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Meritxell PARRAMON VILA
In European Observatory (ODELL), Latest, Local democracy, Projects and Programmes

New Observatory for local democracy

Launch event of the Observatory

New Observatory launched to protect local democracy in Europe 

  • Europe’s first Observatory to track threats against mayors and local councillors, from online harassment to intimidation and disinformation. 
  • Joint initiative of CEMR, Bilbao City Council, EUDEL, Bocconi University and the Basque Government to strengthen the quality of local democracy and support elected representatives. 

Brussels, 11 December – A new chapter in protecting local democracy began today with the launch of the European Observatory for the Defence of Democracy at the Local Level, presented at the CEMR Office in Brussels.

The Observatory responds to a sharp rise in online harassment, intimidation, disinformation and organised hate campaigns targeting mayors, councillors and regional leaders across Europe.

“Local democracy is Europe’s first line of defence”, stressed CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen. “When mayors and councillors are threatened, harassed or silenced, it is not only individuals who are targeted — it is the democratic fabric of our societies. With this Observatory, we are taking a united step to protect those who serve their communities and to ensure that democracy remains strong”.

On the opening of the launch event, Commissioner Michael McGrath responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection in the European Commission, stated that “I am delighted to launch the European Observatory for the Defence of Democracy at the Local Level (the Observatory). Local democracy is not just a concept; it is the cornerstone of political life. It shapes decisions that affect citizens directly and gives everyone a tangible role in the choices that impact their communities. Today, our democracies face increasing threats, and these challenges are often felt at the local level. These threats don’t always arrive as overt attacks on institutions. Often, they creep quietly into our communities, directly affecting elected representatives and the everyday functioning of local democracy. And this is why the work of the Observatory is so important – we all need to work to protect and promote the democracies of tomorrow”.

The initiative — a partnership between the Council of Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the City Council of Bilbao, the Association of Basque Municipalities (EUDEL), with the scientific expertise of Bocconi University and the support of the Basque Government — will generate data, analyse trends, and strengthen institutional responses at all levels.

Bilbao Mayor Juan Mari Aburto stressed the urgency of coordinated action: “Bilbao is a city of values because we have collectively chosen to build it that way. As the founding city of this Observatory, we share a clear conviction with Europe: democracy is safeguarded not only through laws, but through civic culture, respect and active listening. Defending democracy also means nurturing everyday coexistence in our neighbourhoods, where diversity enriches our communities rather than threatens them”.

EUDEL President Esther Apraiz highlighted the Basque contribution and experience: “In the Basque Country and across Europe, local democracy is embodied by the elected representatives who serve their communities every day. The Observatory must protect those who uphold democracy and help attract new talent to local politics, because when a mayor or councillor steps away, democracy weakens. Hosting the Observatory also in the Basque Country allows us to share our experience in collaborative local governance internationally”.

The Secretary General for External Action of the Basque Government, Ander Caballero, emphasised: “In the Basque Country, we work every day to build a territory grounded in cutting-edge democracy. That is how we build trust and satisfaction among citizens, and spark motivation and enthusiasm for taking part in political life. It is also a way to reinforce the foundations of our shared home against those who seek to weaken or undermine democracy. We have a tool to move forward: collaborative governance. The Observatory supports and promotes this approach, fostering cooperation between local institutions—both in the Basque Country and across Europe”.

Representing the scientific partnership, Bocconi University Rector Francesco Billari underlined the importance of evidence-based data: “When local leaders face intimidation, it is not only their safety that is compromised—it is the trust and participation on which democratic life depends. Studying this violence with state-of-the-art methods and data is essential if we are to safeguard those foundations.”

The Observatory will track threats, share solutions, build solidarity, and advise national and EU institutions.

For media inquiries, interviews or accreditation requests, please contact: 

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

Town Hall COP webinar

TOWN HALL COP - News

Town Hall COP: Faster climate action and multilevel governance to tackle climate change

Strengthened local action and multilevel governance to meet climate targets is one of the key messages defended by CEMR and PLATFORMA. On 19 November 2025, both networks organised their first Town Hall COP, a community-led climate dialogue aimed at reinforcing partnerships across levels of government. Participants insisted on linking climate efforts with broader global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event took place online while COP30 negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of the week in Belém (Brazil).

