Call for Tender: Research Expertise on Social Dialogue Systems in Eastern Europe, Southern Islands, and EU Candidate Countries
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), in partnership with the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), is pleased to announce a call for tender for subcontracting external expertise to conduct research on social dialogue systems and practices within local and regional governments across a wide range of countries in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Southern European islands, and EU candidate countries.
This call is part of the “LRG-SD Capacity Building” (Project LAB) initiative, co-funded by the European Commission, which aims to address the current underrepresentation and limited engagement of social partners in national and EU-level social dialogue in the local and regional government sector.
The selected contractor will:
Produce a desk research report offering a comprehensive overview of social dialogue systems in the target countries.
Document and synthesise the findings from three international workshops and three twinning activities.
Draft concise and informative reports (2–15 pages) in English, summarising the discussions, conclusions, and best practices exchanged during all project events.
Attend and report on project activities (online and in-person), providing valuable insights and comparative analysis.
Target countries include: Eastern Europe (e.g. Poland, Hungary, Slovenia), Southeastern Europe (e.g. Romania, Bulgaria), EU candidate countries (e.g. Albania, Ukraine, Türkiye), and Southern European islands (Malta and Cyprus).
Expertise Required
Applicants must demonstrate:
Strong academic background in EU labour and social policy.
Proven experience with trade unions and employer organisations at the local, national, or European level.
Ability to work in multilingual and multicultural settings.
Skilled in conducting desk research and reporting on multi-stakeholder events.
Capacity to manage tight deadlines and coordinate with multiple project partners.
Availability for occasional travel to project events.
Budget and Timeline
Maximum budget: €28,925 (excluding VAT)
Contract duration: From June 2025 (upon appointment)
Deadline for submission: 30 May 2025, 12:00 (noon)
Submission email: application@ccre-cemr.org Please include the subject line: “Application – Project LAB”
Local and Regional Governments call on European Commission to safeguard the EPR Scheme in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
As the European Parliament gathers in Strasbourg for a decisive vote on the EU Water Resilience Strategy, CEMR, along with 11 other European organisations representing Local and Regional Governments, public utilities, environmental NGOs, trade unions, and water professionals, has sent a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The signatories urge the Commission to firmly uphold the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme introduced by the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), which entered into force on 1 January 2025.
The updated Directive sets ambitious targets for removing micropollutants from wastewater, achieving energy neutrality, improving transparency and sanitation access, and promoting water reuse and circular economy practices. A cornerstone of this legislative package is the EPR scheme, which requires producers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics—responsible for 92% of micropollutants, according to the European Commission’s impact assessment—to cover at least 80% of the costs of the advanced ‘quaternary treatment’ process.
Local and Regional Governments, alongside wastewater operators, are already working to implement these new measures. However, concerns have emerged about potential efforts to revise or weaken the EPR scheme through future simplification packages or other instruments not foreseen by the Directive itself.
“The EPR scheme reflects a balanced and fair compromise that ensures polluters contribute to the costs of pollution removal, rather than shifting this burden to water users and public budgets,” said Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). “This provision is a strong driver for eco-innovation and the development of more sustainable products. It doesn’t have to raise costs for consumers—by preventing pollution at the source, companies can lower treatment expenses and ease the financial burden on the public.“
The signatories highlight that the EPR scheme:
Aligns with the EU Treaty’s polluter-pays principle (Article 191(2) TFEU)
Protects water affordability for households in line with SDG 6
Encourages eco-innovation and sustainable product design
Helps improve the quality of treated water and supports circular water solutions
The economic impact on industry is expected to be limited. According to the Commission’s analysis, the price of affected products would increase by a maximum of 0.59%, or companies could absorb the cost by reducing profit margins by up to 0.7%.
The letter concludes with a strong call to the European Commission to maintain its commitment to the Directive as adopted, and to resist any pressure to alter the scope or ambition of the EPR scheme. Doing so is vital to protect Europe’s water resources, public health, and the long-term resilience of local services.
