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TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Press, Projects and Programmes

Bridges of Trust 

Bridges of Trust - News 2023 2

Annual Bridges of Trust Gathering Celebrates Successful Municipal Cooperation between Ukraine and the EU

The first annual Bridges of Trust gathering is set to take place on November 8, 2023, at the CEMR Secretariat in Brussels. This event marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Ukrainian and European municipalities, bringing together representatives from various organisations, including Solidarity Fund Poland, Slovenian Centre for European Perspective (CEP), NALAS, ALDA, and Mayors from Ukraine, Belgium, Latvia, Poland, France, Denmark, Italy, Hungary, Spain, and Sweden.
 
Bridges of Trust focuses on rebuilding Ukraine through partnerships with EU municipalities and promoting comprehensive municipal development through analytics, dialogue, and international cooperation. Since March 2021, this initiative has involved over 150 municipalities from Ukraine and 17 EU member states, driving recovery, reconstruction, and reform efforts in Ukraine.
 
During the event, the municipalities part of the program will present reconstruction and modernisation-related projects and offer valuable recommendations for successful cooperation. The event will also be a platform to strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and European municipalities, focusing on sharing good practices, exchanging successful cooperation strategies, and discussing potential funding sources for EU municipalities partnering with their Ukrainian counterparts. 
 
CEMR and Platforma, in partnership with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) and other local self-government associations, have played a significant role in supporting this initiative. The annual Bridges of Trust gathering serves as a testament to the success, impact, and growing cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.
 

  • Bridges of Trust Gathering’s Agenda here
TONHAUSER Boris
In PLATFORMA, Press

Policy Forum on Development 

Policy Forum on Development - News 2023

CEMR Secretary General to Address Global Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development 2023

The upcoming “Global meeting of the Policy Forum on Development 2023” is set to kick off with a keynote address by the Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Fabrizio Rossi. Starting on September 27, the three-day Conference will serve as a vital platform for discussing multistakeholder partnerships, equality, and the civic space within the context of the Global Gateway initiative.
 
The Secretary General of CEMR will address the Conference’s inaugural session on September 27, drawing upon CEMR’s extensive experience, which champions active engagement of local governments and regions in influencing policies that directly affect their communities.
 
The opening session will feature Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. Commissioner Urpilainen will open the session with a keynote address on the Global Gateway initiative and its role in addressing global inequalities. Her insights will set the stage for discussions throughout the Conference.
 
The “Global Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development 2023” aims to facilitate constructive dialogue on topics ranging from sustainable development goals to inclusive governance. Participants will explore innovative solutions and strategies for advancing the Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to foster international cooperation and bridge disparities on a global scale.

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In PLATFORMA, Press

UNGA 2023

UNGA 2023 - News 2023

CEMR and PLATFORMA to Showcase Local and Regional Commitment at the 2023 UN SDG Summit

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is participating in the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, scheduled for 18-19 September. This high-profile event will bring together leaders from across the globe to discuss crucial sustainability issues and progress toward achieving the SDGs.
CEMR and PLATFORMA will be leading a distinguished delegation, including CEMR Secretariat Eva Baños de Guisasola, Senior Adviser on Global Agendas, SDGs and Climate; Basque Government, Spain; CUF, Cités Unies France; DIBA – Diputació de Barcelona, Spain; ELVL, Estonia; FEMP; Association of German Cities; VNG, The Netherlands; SALAR, Sweden; UCLG.
CEMR’s main objectives at the conference are to advocate for a decentralised, bottom-up, territorial approach to SDG implementation and to emphasise the indispensable role of local and regional governments in achieving these global goals.


