelerating progress. Decentralised cooperation, particularly through the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Global Covenant of Mayors, demonstrates how European municipalities can support global peers in their transition to sustainable development. 
     

CEMR and PLATFORMA reaffirmed their commitment to climate action by promoting multi-level governance, showcasing local best practices, and strengthening decentralised cooperation worldwide. Their message at COP22 was clear: local and regional governments are not bystanders but central actors in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future. Climate action is an opportunity for green jobs, growth, and resilience, and municipalities and regions are ready to lead. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Local voices for climate at COP21 

Environment - News section

Municipalities and regions shaping COP21 success 

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In December 2015, the Paris Summit (COP21) became a milestone in global climate governance. For Europe’s municipalities and regions, represented by CEMR and PLATFORMA, it was the moment to demonstrate that climate action succeeds only when local and regional governments are part of the solution. By presenting clear demands, affirming shared values, and committing to concrete actions, local leaders positioned themselves as indispensable actors in the transition to low-carbon societies. 

Developing the Demands and Values 

Local and regional governments brought forward a set of concrete demands to ensure their recognition in climate governance. They called for: 

  • A structured EU dialogue to integrate the subnational dimension into the UNFCCC process. 
  • A formal seat at the COP negotiation table for municipalities, regions, and their associations. 
  • Stronger support for networks, enabling them to deliver unified positions and assist EU institutions. 
  • Mainstreaming climate across all EU and national policies, ensuring local perspectives are embedded from the outset. 
  • Recognition of green public procurement as a driver for innovation and CO₂ reduction. 
  • Links between COP outcomes, the SDGs, and Habitat III, ensuring consistency across global agendas. 
  • Adequate financing and research tools, including access to EU Structural and Investment Funds and international climate funds. 
  • Better EU regulation, with early recognition of local authorities in decision-making. 
  • Support for knowledge exchange at the subnational level in Europe and globally. 

Underlying these demands are shared values: confidence in local governments’ ability to deliver, support for the EU’s climate objectives, and the conviction that climate action is also an opportunity for green jobs and sustainable growth. 

Actions on the Ground 

Municipalities and regions also highlighted how they are already leading by example: 

  • Multi-actor governance: championing bottom-up approaches, engaging with all levels of government and stakeholders to tackle climate change collectively. 
  • Local leadership: through initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors and Mayors Adapt, thousands of cities have set ambitious emission-reduction goals. 
  • Networking for impact: collaborating across European and global networks to amplify messages and coordinate strategies. 
  • Tools for sustainable planning: promoting the Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities (RFSC) to benchmark and guide local sustainable development. 
  • Decentralised cooperation: supporting international partnerships where European municipalities work hand in hand with peers worldwide to advance sustainable urban development. 

At COP21, local and regional governments made clear that the Paris Agreement could only succeed with their full participation. Their message was simple but powerful: municipalities and regions are closest to citizens, already delivering results, and ready to scale up climate ambition. Recognising and empowering them is not optional, it is essential to building a sustainable, low-carbon future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Key messages of regions for COP21

Climate - News

From Lyon to Paris: Regions and Municipalities as Catalysts for COP21 Success

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As the world prepared for the Paris Climate Summit (COP21), Europe’s municipalities and regions highlighted their crucial role in delivering climate action. Close to citizens and equipped with the political legitimacy to act, they are key to building sustainable and low-carbon societies. 

Local governments are already leading by example. Initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors, with thousands of signatories, show that ambitious commitments like reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 are achievable. These successes underline that global climate agendas can only succeed with strong local engagement. 

CEMR and its partners call for genuine recognition of subnational governments in international negotiations. This means giving them a seat at the COP discussion table, integrating their role in EU and national strategies, and ensuring appropriate political and financial frameworks. 

Decentralised cooperation is also vital. Through networks such as PLATFORMA, municipalities and regions share expertise with partners worldwide, ensuring that climate action is effective on the ground and adapted to local realities. 

From Lyon to Paris, towns and regions proved they are catalysts for global climate success. Recognising and empowering them is essential for the achievement of the Paris Agreement and a sustainable future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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