The joint letter was signed by:
Aqua Publica Europea (Bernard Van Nuffel, President)
Council of European Municipalities and Regions – CEMR (Gunn Marit Helgesen, President)
EurEau (Oliver Loebel, Secretary General)
Eurocities (André Sobczak, Secretary General)
European Anglers Alliance – EAA (Mark Owen, President)
European Environmental Bureau – EEB (Patrick ten Brink, Secretary General)
European Federation of Public Service Unions – EPSU (Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary)
European Water Association – EWA (Arthur Guischet, Secretary General)
Health Care Without Harm – HCWH Europe (Erik Ruiz, Programme Manager)
Guidelines to Prevent and Tackle Third-Party Violence and Harassment Related to Work (TPVH)
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), along with 8 European sectoral social partners representing Local and Regional Governments, hospitals and healthcare, education, hotels, restaurants and cafés (hospitality), and Central Governments, have adopted and updated the European Multi-sectoral Guidelines to Prevent and Tackle Third-Party Violence and Harassment Related to Work (TPVH).
CEMR led the employers’ delegation in the six-month round of negotiations held in 2024, which resulted in these guidelines. The European Commission financially supported these negotiations.
The revised draws upon the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (No.190), existing policies, and collective agreements at the national level to address pressing challenges, considering the increase of third-party violence and harassment at work following the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in the workplace.
They offer to the trade unions and employers:
Key elements for a TPVH policy devised by management and workers’ representatives and trade unions, anchored in social dialogue, occupational safety and health, gender equality and non-discrimination with an intersectional approach.
Practical tools and measures for health risk assessments, for example, psychosocial risks and staffing levels, prevention, and responses, such as social dialogue, awareness raising, training and clear reporting and complaint procedures.
Definitions and principles on fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance to violence and harassment, including by learning from previous incidents and cooperating with relevant public authorities.
Remedies to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable, including support and transparent investigations.
On behalf of the employers’ delegation, Fabrizio Rossi, our Secretary General, has stated:
“By concluding these updated guidelines, employers reaffirm their commitment to fostering workplaces where safety and respect are at the core, ensuring that both workers and the services delivered to citizens are protected”.
CEMR would like to thank the other signatories, namely its counterparts EPSU, HOSPEEM, HOTREC, EFEE, EUPAE, CESI, ETUCE, and EFFAT, for their collaboration over the past year leading to this adoption.
Main conclusions of the EU Budget event at the European Parliament
As the European Commission lays the groundwork for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027, the role of Local and Regional Governments has taken centre stage in Brussels. On 24 April, CEMR joined forces with Members of the European Parliament Vladimir Prebilič and Ľubica Karvašová to organise the high-level event “EU Budget: What Does the Future Hold for Multi-Level Governance?”
The discussion comes in the wake of the Commission’s strategic communication, “The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework”, which signals a potential shift in the architecture and the approach to the EU budget. What will the future EU budget look like, and how will EU funds be managed and by whom? These and other questions were discussed in this event, taking place at the European Parliament.
Strong calls for local and regional involvement
During the opening session, Vladimir Prebilič synthesised the next steps for the MFF proposal, focusing on the centralisation trends and the need to keep the regions at the centre of the design and implementation of Cohesion Policy, which must retain its long-term rationale and not be used for short-term crises.
His view was echoed by L’ubica Karvašová‘s discourse, who underlined the need for the EU to work on both a global pillar, with defence and trade policies, and a socio-economic pillar, where Cohesion Policy is at the forefront.
CEMR Co-President Christoph Schnaudigel recalled the central role of the Local and Regional Governments in the implementation of Cohesion Policy, and thus the need to be co-designers.
Aligning EU priorities with local and regional needs
The first panel discussed the interactions between EU-level priorities and local and regional governments’ investment priorities in view of the next long-term budget.
Florentine Hopmeier, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Serafin, confirmed that Commissioner Serafin is touring Europe to meet beneficiaries of EU funds and collect as much feedback and proposals as possible, but also insisted that the immediate challenge lies in the successful delivery of the current programming period. She recalled the difficult financial context lying ahead, with new priorities to be funded, together with the need to repay NextGeneration EU. The Commission must therefore work on the assumption of more constrained financial resources available. Hopmeier insisted on the need for more flexibility and the lessons learned from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), including the new approach linking investments and reforms. Finally, she concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s willingness for Local and Regional Governments to be involved and for the continuation of the Partnership Principle even in the presence of a single national plan.