COP30 negotiations update and progress made since COP21

Intervening from Belém, the Director for Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress at UNFCCC Cecilia Kinuthia-Nienga provided an update on the COP 30 negotiations, highlighting the presidency’s focus on multilateralism, building trust, and moving “from commitments to implementation.”

She discussed the importance of clear governance structures, investment pipelines, and support for developing countries to ensure credible Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation.

Just back from COP30, Bridgette Burken-Holder, Director of International Program at the European Climate Foundation, emphasised the evolution of the 2015 Paris Agreement as a “living instrument” and the progress made in reducing emissions in cities, but also the growing recognition of subnational governments in climate policy. She noted that 80% of submitted NDCs now include cities and regions as key partners.

Paraphrasing a COP30 participant, she said: “As local governments, we don’t need just a seat at the COP table, we need to rebuild the table to make sure that we can fit everyone we need.”

CEMR Spokesperson on environment and Senator for Loire-Atlantique (France) Ronan Dantec, also discussed the evolution of local governments’ role in climate governance over the past 20 years, emphasising the importance of their involvement for reaching climate targets.

Thysia Tchekouteff, Policy Assistant at the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action, reminded the European Union’s climate goals: to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2040.

She emphasised the importance of multi-level cooperation, highlighting the EU’s endorsement of the Coalition of High Ambition Multi-Level Partnerships (CHAMP) and its commitment to working with subnational governments.

Climate action: political, financial, and citizen engagement

“Climate change does not wait for the next election,” stressed Emil Brogn, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (Romanian Municipalities Association), who called for reinforced political support, blending financial resources, and making green choices easy for citizens. The mayor named “three key elephants in the room”: political support, finance, and citizen engagement.

He stressed the importance of communicating climate change actions in a way that resonates with citizens. A comment shared by Siri de Vrijer, Policy advisor on environment to MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew Europe – Netherlands), who said: “we must show citizens what’s in it for them.” She discussed the need for a narrative that aligns with citizens’ perspectives and policy makers’ responsibilities.

This was also supported by Nadia Pellefigue who presented the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on COP30. “Without multi-level governance, ambitions remain theoretical. With it, ambitions become reality,” stated the Vice-President of the Occitanie Region (France). She called for a formal multi-level governance dialogue within the UNFCCC.

National perspectives from Moldova and Croatia

Marina Lungu, Head of Climate Change section at the Ministry of Environment of Moldova presented her country’s newly submitted NDC, which emphasises multi-level governance and includes institutional mechanisms for climate policy coordination across all levels of government.

Miljenko Sedlar, Head of climate in the Northwest Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency, presented Croatia’s approach to climate action. He also mentioned a new EU27 project called National Adaptation Hubs, which aims to shift from reactive to systemic adaptation and resilience across EU member states.

Local climate action initiatives

“80% of what can be done is under the influence of local governments,” said CEMR spokesperson for climate Marianne Overton, who discussed the challenges of climate change and the importance of local government in addressing it. The Councillor of North Kesteven and Lincolnshire (UK) highlighted the need “to make green choices easier for residents” and shared examples of successful initiatives, such as solar installations on council housing and energy-efficient building designs.

Overton emphasised the role of local municipalities in achieving climate targets and mentioned a motion passed by over 200 councils aiming for net zero by 2030.

Ola Nord, Head of the City of Malmö (Sweden) EU Office presented his city’s Town Hall COP initiative, which engaged 40 citizens to identify key climate action areas, resulting in 26 proposals focused on city planning, transport, democracy, just transition, lifestyle, and energy. “Change is happening, there’s a lot of positive developments, but it needs to be sped up and made stronger,” he said.

Looking towards 2027

Risto Veivo, Climate director at Central Administration of the City of Turku (Finland) provided an update on the IPCC Special Report on Cities to be presented at COP27. The report, involving approximately 100 lead authors will focus on various aspects of urban climate change, including solutions by city types and regions globally.

The results of CEMR-PLATFORMA Town Hall COP will now be shared with the large community of the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency of the United Nations, of which CEMR is a member. Ahead of COP30, CEMR endorsed the LGMA Joint Position, a joint call for COP30 leaders to empower cities and regions as key drivers of global climate implementation.

