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TONHAUSER Boris
In Latest, PLATFORMA

Debate at the UN on localising SDGs

Localising SDGs - News 2025

Local and regional leaders at the HLPF: Getting local Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) actions onto the fast track

More than 30 local and regional leaders are heading to New York to advocate for their vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Among them is Clifford Galea Vella Maslennikov, President of the Tramuntana Region (Malta) and a member of the CEMR-PLATFORMA Young Elected Officials Committee. He also signs the foreword of this year’s study on SDG localisation.

Galea Vella Maslennikov sends a strong and hopeful message:

“I firmly believe that localising the SDGs through inclusive processes that engage all levels of government, and all sectors of society […] is in fact the key to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future for all.”

This year’s report includes contributions from 31 associations of local and regional governments and puts forward nine key recommendations to the United Nations, the European Union, and EU Member States.

Local governments in dialogue with Member States

In recent years, the United Nations has increasingly acknowledged the essential role of local action in advancing global sustainability, including through various HLPF initiatives. However, the degree of involvement of local and regional governments – and their associations – in national SDG reporting processes still varies significantly from one country to another.

This year, Malta is one of 37 countries presenting a Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the HLPF. Three other countries with membership within CEMR – Bulgaria, Finland, and Germany – will also present their VNRs. Our latest study provides insights into how these four nations have involved local authorities in shaping their national SDG reports.

It also gives details about the progress made in achieving the five SDGs under review this year: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (Life below water), and DSG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).  

Over 30 local and regional leaders representing Europe

Next week, PLATFORMA and CEMR, in collaboration with the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), will represent European cities and regions at the HLPF, under the auspices of the UN.

Their participation aims to fast-track the localisation of the SDGs and ensure that local voices are not only heard, but also acted upon.

Here are some of the events they will attend:

  • 15 July, Local and Regional Governments’ Networking Hub, with the launch of the GTF Annual Report “Towards the Localization of the SDGs”, by the GTF and UCLG
  • 16 July, 8th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, by UCLG, GTF, UN-DESA, the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General, UN Habitat, UNDP, Local2030
  • 17 July, EU delegation – local leaders breakfast meeting, by CEMR and PLATFORMA
  • 17 July, HLPF Official Session on Localisation: “Transformation from the ground up: Acting at local level”, by UN
  • 18 July, VNR Lab on Local and Regional Governments engagement in VNR/VLR processes, by UN-DESA, UN-Habitat, and UCLG
Discover the 2025 study now

Contact for more information:

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

EU enlargement from a local perspective

European Union - EU Enlargement News

EU enlargement is not sustainable without local ownership: 8 takeaways from CEMR webinar 

Empowering local and regional governments will ensure that EU integration is felt, understood, and embraced by citizens, making enlargement not only a policy success but a democratic one. This is the main lesson learned from the CEMR webinar on Empowering Local Governments on the Road to EU Enlargement, organised in collaboration with PLATFORMA on 1st July. 

Local leaders, EU officials, and representatives from candidate and EU member countries reaffirmed the essential role of local and regional governments in the EU enlargement process. They also discussed the capacity needs involved in this journey. 

Here are the 8 key findings based on the webinar discussions, which witnessed that enlargement is not sustainable without local ownership.

1. Set local and regional governments as strategic actors in the EU accession process 

  • Involve local governments early and systematically in national accession plans, screenings, and cluster evaluations. 
  • Ensure local leaders are recognised not just as implementers, but as policy co-creators, especially in areas aligned with the EU acquis. 

2. Strengthen multilevel governance structural dialogue 

  • Establish permanent coordination mechanisms between LRGs, national governments, and EU institutions. 
  • Move from consultation to co-creation platforms—especially during roadmap design, monitoring, and policy review phases. 

3. Guarantee local access to EU funding mechanisms 

  • Ensure that a minimum percentage of EU financial assistance is directly allocated to local governments (e.g., in Ukraine, it is already 20%) 
  • Simplify procedures for municipalities to access EU funds and develop capacity-building programs to support their management. 