Maria Teresa Fabregas Fernandez, Director of the Task Force on Reform and Investment at the European Commission, came back on the lessons learned from the RFF, highlighting the added value of the holistic approach linking investments on EU priorities to reforms improving the impact of investments. She confirmed that the Commission has been warning Member States to involve Local and Regional Governments when reforms affect subnational authorities.
Ester Borràs, from the Catalan government Delegate to the EU, warned about the risks of centralising decision-making with a single plan. She called for simplification, while recalling that centralisation is not simplification, and for harmonisation in the now fragmented EU funds.
L’ubica Karvašová concluded the panel by suggesting a focus on impact rather than performance, and a two-tiered single plan: a national tier and a second tier for individual regional plans, using the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) model. She also pleaded for the institutions to reach a bigger budget in view of the increased investment needs of the Union, and emphasised that investments in social and educational infrastructure also contribute to competitiveness.
Ensuring efficient implementation of the EU’s investment policy
The second panel on ensuring both rapid and efficient implementation of the EU’s investment policy opened with Vasco AlvesCordeiro, Chair of the European Committee of the Regions’ (CoR) COTER Commission, presenting the CoR’s priorities for the next MFF, which can be summarised as “flexibility with predictability“. These include ceilings and rules to allow for the reallocation of funds, simplifying the work of managing and auditing authorities, and the need for qualitative criteria to assess the results of cohesion policy. Finally, he stressed the need to maintain the long-term investment perspective of cohesion policy.
Kadri Uustal, Head of Unit for Cities, Communities and People at DG REGIO in the European Commission, provided additional information on the upcoming “ambitious policy agenda for cities”, as it will aim at supporting cities, not only in the framework of the Cohesion Policy, but even beyond. One of the first challenges for this will be to bring clarity to beneficiaries on the different programmes and initiatives targeting cities. Uustal explained that the Commission is also exploring a better involvement of cities in EU legislation, given the important role of subnational governments in the effective implementation.
CEMR co-president Christopher Schnaudigel recalled that Cohesion Policy is part of the EU treaties and must therefore remain a priority. He also warned that “we cannot achieve competitiveness without investing in the regions”. He recommended that Local and Regional Governments are closely associated in the drafting of the single national plans, pointing to the existing Partnership Agreements in the current Cohesion Policy framework as the model to follow in order to develop an investment plan that is both consistent at the national level, and fit for purpose at local and regional levels.
Vladimir Prebilič started by recalling the benefits Cohesion Policy has brought to the many territories where it has been invested. He then shared insights from his ongoing work as rapporteur on the Committee on Regional Development in the European Parliament for the report on simplification of the Cohesion Policy funds. As solutions to be explored, he proposed improved and more systematic territorial impact assessments, a single set of rules for funding, and a stronger distinction between errors and fraud in auditing.
Alva Finn, Executive Director of the European Liberal Forum, former member of the Commission’s expert group on the future of Cohesion Policy, suggested a full rebranding of the Cohesion Policy to increase its effectiveness and by in from citizens. Cohesion Policy is still the largest and most successful investment policy in the world, but it does need to be updated, using, for instance, smart conditionality. She advocated for cross-border and inter-European infrastructures to connect Europe and suggested integrating the place-based approach with a people-based one.
In closing remarks, Karvašová called for co-responsibility, building on Cohesion Policy to fight Euroscepticism and gaining people’s support for the European project. This message was supported by Prebilič‘s appeal to the democratic decision-making model and by Schnaudigel, who concluded by recalling CEMR’s position paper on the subject and the launch of CEMR’s new campaign on the topic.
The recent arrests and dismissals of democratically elected mayors in Türkiye, and their replacement by appointed trustees, mark a dangerous turning point for local democracy, not only in Türkiye but for Europe as a whole. At its core, democracy is not just about casting ballots; it is about ensuring that those elected by the people can govern freely, without fear of persecution. The replacement of elected mayors through judicial intervention, without full transparency and due process, raises serious questions about democratic standards and political freedom.