 

More information

For more information, contact:

Sofie OVERGAARD
In Impact community Labour, Lab, Latest, Projects and Programmes,

Workshop on social dialogue

Lab event - News

CEMR-EPSU Workshop on social dialogue in Southern European Islands

CEMR and EPSU hosted a workshop in Malta focusing on social dialogue in Southern European islands. The event brought together participants from Malta, Cyprus and Greece to discuss current challenges and opportunities for national and EU level social dialogue.

Social dialogue means all types of negotiation, consultation or exchange of information between, or among, representatives of governments, employers and workers, on issues of common interest relating to economic, employment and social policy.

The workshop included interventions by the Head of the European Commission’s Representation in Malta, Maria-Elena Despot and the Director General of the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations in Malta, Diane Vella Muscat. It also featured a meeting with the Maltese government’s representative to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, Rodrick Zerafa.

The workshop featured examples of best practices for social dialogue by speakers from Germany, Estonia and Sweden. These included German practices to ensure staff retention and upskilling in collective bargaining agreements to address the need for new skills arising from the green and digital transition.

A representative from the Swedish trade union TCO presented the Swedish labour market model as an example of effective social dialogue leading to industrial peace and a high level of collective agreement coverage.

In their presentation on the digital transition in Estonian local governments, the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities highlighted that “the digital transition can become a driver for dialogue, because it affects everyone’s work”.

This workshop marks the first of three regional events organised under the LAB project, an EU-funded initiative led by CEMR and EPSU. The project aims to strengthen social dialogue across Eastern and Southeastern Europe, candidate countries and Southern European islands by equipping local and regional social partners with the tools and knowledge to engage constructively at both national and EU levels.

These regions often experience challenges to active participation in national and EU level social dialogue due to limited capacities of the social partners and underdeveloped social dialogue frameworks. Social dialogue is becoming an increasingly important tool to address not only employment and social policy, but also to find inclusive and effective solutions to other challenges, such as the green and digital transitions. 

For more information, contact:

HETZ Léa Agathe
In Bridges of Trust, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Projects and Programmes

A month of advocacy for Ukraine

Ukraine advocacy - News

From Istanbul to Kyiv, Belgrade, and Brussels, CEMR advanced cooperation with Ukrainian peers and the country’s path toward EU accession

October was a month of steady advocacy and engagement for the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), underscoring the central contribution of cities and regions in supporting Ukraine.  
 
Since the early 2000s, CEMR has worked closely with its national associations in Ukraine and has also been deepening ties through initiatives such as Bridges of Trust and SUN4Ukraine, and most recently by launching a digital Matchmaking Platform focused on connecting EU and Ukrainian municipalities. 

Throughout October, CEMR intensified its outreach with local and regional governments, as well as European institutions. Working alongside partners, the organisation sought to consolidate efforts, amplify the impact of its support, and promote practical tools that directly benefit communities (see latest Call for Proposals). Discussions focused on topics such as Chapter 22 “Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments” in the EU enlargement process, successful municipal partnerships in wartime, Cohesion Policy to address disparities, and aligning Ukraine’s recovery with climate and energy goals through local action.  

Together with its members and partners, CEMR co-organised a series of major events, each reaffirming the importance of local cooperation and resilience in times of war: 