Key highlights of CEMR’s participation include:

  1. EU Voluntary Review: CEMR calls for clear recognition of the contributions made by different levels of governance and civil society organisations in achieving the SDGs in Europe.
  2. Localising SDGs: National governments and the EU are urged to accelerate the localisation and territorialisation of the SDGs, ensuring that local and regional governments have the necessary autonomy, means, and resources to drive change at the community level.
  3. Citizen Engagement: CEMR promotes the production of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs) as tools to engage citizens and enhance awareness of global challenges.
  4. Data Inclusion: CEMR advocates for including relevant disaggregated data and information at the subnational level in Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). Emphasising the importance of local governments in monitoring and reporting SDG progress.
  5. Political Engagement: CEMR urges EU institutions and European States to engage with local and regional governments through regular dialogue and the inclusion of local elected representatives in high-level meetings.
  6. International Cooperation: CEMR seeks more support for international cooperation at the local and regional levels, emphasising peer-to-peer learning and innovative partnerships as key drivers of SDG achievement.
  7. Inclusivity: CEMR underscores the vital role of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in decision-making and activities contributing to SDG attainment.

CEMR is committed to making a significant impact at the 2023 UN SDG Summit by promoting the pivotal role of local and regional governments in driving sustainable development. We look forward to engaging with global leaders and partners to advance our shared vision for a more sustainable and equitable world. To learn more about CEMR/PLATFORMA’s SDG strategy, you can find our latest study online at this link https://local-sdgs.eu/.

TONHAUSER Boris
In PLATFORMA, Press

“Rencontres de l’AICT” 

Rencontres de l'AICT - News 2023

Secretary General of CEMR Fabrizio Rossi to address the role of local and regional governments in solving global issues at “Rencontres de l’AICT” Conference

The Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) will participate in the “Rencontres de l’AICT” Conference. This annual event, hosted by Cités Unies France, brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss the role of local and regional authorities in resolving major global issues.

The Secretary General, Fabrizio Rossi, will speak on Tuesday, September 19 in the plenary session. During his intervention, Mr Rossi will showcase how regional partnerships can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the prism of their international action and by presenting CEMR and Platforma’s on-field experience. 

The session will also be broadcast live via the Cités Uites France YouTube channel, with the option of asking questions.

  • Access the channel here

The Organisation will participate in the event:

  • On Tuesday, September 19, 14:30 to 15:00 – PLATFORMA workshop development education and awareness raising where the initiative “European Days of Local Solidarity” will be presented.
TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Call, Press, Projects and Programmes

Call for Proposals 

Call for Proposals BoT - News 2023

Subcontracting for external services on the production of an interactive video on the journey of the “Bridges of Trust” project

CEMR is pleased to announce a call for proposals for external services to contribute to the Bridges of Trust video. The selected provider will be responsible for summarising project activities and enhancing the visibility of the project deliverables. This will be achieved through the development of an interactive video designed for promotional activities.

→ For more information, click here

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

Ukranian recovery strategy

Bridges of Trust Visit - News 2023

Bridges of Trust initiative helped in the cooperation between Ukrainian and French municipalities for a reconstruction plan

3 Ukrainian municipalities Apostolove, Zelenodolsk and Korosten began their study visit to partner municipalities in France with a Solidarity Forum in Issy-les-Moulineaux on 1 of July.
 
The cooperation between Ukrainian and French municipalities is being developed in the framework of the Bridges of Trust initiative implemented by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) together with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) and with the support of U-LEAD with Europe programme. 
 
The partnership of Bourges and Korosten is taking a new step since the first contact between the municipalities in March 2022. While Zelenodolsk and Apostolove are only at the initial stage of building partner relationships with Sceaux and La Rochelle.
 
The Ukrainian delegation was warmly welcomed during the Solidarity Forum held by AFCCRE in the framework of the National Forum on Europe, Twinning and Partnerships. The Ambassador of Ukraine to France, Vadym Omelchenko was among the speakers at the event and reiterated the important and substantial results of cooperation between France and Ukraine on different levels and in various sectors. He reminded the success of the Bilateral Conference for the resilience and reconstruction of Ukraine held by the French government in December 2022 where hundreds of French companies took part and confirmed their interest in engaging in Ukraine’s reconstruction process.
 