This is not an isolated event. It is part of a worrying trend of democratic backsliding that threatens the fundamental values upon which modern Europe has been built. From the ashes of World War II, Europe emerged with a commitment to decentralization, democracy, and human rights. The European Charter of Local Self-Government, adopted in 1985, was a direct response to past authoritarianism, ensuring that local governments have the autonomy to serve their communities without undue interference from central authorities. This principle of local self-government is a safeguard against the concentration of power and a guarantee that democracy remains rooted in the daily lives of citizens.
Yet today, these hard-won principles are being undermined. The detention of local leaders in Türkiye is a blatant violation of the commitments the country made as a member of the Council of Europe. It is a direct assault on the principles enshrined in the Charter and an ominous signal to other governments that such actions might be tolerated.
Local democracy is the first line of defense for our freedoms. When it is attacked, it is not just a city or a region that suffers—it is the very foundation of democracy. As local elected representatives, mayors are the bridge between national governments and citizens, the leaders who turn democratic principles into tangible actions—whether in public services, social cohesion, or crisis response.
Ignoring the crackdown on local leaders in Türkiye is not just a failure to support our colleagues—it is a failure to defend democracy itself. If Europe allows the erosion of local democracy anywhere on the continent, it sets a dangerous precedent that could spread.
EU institutions, together with Member states of the European Union and of the Council of Europe, must take a clear and firm stance. The defense of democracy must not be selective or conditional on political expediency. The right of people to choose their leaders—and for those leaders to govern without fear—must be upheld at all costs.
Democracy in Europe was never guaranteed; it was built through struggle and commitment. In the face of new threats, we must show the same commitment. The free election of representatives is not a privilege; it is the foundation of a just and stable society. If we fail to defend it today, we risk losing it tomorrow.
Signatories:
President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools
President of the Committee of the Regions, Katta Tüttő
President of ALDA: Nataša Vučković
President of CEMR: Gunn Marit Helgesen
*****
This opinion article was published on EU Observer on 15 April 2025. You can read it here
Cohesion Policy mid-term review: is the glass half empty or half full?
The rationale for the Commission’s latest communication “A modernised Cohesion Policy: the mid-term review” is clear and compelling: the operational programmes of the Cohesion Policy funds were negotiated four years ago: before a global pandemic, before the paradigm shift of massive EU joint borrowing, and before Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine and its dramatic impact on inflation and cost of living.
As Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto reminded Members of the European Parliament’ Regional Development Committee on 9 April: the world has changed, and so too must the Union’s priorities and policies.
This new proposal – yet another amendment to Cohesion Policy regulations in the last five years – intends to offer new spending possibilities for Managing Authorities. It does so by creating new specific objectives, expending the scope of eligible expenditures and beneficiaries in line with five new key priorities identified by the Commission:
Competitiveness and decarbonisation of industry
Defence and security
Affordable housing
Water resilience
Energy transition
These are undeniably pressing issues: Mayors have long raised awareness on the housing crisis, and recent dramatic floods across Europe highlighted the urgency of climate-resilient water management systems.
At the same time, it also reflects the new Commission’s political priorities: competitiveness and defence. One could be satisfied that including them within Cohesion Policy underlines the role of local and regional governments in fostering Europe’s competitiveness, driving strategies for local economic development and creating attractive environment for business to settle in European municipalities and regions.
And yet…
Despite its forward-looking intention, the mid-term review feels like a glass half empy or half full: the proposal does open new funding possibilities, to be used on voluntary basis by Member States or regions – depending on who the managing authority is. But the potential uptake of the amendments, at this advanced stage of the programming period, is likely to be limited – raising questions on the real added value of the entire proposal. It is also a risk to undermine previously agreed priorities with the addition of new eligible activities and eligible beneficiaries – with very attractive conditions (pre-financing, 100% co-financing from the EU), but without any additional budget.