Marmara Urban Forum 
  • Session: “Resilient Local Governance in Wartime – Reform, Decentralisation, and Reconstruction in Ukraine.”  
    Speakers highlighted how decentralisation, stronger local competencies, and international cooperation enable real progress even in wartime. Drawing on lessons from South-East Europe and city partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities, they showed how access to knowledge, tools, and advocacy channels empowers local leaders to influence national decisions and drive recovery as equal partners in rebuilding the country.  
16/10/2025, Brussels – Building Bridges of Trust – COMMUNITY ANNUAL GATHERING © Elio Germani 2025
  • 13 October: Meeting with Ukrainian Mayors Delegation.   
    A delegation of 23 Ukrainian mayors visited CEMR in Brussels for the opening session. The roundtable gave each mayor the opportunity to share experiences from their municipalities and explore initiatives in international partnerships, climate, and smart cities, including PLATFORMA, SUN4Ukraine, the Bridges of Trust Community, and the Matchmaking Platform. The visit aimed to deepen their understanding of EU actors and processes, as well as to learn more about effective advocacy and lobbying. 
  • 15 October: Political session — “Ukraine’s Path to the EU: Municipalities and Partnerships for Cohesion and Growth.” 
    The room was full at the Committee of the Regions, where four representatives from organisations with diverse missions illustrated how Ukrainian municipalities are actively advancing EU integration, aligning with Chapter 22 requirements while deepening cooperation with their European counterparts. As emphasised during the discussion, local governments are driving reforms and influencing national and European policy, showing that localising accession is crucial for Ukraine’s municipalities to be fully engaged in the EU integration process. 
  • 16 October: Bridges of Trust Community Annual Gathering.  
    The European Partnership Hub convened for constructive exchanges aimed at uniting efforts and preventing fragmentation. Over thirty organisations from across Europe participated, all actively engaged in strengthening municipal cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. Notably, all four national associations of Ukrainian cities were represented. 
  • 15–16 October – Kyiv (Ukraine): SUN4Ukraine events 
  • The Multilevel Policy Dialogue brought together Ukrainian and European partners to strengthen multilevel governance processes and align Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession with climate and energy goals. Cities including Rivne, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Konotop, Kalush, Kyiv, and Sumy Region shared how they translate national ambitions into local action. Key national and international institutions actively participated in the discussions.  
  • The Capacity Building sessions equipped 12 Flagship Municipalities to develop their Climate Neutrality Plans, reinforcing local governments’ role in driving a sustainable recovery. 
  • A key highlight was the launch of the SUN4Ukraine Partnership Programme, connecting 12 Ukrainian cities with European Mission Cities under the EU’s “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities” initiative, with Munich and Oslo serving as advisory partners.  
  • 23–24 October – Belgrade (Serbia): CEMR Secretaries General and Directors Meeting 
  • Discussions and exchanges with members focused on opportunities for EU–Ukraine municipal partnerships under the Bridges of Trust call for proposals. Looking ahead, national associations and other partners selected under the Bridges of Trust Community will continue to advance EU–Ukraine municipal partnerships. 

In November, CEMR will continue its advocacy and promotional efforts at the Smart City Expo (4-6 November) and the Salon des Maires Français (18–20 November), where sessions will spotlight international municipal partnerships in Europe and the Matchmaking Platform developed to support them. This all-in-one digital tool connects cities and regions across Europe and already counts over 500 registered Ukrainian municipalities. 
Under SUN4Ukraine, the 12 partnerships between Ukraine and EU cities will meet in Munich on 17-20 November to start their collaborative journey. The moment will also include the second step of the Capacity Building programme to further support the development of Climate Neutrality Plans.  
 
All project partners, including CEMR, will continue facilitating constructive exchanges and supporting partnerships in deepening their cooperation, ensuring that local collaboration remains at the core of Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession efforts. 
 
 For more information, contact:

REVAULT Martin
In About CEMR, Latest, UCLG, United Cities and Local Governments

UCLG World Council in Xi’an

European cities and regions unite for peace and cooperation in Xi’an

As the European section of UCLG, CEMR took part in the UCLG World Council, hosted in Xi’an, and held in synergy with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) “Bridge for Cities” initiative. Under the motto “Shaping Communities for Current and Future Generations,” the summit brought together more than 300 participants from over 80 cities and local government networks.

The UCLG World Council was also an occasion for European local and regional representatives to engage with counterparts from around the world. During the European caucus meeting, CEMR members exchanged with Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, UCLG Asia-Pacific Secretary General, the priorities and potential areas of cooperation, particularly on gender equality.

The opening session, co-organised with UNIDO, reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between cities and international institutions. A joint statement was signed between UCLG, UNIDO and the city of Xi’an to deepen technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes. Speakers underlined that local transformation can only succeed when communities are fully involved as partners, not just beneficiaries.

CEMR also participated in the Bridge for Cities High-Level Plenary, which focused on innovation, sustainable urban development and the contribution of local leadership to global agendas.

During the World Council,  a new call for action open to all local and regional governments was approved. Under the title “Call for action on peace and reconstruction”, it expresses the commitment of local and regional governments to peace, human rights and reconstruction, particularly in territories affected by armed conflict. It builds on the values of the Pact for the Future of Humanity — People, Planet and Government — and highlights the unique role of cities in rebuilding coexistence and social ties.