4. Invest in capacity building and institutional continuity 

  • Develop sustained training for local officials, including in public procurement, project management and all locally implementing EU standards.  
  • Address gaps in institutional memory due to political turnover by investing in civil service professionalisation and knowledge transfer. 

5. Support peer-to-peer learning and twinning initiatives 

  • Promote city-to-city cooperation between EU member states and candidate countries (decentralised cooperation) 
  • Expand twinning programs across thematic areas such as education, green transition, disaster resilience, and digital governance (if you need tools to find partners, use existing ones such as the CEMR Matchmaking Platform). 

6. Promote inclusive participation and gender equity 

  • Encourage the participation of women leaders and marginalised communities in enlargement dialogues. 
  • Ensure that decentralisation and integration efforts incorporate diverse perspectives and address local inequalities.

7. Strengthen civic trust and communication

  • Support local and regional governments in leading public communication campaigns that explain EU values and the benefits of enlargement. 
  • Equip municipalities to become trusted messengers of the EU to citizens, countering misinformation and building democratic resilience. 

8. Leverage local and regional governments for reconstruction and sustainability goals 

  • In countries affected by war (e.g., Ukraine), prioritise local-led reconstruction and sustainable recovery as a path to integration. 
  • Align local development strategies with the Green Deal, digital transition, and social cohesion policies. 

Context: 

Nine countries are officially on a path to join the European Union in the coming years: five in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), three in the Eastern neighbourhood (Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), and Turkey. 

For more information, contact:

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

Country profile #1 – Poland

Poland services - News 2022

Country Profile on decentralised development cooperation: the case of Poland 

Read full study

The country profiles offer a short overview of national models of (decentralised) development cooperation frameworks in selected EU Member States. The aim is to provide insights into specific mechanisms and modalities of analysed national frameworks and identify enabling factors as well as challenges related to practical implementation, focusing on the role and opportunities for local and regional governments and their associations.  
 
Based on the study, Poland’s approach to DDC is characterised by: 
 
 1. Focusing on cooperation with Eastern European countries – with Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Polish local governments actively support partners through strategy development, peer learning, and implementation support. 
 
2. Highlighting the vital role of direct local-level partnerships in times of crisis, including twinning and hands-on collaboration despite the ongoing war. 
 
3. Polish municipalities have developed strong expertise in accessing EU funds and designing effective local strategies, which they can use in their partnerships. 
 
This article is part of a series of 7 Country Profiles examining decentralised development cooperation frameworks across Europe. The second edition, focusing on Germany, will be published in September. Stay tuned! 
 
Read the Country Profile, available in four languages:

CEMR encourages Polish 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 publication 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).

* The content of this publication is the responsibility of its author(s) and does not reflect the views of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

For more information, contact: 

BAIER Jessica
In Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning

Results of SPICE Twinning Programme

Twinning - News

CEMR announces grant recipients for SPICE 2025 Twinning Programme 

Twinning plays a vital role in connecting municipalities and regions, encouraging them to tackle shared challenges — from climate action and digital transition to social cohesion and public service innovation. Beyond these policy priorities, Twinning also nurtures mutual understanding and a sense of European belonging among citizens and communities.  

Since 1951, CEMR has championed Twinning as a powerful tool for peacebuilding, dialogue, and long-term collaboration. Today, these partnerships go beyond symbolic exchanges to become strategic platforms for co-creating solutions to the pressing challenges facing Europe’s towns and regions.  

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is pleased to unveil the selected recipients of the SPICE 2025 sub-granting scheme, part of the broader project “SPICE – Empowering Local and Regional Governments for Sustainable Policy Implementation and Civic Engagement in Europe”. 

Funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, this grant scheme builds on the success of the 2024 pilot phase. It aims to support national associations of local and regional governments in strengthening Twinning initiatives and related activities across Europe. 