The Commission seems haunted by its initial decision to reduce the timeline for completion of programmes to two years (N+2) after the end of the period, down from the current programming period N+3 rule. This despite the assurance of Managing Authorities that they are still on track to spend all their budget – based on decades of experience managing Cohesion policy funds. For the Commission, it is still not fast enough. With this new proposal, the Commission not only opens new eligible investment areas, but also further opens the door to large enterprises, notably defence companies to apply to Cohesion Policy funding, without requiring justifications on how these beneficiaries will contribute to the economic, social and territorial cohesion where they are located, thanks to EU funded investments.
And this last point could be the most dramatical change to Cohesion Policy as we know it. While the uptake of this new reform is likely to remain low given that most of the funds are already committed, it should be seen as a preview of the Commission’s proposal for the next budget period: It is the return of “EU structural investment policy” except that the focus will be much less on the treaty objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion, but more on the political priorities of the moment. Less on the partnership principle and multi-level governance, more on the private sector that has the capacity to spend large sums fast.
This communication is not reassuring in terms of respect for the multi-level governance and partnership principle. As we saw with the Recovery and Resilience Facility, it’s not enough to mention “in partnership with national, regional and local authorities”. The Commission must put in place methodologies and binding requirements for the multi-level governance to actually take place. Yet in this mid-term review, the Commission does not even encourage Member States and managing authorities to discuss the reprogramming opportunities together with the stakeholders.
Lessons learned
A serious structural investment policy cannot afford to be subject to constant regulatory changes within a programming period. Real flexibility should not come from the Commission’s possibility to periodically change its own political priorities; but from the very design of the programmes where investments priorities would be defined from a bottom-up perspective, driven by local and regional governments who best understand their territories’ long-term and specific needs.
While the EU certainly define broad strategic goals such as decarbonisation of the society, increasing competitiveness of all European territories or strengthening the resilience of public administration at all levels; it must avoid overly narrow thematic concentrations that limit the investment opportunities in municipalities and regions, and are not always fit for purpose on the ground.
Only then can the next EU budget deliver both on common European objectives and the unique needs of each territory.
CEMR participation in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in the Council of Europe
At the 48th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg, CEMR reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violence against women in politics (VAWIP) and ensuring equal representation at all levels of governance.
Among the powerful voices at the session was Councillor Flo Clucas, Chair of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality at CEMR, who highlighted the growing threats faced by women in politics, from online harassment to direct physical violence. As she noted, 32% of women in politics have experienced violence, with cyberviolence becoming a major concern. These realities are discouraging women from standing for office, ultimately undermining democracy itself.
The Testimony of the Lord Provost of Glasgow
A particularly striking intervention came from the Lord Provost of Glasgow, who shared her personal experience of violence and intimidation as a local councillor and civic leader.
Through her participation in the Eurocities Women City Leaders Mentorship Programme, she has been working to empower the next generation of female leaders in city governance across Europe. Yet, despite this progress, she has personally faced harassment, misogyny, and threats, including attacks on her appearance, doxxing, and even direct calls for physical violence.
“Would this have happened if I were a man?” she asked, urging leaders to take decisive action.
Instead of stepping back, she chose to act, using her platform to push for a safer and more inclusive environment where women can thrive without fear.
The Power of Local Action: Sophie’s Stop
One of the most inspiring initiatives presented was Sophie’s Stop, a multi-media campaign and signposting app designed to help young women identify and respond to different forms of violence. Led by Glasgow Girls Club, it provides practical tools and support to those facing harassment or abuse. The campaign’s impact has been profound, with young women reporting that it has transformed their confidence and safety awareness.
A Whole-Society Approach for Change
The discussions in Strasbourg made one thing clear: change must happen at the local level. Governments, local authorities, civil society, and institutions like the Council of Europe and CEMR all have a role to play in ensuring that:
Women have equal access to political spaces
Threats and harassment are tackled with zero tolerance
Education and mentorship support young women in leadership
CEMR’s report, Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, underscores the urgency of these actions. Without them, women’s voices will remain unheard, and democracy itself will be weakened.
The fight for gender equality in politics is not just about representation, it’s about creating a political culture where women can lead without fear.