By representing the European perspective and emphasising the key role of cities, towns and regions in democratic resilience and inclusive development, CEMR helped to reinforce this global movement and reaffirm the role of local governance in shaping peaceful and sustainable societies.

For more information, contact:

HETZ Léa Agathe
In Bridges of Trust, Latest, Projects and Programmes

Bridges of Trust Community Annual Gathering

Bridges of Trust - Annual Gathering 2025

Third edition of the Bridges of Trust Community Annual Gathering

The third edition of the Bridges of Trust Community Annual Gathering has become a valued moment of collective reflection and strategic coordination for partners committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession. This yearly meeting, initiated in 2023, brings together the actors driving international municipal cooperation with Ukraine to align strategies, build synergies, and create a sustainable and impactful community.

16/10/2025, Brussels – Building Bridges of Trust – COMMUNITY ANNUAL GATHERING © Elio Germani 2025

A community united around a shared mission

Over 40 key actors from across Europe joined forces to exchange on how to strengthen cooperation, consolidate efforts, and explore how the European Partnership Hub can become a driving force for new and existing partnerships between the EU and Ukraine.

From local and regional government associations to EU institutions, NGOs, and international partners, stakeholders engaged in a rich roundtable discussion to present activities, align strategies, and avoid fragmentation. This collective approach aims to ensure that international municipal partnerships remain at the heart of Ukraine’s resilience, reconstruction, and EU accession.

This year’s gathering came just months after the launch of the European Partnership Hub at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome — a milestone moment responding to the Berlin Call to Action.

16/10/2025, Brussels – Building Bridges of Trust – COMMUNITY ANNUAL GATHERING © Elio Germani 2025

The European Partnership Hub: from initiative to driving force

The European Partnership Hub (EPH) was created to address a critical challenge: despite the unprecedented wave of solidarity across Europe, efforts to support Ukraine remain fragmented, and municipalities often struggle to access the right information and partners at the right time.

Hosted by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions and supported by the U-LEAD with Europe programme, the EPH acts as a one-stop shop for international municipal cooperation, bringing together diverse actors to coordinate initiatives, share knowledge, and support Ukraine’s local governments on their path to EU integration.

Local partnerships at the heart of reconstruction

The gathering also showcased inspiring examples of international municipal cooperation, including the partnership between Venice and Odesa, which has formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding. This type of partnership embodies the spirit of the Bridges of Trust initiative — demonstrating how municipalities can be powerful actors of solidarity and drivers of Ukraine’s recovery.

16/10/2025, Brussels – Building Bridges of Trust – COMMUNITY ANNUAL GATHERING © Elio Germani 2025

A heartfelt thank you to the Bridges of Trust Community

The Bridges of Trust Community is built on shared values of cooperation, inclusivity, and beneficiary-centred action. By bringing together implementers, supporters, and beneficiaries in a single, coordinated space, the Community seeks to ensure that efforts are streamlined, impactful, and responsive to the real needs of Ukrainian municipalities and citizens.

A heartfelt thank you to all BoT Community actors for making this gathering a meaningful space for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration.

Key partners represented included:
U-LEAD with Europe
All-Ukrainian Association of Local Self-Governments “Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities”
Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC)
ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy
Centre for European Perspective
CoR – European Committee of the Regions
DIBA
European Commission, DG ENEST 
Energy Cities
Engagement Global / SKEW
Eurocities
Euroservis
GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
GMF – The German Marshall Fund of the United States
ICLEI Europe
KDZ – Centre for Public Administration Research (Austria)
Komponent
KS
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG)
Municipality of Venice
NALAS – Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe
PLATFORMA
Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR)

For more information, contact:

DECOURCELLE Elisa
In Climate, EU Covenant of Mayors, Impact community Climate, Latest, Projects and Programmes

Covenant of Mayors Ceremony on climate and energy

Covenant of mayors - Ceremony 2025

500 European mayors gathered to talk about local climate and energy transition

On 16 October, the EU Covenant of Mayors gathered with more than 500 mayors, local and regional representatives, and EU institutions, in the hemicycle of the European Parliament. 

Organised since the launch of the initiative in 2008, the High-level event is the annual gathering of the Covenant signatories invested in securing a safe and sustainable future for their citizens. As an initiative running for more than 15 years, the EU Covenant is mobilising local leaders all over Europe to plan, act and work with their communities to build a more resilient, prosperous and climate-neutral future. 