The selected proposals reflect a strong commitment to EU values, civic participation, gender equality, social inclusion, and democratic governance. Each winning association will receive a sub-grant of up to € 30 000 to implement projects that bring together municipalities across borders in shared learning and joint action.  

CEMR is proud to support the following local and regional government associations as recipients of the SPICE 2025 grant programme: 

  1. TÖOSZ – Települesi Önkormanyzatok Orszagos Szövetsege (Hungarian National Association of Local Authorities) 
  1. KEDE – Κεντρική Ένωση Δήμων Ελλάδας (ΚΕΔΕ) (Central Union of Municipalities of Greece) 
  1. LALRGA – Latvijas Pašvaldíbu Savieníba (Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments) 
  1. AFCCRE – Association Française du CCRE (French Association of CEMR) 
     

CEMR warmly thanks all member associations who submitted proposals under the 2025 call and contributed to its success. Stay tuned as we share updates on these promising initiatives and their impact across Europe. 

For more information, contact

TONHAUSER Boris
In EU budget, Impact community Society, Latest, PLATFORMA, United Cities and Local Governments

UCLG meeting with EU Commissioner Síkela

“Local governments must be at the heart of the EU’s international partnerships”

UCLG President, Jan van Zanen, met with EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela: “Local governments must be at the heart of the EU’s international partnerships”

In a bilateral meeting on 10 June UCLG President and Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen met with the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela at the occasion of 10 years of strategic partnership agreements between key associations of local and regional governments with DG INTPA (2015–2025), to advocate for a stronger role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in EU development cooperation – and to secure long-term support for decentralised cooperation in the next EU budget.

The delegation of CEMR and PLATFORMA, led by Mayor van Zanen, and including CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi, found promising common ground with the Commissioner. Both sides agreed that the goals of the Global Gateway strategy and the objectives of the EU international action – from sustainable development to infrastructure investment – can only be met by empowering the actors who are closest to the people: local governments.

“Mayors and local leaders are not just implementers. They are political actors, democratically elected and accountable to their communities“, Mayor Jan van Zanen said. “They have a unique role to play in achieving the EU’s goals – but they need the means and the recognition to do so“.

Commissioner Síkela acknowledged the critical contribution of cities and regions to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and international partnerships. As a former Czech Minister of Industry and Trade and a representative of the liberal “Mayors and Independents” party, Síkela expressed strong political sensitivity to the added value of local and regional leadership in global cooperation.

The meeting was part of a coordinated advocacy effort based on the PLATFORMA Political Declaration on the Role of Local and Regional Governments in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and EU External Action, adopted by local leaders in April 2025. CEMR and PLATFORMA underlined the need for a dedicated financial mechanism in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034) that would allow LRGs and their associations to scale up their international cooperation and support peer-to-peer partnerships with their counterparts in partner countries.

They also called for improved dialogue with EU Delegations on the ground, clearer distinction between LRGs and civil society organisations in EU instruments, and tailored, realistic and impactful calls for proposals.

Beyond financial tools, CEMR and PLATFORMA emphasised the importance of political recognition of the role of local and regional governments and their associations and networks in the implementation and governance of the Global Gateway strategy. As Europe’s largest network of municipalities and regions, CEMR highlighted the importance of structured policy dialogue and inclusive governance – especially in fragile contexts where local actors are often the last line of defence of democratic values, and provision of basic public services to the local populations.

The exchange with Commissioner Síkela comes ahead of the “2025 Cities and Regions for International Partnerships” conference, scheduled for December, where the Commissioner is invited to continue the dialogue with the presidents of five key associations, signatories of a strategic partnership agreement with DG INTPA.

As the EU begins to shape its upcoming budget cycle, the message from Europe’s mayors and local leaders is clear: for EU development cooperation to succeed, and for the Global Gateway strategy to deliver on its ambition as a value-based offer to partner countries, the local level must be included.