CEMR is currently looking for an agency to work and produce all the deliverables for 2025
CEMR seeks to partner with a professional and certified branding or design agency to develop all the deliverables detailed in this document. The agency must work collaboratively with CEMR to produce high-quality deliverables and materials.
Beijing+30: Empowering Local Governments to Fulfil the Promise of Gender Equality
Walking into the halls of the United Nations for CSW69, it is impossible not to feel the weight of history. Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (PfA) was hailed as a breakthrough—a promise that gender equality would no longer be an aspiration but an urgent global priority. Yet, three decades later, the struggle for women remains critical.
The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) coincides with both the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the start of Trump’s second mandate, which is actively undermining progress made in these 30 years. The U.S. refusal to support the CSW Political Declaration signals a broader rollback of gender rights. By opposing references to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the U.S. seeks to decouple gender equality from international commitments on social and economic progress. Its insistence on defining women strictly as “biologically female” further marginalises disadvantaged groups, while framing gender-based violence as a migration issue shifts focus away from structural inequalities.
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, full gender parity is still 134 years away, and political empowerment will take even longer—169 years. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making, particularly locally, where policies directly impact daily lives. Gender-based violence persists, with 1 in 3 women experiencing violence in their lifetime. These realities highlight the urgent need for stronger institutional responses and more significant local government action.
At CSW69, locally elected politicians gathered by UCLG, CEMR and PLATFORMA met to discuss how to push back against this regression. Gender equality is inseparable from local development and climate action, and dismantling these connections threatens hard-won gains.
Why Gender Equality Policies Need Local and Regional Governments
While international frameworks and national policies set the tone for gender equality, local governments are responsible for implementing changes that directly impact citizens. Without their involvement, gender policies will be ineffective and disconnected from local realities. Several key areas highlight this need:
Street Safety: Ensuring safe public spaces for women in all their diversity is a fundamental responsibility of local governments. From well-lit streets to community policing and secure public transport, municipal policies play a crucial role in reducing gender-based violence and harassment in public spaces.
Access to Childcare and Early Education: Affordable and accessible childcare remains a barrier for many women seeking employment as they remain the main caregivers in the household. Expanding early childhood education and care services at the municipal level allows women to participate in the workforce while ensuring children’s well-being.
Job Market Inclusion: Women continue to face wage gaps, discrimination, and limited career opportunities. Local governments can introduce gender-sensitive employment policies, support female entrepreneurship, and enforce equal pay regulations.
Political Representation: Women remain underrepresented in local decision-making bodies. Municipalities can adopt gender quotas, leadership training programs, and policies that encourage women’s active participation in politics.
Gender-Responsive Urban Planning: City planning must consider gender perspectives to ensure inclusive public spaces, transportation, and housing policies that support the needs of women and marginalised groups.
Access to Healthcare and Social Services: Local governments are crucial in ensuring gender-responsive healthcare, including reproductive health services, mental health support, and services for survivors of gender-based violence.
By integrating gender equality into local governance, municipalities can create inclusive environments that empower women and contribute to broader societal progress.
CEMR’s Key Messages at CSW69
CEMR brought a strong and urgent message to CSW69: gender equality cannot remain a distant goal—it must be implemented at the local level, where policies can have a direct impact on communities.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted at CSW69 was violence against women, particularly in politics. Data from CEMR’s Women in Politics study revealed that 41% of women in politics experience psychological attacks on their personal lives, appearance, or status, leading to isolation and reduced political engagement. Cyberviolence, including doxxing, cyberstalking, and deepfake content, disproportionately affects younger women, with 67% of those under 24 reporting online abuse.
“The reality is that women in politics face a level of hostility that their male counterparts simply do not. This is a direct threat to democracy and inclusivity,” said Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of CEMR, during the Local and Regional Governments Day, organised within the conference. “We must act decisively to protect women who step up as leaders”. Despite the alarming statistics, only 29% of victims report violence, and even fewer—22%—see any consequences for the perpetrators.