Both the EU Covenant and the Ceremony are reaffirming the key role of towns, cities and regions in shaping Europe’s vision and future.

Opening session with high-level European leaders

The Ceremony started with an intervention of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who emphasised that Europe is in all cities and regions, that citizens are building Europe every day.

ollowing her welcome, Ursula Von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, shared that “we are on track to achieve our 2030 targets”. For towns, cities and regions to achieve their climate and energy transition, housing and climate resilience are key policies, which are currently tackled by the European Commission. Von der Leyen also welcomed the delegations of Ukraine and Moldova to the Ceremony, reaffirming their belonging to Europe. 

Finally, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, welcomed the local leaders to the Ceek of Regions and cities, key moment of the year. She highlighted how the Covenant of Mayors is a story of and for mayors, regional leaders and their representatives, by highlighting her personal experience.

Covenant of mayors - Ceremony 2025
Covenant of mayors – Ceremony 2025

Celebrating cities leading the way

The Covenant Ceremony is also the occasion to award the successes of many European Cities, and showcase the inspiring and replicable good practices. From Mechelen in Belgium, to Lappeenranta in Finland and Domokos in Greece, European cities are already leading the path towards climate neutrality. 

Local leaders and institutions in dialogue

Several panels gathered European local leaders, interacting with representatives of the European institutions. Focusing on “Powering Europe with local, clean and affordable energy” or “Protecting Europe from climate risk through local resilience”, European Commissioners Dan Jørgensen and Wopke Hoekstra shared video messages to reinforce the importance of the EU Covenant of Mayors for their portfolios linked with climate or energy.

Closing session: working together for cohesion and resilience

The closing session focusing on “Cities and the EU working together for a prosperous Europe” was attended by European Commission Raffaele Fitto Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, who reaffirmed the importance of Cohesion Policy as a key tool for climate-neutral cities. Read here more about the Cohesion Policy in the next EU budget for 2028-2032.

Covenant of mayors - Ceremony 2025
Covenant of mayors – Ceremony 2025

Looking ahead: stronger cooperation needed

Closing the European Week of Regions and Cities, the EU Covenant of Mayors ceremony is the right occasion to meet local leaders, inspiring and inspired, from all over Europe. The Ceremony came at a critical moment for Europe, when the next EU budget is being negotiated. 

Reaffirming the essential role of local and regional governments in delivering the climate and energy transition, the Ceremony highlighted Europe’s security, resilience, and prosperity can only be achieved through close cooperation with its towns, cities, and regions.  

For more information, contact:

HETZ Léa Agathe
In Bridges of Trust, EU enlargement and Eastern Partnership, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning, Ukraine reconstruction

Session on Ukraine’s path to the EU

Bridges of Trust - event 2025

Transforming emergency aid into equal cooperation between EU and Ukrainian towns, cities and regions

Amid war-time disruption, Ukraine’s local governments have stepped as frontline problemsolvers and drivers of EU integration. During the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, on October 15th a CEMR-led conversation under the Bridges of Trust (BoT) brought together local leaders, policy experts, and civil society to examine how municipal partnerships can anchor accession and cohesion.  

The takeaway was clear: lasting progress depends on shifting from emergency solidarity to structured cooperation that empowers municipalities to deliver reforms, attract investment, and close regional gaps. 

Why local governments matter 

Ukraine’s municipalities have kept essential services running, coordinated aid, and advanced reforms under extreme pressure. Through BoT and the European Partnership Hub, they are building ties with European peers on projects in education, culture, economic development, and reconstruction. As CEMR’s Director for Projects and Programmes, Durmish Guri explained, success now hinges on moving “from emergency solidarity to mutually beneficial collaboration”. 

Matchmaking for impact 

To turn policy into practice, BoT has launched a Matchmaking Platform that connects every Ukrainian municipality with a European counterpart, enabling concrete joint projects and capacity-building. The platform is designed to reduce fragmentation, align needs with resources, and accelerate cooperation across borders.  

From reform to implementation 

Dmytro Lyvch of Easy Business underscored a dual challenge: advancing structural reforms while financing recovery. Real progress happens locally through municipalities, civil society, and development agencies. Ukraine has adapted to EU Chapter 22 requirements, but gaps persist in horizontal and vertical cohesion, and in institutional and financial frameworks. With regional disparities higher than in many Central and Eastern European countries, targeted interventions are needed to build resilience and competitiveness. 