For more information, contact:

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

EU–Ukraine Municipal Partnerships Forum

Bridges of Trust - Committee of Regions 2025

Local and Regional Leaders building bridges for Ukraine’s Recovery and EU Path

Brussels, 15 May 2025 – The European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine gathered its core members and Ukrainian and EU delegations at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels to accelerate cooperation ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome this July. 

This high-level forum brought together municipalities from across Europe and Ukraine, alongside institutional partners, to exchange on Ukraine’s evolving territorial needs and to foster meaningful, lasting partnerships. At the heart of the discussions was a shared goal: empowering local governments to co-lead reconstruction, support reforms, and drive the local dimension of Ukraine’s EU accession process. 

CEMR’s Contributions: Tools for Lasting Cooperation 

Speaking at the forum, Durmish Guri, CEMR’s Director of Projects and Programmes, presented two key initiatives from CEMR designed to foster long-term collaboration between EU and Ukrainian municipalities: 

🔹 The Matchmaking Platform: This digital tool connects municipalities across Europe, helping them identify shared priorities, explore cooperation opportunities, and launch joint projects. With a special focus on Ukraine, the platform supports deeper partnerships with the rest of the continent, accelerating both recovery efforts and Ukraine’s EU integration process.  
Learn more → https://partnerships.ccre-cemr.org/  

🔹 The Bridges of Trust Community: Evolving from a project into a growing community, Bridges of Trust brings together local leaders from Ukraine and across the European Union, alongside national associations and institutional partners. This consolidated community is committed to strengthening local partnerships by supporting municipalities in co-designing practical solutions in areas of common interest. By reinforcing bonds from the ground up, it empowers municipalities, accelerates Ukraine’s EU integration, and contributes directly to its recovery. 
Learn more → https://ccre-cemr.org/bridges-of-trust  
 
Political Level meeting 
 
The core members of Alliance adopted the Joint Statement on Empowering Local and Regional Governments for the Reconstruction and Future EU Accession of Ukraine to which CEMR contributed. In particular, CEMR put forward two key recommendations: 

  • Establishing a one-stop shop to coordinate and scale up municipal partnerships; 
  • Ensuring stronger access for local governments to financial resources and decision-making processes, particularly within the Ukraine Donor Platform. 

These proposals aim to amplify the voice of local and regional governments, ensuring that municipalities remain central actors in Ukraine’s reconstruction and path to EU integration. 

Memorandum of Understanding  
 
A key highlight came with the signing of a new partnership between Kassel (Germany) and Zhytomyr (Ukraine)—a symbolic and practical demonstration of how municipal cooperation is directly shaping Ukraine’s recovery on the ground. 

A Shared Mission 

CEMR expresses deep appreciation to all co-organisers for hosting a timely and impactful dialogue. Special thanks go to the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine for championing this process and uniting dedicated partners around a common cause.  

The presence of committed, action-driven leaders— including Magali Altounian, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Andrej Horvat, Svitlana Blinova, Vadim Boychenko, Oskar Chmiel, Antonella Valmorbida, Alberto Rini, Kata Tüttő, Oleksii Riabykin, Davide La Cecilia, Pekka Toveri, and many more  – demonstrated the collective energy powering this growing movement of cooperation. 

BENNIS Hamza
In Call, Employment, Impact community Labour, Lab, Latest, Projects and Programmes

Call for tenders – Social Dialogue

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”
Call for tender SD LAB ProjectDownload

For more information, contact:

HETZ Léa Agathe
In Bridges of Trust, Projects and Programmes

Local Governments in Ukraine’s Recovery

Bridges of Trust - News 2025

Local Governments at the Heart of Ukraine’s Resilience, Reconstruction, and European Integration 

As Ukraine continues its courageous and determined fight for freedom and democracy, local and regional governments stand at the forefront of the country’s resilience and recovery. Across Ukraine, municipalities are playing a pivotal role in responding to the challenges of wartime destruction, leading reconstruction efforts, and advancing Ukraine’s path toward European integration. 