Women’s political participation is a key priority for CEMR, which reiterated its call for equal representation at all levels of governance, pointing to data that shows women make up just 32% of local elected officials across Europe, with only 17.4% of mayors being women. Political participation at the local level is crucial because local governments are closest to citizens and best positioned to facilitate engagement.
To support structural change, institutional mechanisms for gender equality must be strengthened. CEMR has long advocated for integrating intersectionality into local and regional governance, ensuring that policies address multiple forms of discrimination. The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life remains a key tool for municipalities committed to gender mainstreaming.
Beyond Europe, decentralised cooperation offers opportunities to advance gender equality through international partnerships. One example is the Les Elegides programme, a project led by the Mallorcan Fund of Solidarity and Cooperation (Spain) and the Association of Women Councillors in Bolivia -ACOBOL, among other organisations, aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making structures and fostering a democratic debate on gender issues at the local level.
Finally, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) requires localised action. Local and regional governments are key players in raising awareness and building capacity to advance gender equality. Without their leadership, global goals risk remaining unfulfilled promises rather than tangible realities.
UCLG’s Programme and the CEMR Delegation’s Participation
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), in partnership with CEMR and PLATFORMA, has organised a robust program at CSW69. Under the theme “Localising Beijing+30: The Municipal Movement Leads the Way to Equality and Democracy,” UCLG convened discussions on feminist municipal leadership, multilevel governance, and intergenerational commitments to gender equality. CEMR and UCLG elected politicians also participated in key events organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cities Alliance, and other UN agencies.These events provided a platform to advocate for stronger local government involvement in gender-responsive policymaking and to exchange concrete examples of gender local actions from municipalities worldwide.
As part of the broader engagements surrounding CSW69, Boris Tonhauser, Director of PLATFORMA, participated in a meeting organised by the EU delegation at the UN. This gathering brought together key civil society actors present in New York for the conference. During the meeting, Boris presented CEMR’s study on women in politics to the EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib and the other organisations present at the meeting, emphasising the need for stronger local-level policies that support female leadership and participation in decision-making.
CSW Political Declaration: Protecting Gender Equality at the Local Level
The political declaration of CSW69 outlined the current challenges for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action (PfA), and included Member States’ commitments to advancing gender equality. However, as Member States approved the declaration in the first days, CEMR, PLATFORMA and UCLG expressed their concern regarding language regressionsthat could undermine progress. While the commitments made in Beijing 30 years ago should be non-negotiable, recent years have shown that hard-won gains towards gender equality are being questioned and, in some cases, even reversed.
The past five years have been marked by global adversity—health and financial crises, renewed conflicts, and environmental degradation—all of which have disproportionately affected women and girls, widening gender gaps. This is why local and regional governments are calling for a reinforced commitment, ensuring that gender equality remains a global priority.
One of the main challenges of this year’s declaration is ensuring that local governments are explicitly recognised as essential actors in implementing gender policies. Without their involvement, international commitments risk remaining empty promises. Amidst the gender equality backlash, local and regional governments will continue to advocate for stronger recognition, financial commitments, and concrete actions that protect and advance women’s rights at the community level. It is only with local action, women’s leadership and global solidarity that gender equality can be achieved.
Conclusion: The Future of Multilateralism and the Role of Local Funding
The year 2025 is crucial for the future of multilateralism and gender equality. CSW69 is just one of many global forums where local governments must assert their role. Upcoming events such as the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be critical in ensuring that local authorities are recognised as development cooperation actors and receive the funding and resources needed to implement local and international gender equality policies effectively.
Local governments are on the frontlines of progress. If the world is to build on the achievements of the Beijing Platform for Action, funding for local initiatives must be a priority. By recognising the indispensable role of municipalities and regional authorities, the international community can ensure that gender equality is not just a distant goal but a lived reality in communities around the world.
Strengthening Partnerships for Ukraine’s Recovery: CEMR’s Actions on Solidarity, Municipal Cooperation, and EU Integration
24th February 2025, marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their freedom and democracy. For CEMR, it reaffirms a long-standing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration, through tangible, grassroots cooperation between local governments.