Lessons from peers 

Ambre Maucorps of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies highlighted takeaways from Lithuania and North Macedonia. Lithuania used cohesion policy to tackle disparities with a clear governance model and strong stakeholder input. North Macedonia, after municipal mergers similar to Ukraine’s, benefited from pre-accession funds but still struggles with absorption. The throughline: coordination and flexibility are essential for effective cohesion policy. 

Building capacity, scaling partnerships 

Iryna Mykulych of the NGO Agency for Recovery and Development stressed that durable cooperation often starts with “soft” cultural and educational exchanges that build trust, then evolves into “hard” reconstruction projects. Scaling from municipal partnerships to business and academia can unlock investment, know-how, and long-term outcomes. 

The bottom line 

The event’s conclusion was unambiguous: international municipal cooperation is one of the most effective and sustainable ways to localise EU accession.  

As Durmish Guri noted, “international municipal cooperation is the most effective, sustainable, and the efficient form of collaboration”. Local governments, he added, play a critical role not only in implementing reforms but also in shaping national and European-level policy, underlining the importance of “localizing accession” to ensure Ukraine’s municipalities are fully engaged in the EU integration process.   

Empowering local governments to deliver reforms and shape policy—together with European partners—moves Ukraine from a recipient of solidarity to a co-creator of Europe’s cohesion and growth. That is the promise of BoT’s community-driven approach. 

For more information, contact:

GURI Durmish
In Call, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning

Call for applications – Twinning

EPSU CEMR - News

Call for Applications: Research and Data Analysis Consultancy

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is seeking a consultant to support the migration of data from the current Twinning website to the new Matchmaking Platform.

The consultant will verify, clean, and standardise data from around 2,500 cities, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assignment will take place over a two-month period in late 2025, with a maximum budget of EUR 13.000.

Applications must be submitted by 27 October 2025 at 12:00 (noon) to application@ccre-cemr.org, with “Data Analyst Expert” as the subject line. Questions may be sent to twinning@ccre-cemr.org by 24 October 2025.

Further details: Twinning | Matchmaking Platform

For more information, read the Terms of Reference here

SKAZLIC Ivana
In Latest, Mindcraft, Mindcraft, Projects and programmes, Projects and Programmes, Publications

Decentralised cooperation report

ADD ME project

Decentralised Development Cooperation Report #1: a European overview

Read full report here

The first Decentralised Development Cooperation (DDC) Report provides a unique snapshot of how local and regional governments (LRGs), their associations, and civil society actors engage in international cooperation. Based on a Europe-wide survey), it presents results from 37 contributions from 27 LRGs, 9 associations, and 1 NGO across 11 countries.

The evidence on decentralised cooperation projects and partnerships, collected via the survey will support CEMR and PLATFORMA’s advocacy with stronger knowledge, better coordination, and a deeper understanding of enabling factors and challenges.

The first edition of the DDC Report highlights:

  1. DDC is a priority for many – Over 80% of respondents consider DDC important or very important for their work.
  1. Multi-actor character – Partnerships often involve not just LRGs, but also civil society organisations, educational institutions, public utilities, and in some cases, private sector actors.
  1. Persistent challenges – Limited resources, lack of expertise, and the short-term nature of project-based cooperation remain barriers for scaling up.
  1. Funding outlook – main funding channels include combination of national government funding, own resources, and the European Commission. 𝟮𝟳,𝟬𝟯% 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 expect their DDC budget share to grow in 2025, suggesting cautious optimism.

This article is part of a new series of reports mapping decentralised development cooperation across Europe. The second report will explore opportunities and challenges for DDC partnerships, effects of implemented DDC activities and provide details of selected DDC projects. Stay tuned!

Read the full Mindcraft DDC Report #1, available in English, French, Spanish, and German.  
 

CEMR encourages European and national authorities to strengthen the role of LRGs in development policy, not only as implementers, but also as strategic partners helping shape a more resilient, inclusive, and effective development agenda.


This report is produced within the Bridging and Mapping Knowledge Gaps in Decentralised Cooperation (Mindcraft), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).  

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