Decentralisation as a Foundation for Resilience 

Ukraine’s decentralisation reform, initiated years before the full-scale Russian invasion, has become one of the country’s greatest strengths. Empowered local authorities have mobilised communities, safeguarded essential services, and led local reconstruction efforts, often in partnership with residents and civil society. Municipalities have ensured water, electricity, medical supplies, and shelter, even under occupation and communication blackouts. 

The example of Novobilouska hromada in Chernihiv region, where local authorities swiftly protected sensitive information and are now leading reconstruction efforts, highlights the importance of local self-governance in times of war. 

Bridges of Trust: Rebuilding Ukraine through partnership with the EU municipalities 

International cooperation has further enhanced local resilience. Projects such as Bridges of Trust, led by CEMR in cooperation with Association of Ukrainian Cities and with support of U-LEAD with Europe Programme, connect Ukrainian municipalities with European partners, fostering knowledge exchange and joint reconstruction projects. To date, over 30 Ukrainian municipalities have partnered with counterparts from across Europe, submitting more than 40 joint project proposals focused on recovery and sustainable development. 

These partnerships go beyond solidarity; they promote mutual learning, strengthen democratic governance, and contribute to Ukraine’s European integration by aligning local development practices with EU standards and values. 

Digital Tools for Transparency and Efficiency 

Innovative digital solutions also play a key role. Ukraine’s Prozorro e-procurement system and the DREAM (Digital Restoration Ecosystem for Accountable Management) platform ensure transparency and accountability in reconstruction projects. These tools not only increase public trust but also facilitate international donor engagement by offering real-time data on funded projects. 

The Big Recovery Portal empowers civil society and local communities to monitor reconstruction efforts, report issues, and uphold high standards of integrity and efficiency. Such digital initiatives are critical to ensuring effective use of resources and advancing Ukraine’s EU accession ambitions. 

  • CEMR has developed the Matchmaking Platform, a digital tool connecting towns, cities, and local authorities across Europe, with a special focus on Ukrainian communities. This online platform enables quick peer interactions, joint projects in key cooperation areas, access to funding opportunities, best practices, and enhances international visibility.  

The Way Forward 

Ukraine’s local and regional governments are driving recovery, resilience, and reform. Through international partnerships, digital innovation, and Community engagement through Bridges of Trust, they are shaping a democratic, European future for Ukraine. As CEMR and its members continue to stand with Ukraine, supporting municipalities in their efforts remains essential for a united and resilient Europe. 

Read more at the GMF article:  https://www.gmfus.org/news/defending-democracy-ukraines-resilient-reconstruction-1 

For more information, contact

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Impact community Society, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning, Ukraine reconstruction

Partnerships for Ukraine’s recovery

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.  

More information: https://partnerships.ccre-cemr.org/  

Expanding 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. 

More information: https://ccre-cemr.org/bridges-of-trust  

Looking Ahead: A united effort for recovery 

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. 

For more information, contact: 

BAIER Jessica
In Call, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Twinning

Twinning call for proposals

Twinning - Call for Proposals

Call for proposals for the sub-granting 2025 – extended deadline until Tuesday, May 20

Building on the success of the 2024 pilot phase, CEMR is excited to announce the launch of the second sub-granting scheme, as part of the SPICE project —Empowering Local and Regional Governments for Sustainable Policy Implementation and Civic Engagement in Europe.

The initiative is funded by the European Commission, under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme.

This call for project proposals is open to CEMR’s member associations and aims to strengthen further Twinning exchanges and activities between EU Local and Regional Governments. The focus is on promoting EU values and tackling key challenges such as democracy, citizens participation, gender equality, and inclusion.

Interested members are encouraged to participate in this call and contribute to fostering collaboration across the EU. For more details, and to submit your proposal, please read the full guidelines and complete the forms below.’

For more information, contact: 

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