In recent months, this commitment has translated into new concrete actions, from public declarations of solidarity to community building and launching innovative digital tools that strengthen municipal partnerships. Across Europe, local and regional governments are not just expressing support but actively contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction and future within the EU.
A Declaration of Solidarity and Action
Three years after the invasion, CEMR issued a declaration reaffirming its unwavering support for Ukraine. The statement highlighted the indispensable role of local leaders in sustaining communities under siege — from ensuring basic services to preserving democratic governance.
Yet these leaders are not just bearing the weight of war; they are targets. The abduction, imprisonment, and murder of Ukrainian mayors are stark reminders of the risks they face. CEMR, standing alongside the Association of Ukrainian Cities, called for the immediate release of detained local leaders and condemned the Russian attacks on local democracy. More information: https://ccre-cemr.org/press/declaration-on-three-years-of-war-in-ukraine
Strengthening Networks: Joining the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities This year, CEMR reinforced its commitment by joining the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities, an initiative launched by Ukraine, Germany, and international partners at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2024. During the conference in Berlin, CEMR’s Secretary-General announced the launch of the Matchmaking Platform—an innovative digital tool designed to help municipalities across Europe connect and collaborate with their Ukrainian counterparts.
On 12th February, as part of the Coalition, CEMR participated in an Open Exchange on Best Practices for Ukraine’s Recovery, organised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and U-LEAD. Among other key topics, the event showcased insights into the fully operational Matchmaking Platform, which is already facilitating municipal partnerships. CEMR remains a dedicated partner, upholding the core principles of the Coalition.
Empowering Local Leaders: The Matchmaking Platform
One of CEMR’s most impactful recent initiatives in strengthening international municipal cooperation is the Matchmaking Platform, officially launched during the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in December. This innovative tool is transforming how municipalities establish partnerships.
Building on CEMR’s seven decades of town twinning expertise, the platform enables local governments to connect and collaborate on projects in a few clicks. In just two months, it has attracted hundreds of verified users across Europe, fostering direct engagement between municipalities. Ukrainian local leaders have shown strong interest in harnessing its potential, with over 400 participants attending two dedicated info sessions organised by U-LEAD on 29th January and 12th February, where CEMR provided a comprehensive overview of the platform and addressed participants’ questions.
To further extend its reach, a broader communication campaign will enhance visibility, while future developments will introduce new functionalities—potentially including funding opportunities, capacity-building programmes, and partnerships with key stakeholders of the Bridges of Trust Community.
Since 2021, CEMR has been actively implementing the Bridges of Trust project in collaboration with national associations and U-LEAD to strengthen municipal partnerships between the EU and Ukraine. Following two successful phases, the initiative reached a major milestone with the launch of the Bridges of Trust Community, announced at the CEMR Leaders’ Summit last December.
This growing community serves as a central hub for municipalities looking to establish and sustain partnerships at a crucial moment in Ukraine’s transformation. The third phase of the project will further enhance the community’s benefits, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement—expanding from bilateral cooperation to a more structured and comprehensive framework.
New possible cooperations have been explored through the participation of potential members of the Bridges of Trust Community such as the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and many more, to explore their involvement in Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration efforts.
For those interested in learning more, the revamped Bridges of Trust page on CEMR’s website offers key resources, funding opportunities, and success stories that highlight impactful municipal partnerships.
The Matchmaking Platform is fully integrated into the community, providing a dynamic tool to not only establish new partnerships but also sustain and expand them over time. CEMR invites all interested stakeholders to join the Bridges of Trust Community, which is set to become a key hub for municipal collaboration across Europe.
With Ukraine’s path to EU integration in focus, local and regional governments must play a key role in shaping decentralisation, governance, and resilience. As we prepare for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, CEMR is actively contributing to the Working Group for the Local and Regional Component and the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Our commitment remains steadfast in amplifying local voices and strengthening municipal partnerships to support Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration.
Through community building supporting international municipal partnerships, advocacy for EU integration, decentralised cooperation, and innovative digital tools, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to supporting Ukraine. We remain open to further engagement and collaboration, ensuring a beneficiary-centred approach prioritising European municipalities.