The representatives of 3 Ukrainian municipalities Korosten, Zelenodolsk and Apostolove had an opportunity to speak about the daily challenges they face because of the war provoked by Russia against Ukraine, their needs and the ideas of projects that can help the municipalities in the recovery process. Among the priority topics of cooperation were mentioned the exchange of knowledge and experience on water management and purification, inclusivity of municipalities towards disabled people, reconstruction of municipal infrastructure, mental health and rehabilitation. 
 
The representatives of Ukrainian local governments begin today their 3 day study visits to Sceau, Bourges and La Rochelle in order to work on joint projects of reconstruction and recovery and to strengthen partnership ties between municipalities of Ukraine and France. 

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

Study on SDGs localisation

Energy Behaviour Forum - image 1

Discover our new study on progress made by local governments in promoting the Global Goals

Read full study

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA are releasing today (12 July) their annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a United Nations special event in New York. The study is presented by CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen at the 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, organised in the framework of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the United Nations annual event on the SDGs.

The report collects data from 41 associations of local and regional governments from greater Europe and makes seven recommendations. As estimates show, 65% of the 169 targets underpinning the 17 SDGs cannot be achieved without the involvement of local and regional governments.

One more time, this report resonates as a strong call to national and European institutions to further recognise and include in their reports progress made by municipalities and regions in achieving the SDGs. More than ever, decentralised cooperation and partnerships are crucial instruments to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels.

“We are fast approaching the halfway point on the road to the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meaning there are only six summers left!” warns Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President, in the foreword of the study.

The 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda is organised by UN DESA, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), UN-Habitat, UNDP and Local 2030.

Mayors have a say

This year, the European delegation of local and regional governments is composed of several mayors and councillors:

  • Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President and Councillor of Vestfold and Telemark, President of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)
  • Magda Kostava, Member of Kutaisi Municipal Council, Georgia (NALAG), member of the CEMR Young elected officials committee
  • Wim Dries, VVSG President and Mayor of the City of Genk
  • Luisa Salgueiro, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) and Mayor of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Manueal Alvares, Councillor in the Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Stephan Neher, Mayor, City of Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany
  • Anne-Marie Jean, Vice-President of Eurométropole de Strasbourg (CUF)
  • André Viola, Councillor, Department of Aude (AFCCRE)

Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General, Emilia Saiz, UCLG Secretary General, Lucy Slack, CLGF Secretary General, Unai Tellería, Delegate of the Basque Government (Spain) in the United States, Leen Verbeek and Mathieu Mori, respectively President and Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Congress of Europe are also attending HLPF and parallel dedicated to local and regional governments.

More information:

For more information, contact:

TONHAUSER Boris
In PLATFORMA, Press

Promoting the Global Goals

Promoting the Global Goals - News 2023

Discover our new study on progress made by local governments in tracking & promoting the Global Goals

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA are releasing today (12 July) their annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a United Nations special event in New York. The study is presented by CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen at the 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda organised in the framework of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the United Nations annual event on the SDGs.

The report collects data from 41 associations of local and regional governments from greater Europe and makes seven recommendations. As estimates show, 65% of the 169 targets underpinning the 17 SDGs cannot be achieved without the involvement of local and regional governments.
One more time, this report resonates as a strong call to national and European institutions to further recognise and include in their reports the progress made by municipalities and regions in achieving the SDGs. More than ever, decentralised cooperation and partnerships are crucial instruments to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels.
“We are fast approaching the halfway point on the road to the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meaning there are only six summers left!” warns Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President in the foreword of the study.
The 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda is organised by UN DESA, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), UN-Habitat, UNDP and Local 2030.
Mayors have a say
This year, the European delegation of local and regional governments is composed of mayors and councillors:

  • Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President and Councillor of Vestfold and Telemark, President of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)
  • Magda Kostava, Member of Kutaisi Municipal Council, Georgia (NALAG), member of the CEMR Young elected officials committee
  • Wim Dries, VVSG President and Mayor of the City of Genk
  • Luisa Salgueiro, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) and Mayor of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Manueal Alvares, Councilor in the Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Stephan Neher, Mayor, City of Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany
  • Anne-Marie Jean, Vice-President of Eurométropole de Strasbourg (CUF)
  • André Viola, Councillor, Department of Aude (AFCCRE)

Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General, Emilia Saiz, UCLG Secretary General, Lucy Slack, CLGF Secretary General, Unai Tellería, Delegate of the Basque Government (Spain) in the United States, Leen Verbeek and Mathieu Mori, respectively President and Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Congress of Europe are also attending HLPF and parallel dedicated to local and regional governments.
More information:

  • Discover the study online local-sdgs.eu
  • Read the study (pdf)
  • Follow the conversation online with #HLPF2023 & #LocalizingSDGs
TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Press, Projects and Programmes

Bridges of Trust

Bridges of Trust Branding - News 2024

Fostering Collaboration and Hope: Ukrainian Local Governments Visit Spain under ‘Bridges of Trust’ Project

A delegation of local government officials from Ukraine embarked on a visit to Spain from June 19 to June 23 as part of the “Bridges of Trust” project. This project, implemented by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) and with the support of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, aims to foster cooperation and rebuild Ukrainian towns devastated by Russian attacks. The Ukrainian delegation, representing Novomoskovsk, Kremenchuk, and Nikopol, visited prominent Spanish cities to explore collaboration opportunities and gather support for their respective communities.

The Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kremenchuk, Vitalii Maletskyi and Olga Usanova, received a warm welcome from Mayor Eneko Goia of Donostia / San Sebastián. Donostia / San Sebastián, along with Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz, is participating in the “Bridges of Trust” project facilitated by the Association of Basque Municipalities EUDEL, one of the ten local government associations chosen for this noble undertaking.

The Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kremenchuk, Vitalii Maletskyi and Olga Usanova, were warmly welcomed by Mayor Eneko Goia of Donostia / San Sebastián. Donostia / San Sebastián, along with Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz, participates in the “Bridges of Trust” project facilitated by the Association of Basque Municipalities EUDEL, one of the ten local government associations chosen for this endeavour.

Donostia / San Sebastián, known for its commitment to solidarity and support, will provide assistance to Kremenchuk. Kremenchuk, a Ukrainian city with a population of 215,271, endured a devastating missile attack on its main shopping center in 2022. Donostia / San Sebastián, in collaboration with the Sociedad de Fomento de Donosti, will offer guidance and support to promote economic development and urban transformation in Kremenchuk. The city is renowned for its vehicle manufacturing and oil processing sectors, along with two prominent universities.

The Nikopol delegation met with Mayor Maider Etxebarria and representatives of municipal groups at the City Hall in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Vitoria-Gasteiz, a symbol of peace and advocate for rights and freedoms, expressed solidarity and support for the Ukrainian delegation. Nikopol, one of the Ukrainian towns heavily affected by Russian attacks, will receive technical assistance from AMVISA to rebuild its water supply, sewerage, and wastewater treatment networks.

During their visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Nikopol delegation engaged in technical meetings with AMVISA and the Development Cooperation Service. They also had the opportunity to visit key infrastructure projects, such as the Crispijana treatment plant, as well as notable landmarks like the Medieval Quarter and the Green Ring.

Nikopol, a former industrial hub with a population of 105,200, has been grappling with the aftermath of the Russian invasion. Situated near the Dnipro River, close to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and the recently destroyed Kakhovka dam, Nikopol aims to rebuild its economy and infrastructure with the support of European cities like Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The “Bridges of Trust” project, involving 30 European cities, signifies a collective effort to restore hope, cooperation, and stability in Ukrainian towns severely impacted by Russian aggression. By fostering collaborations and sharing expertise, the project aims to create a brighter future for the communities affected by the conflicts.

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Press, Projects and Programmes

Bridges of Trust Training

BoT Training - News 2023

Enhancing Municipal Capacities: Training for Bridges of Trust Project

CEMR, in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities and with support from the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, is organising training sessions for municipalities participating in the Bridges of Trust project. These trainings aim to equip municipalities with practical knowledge of EU funding programmes, including Interreg Next, Erasmus+, and the Black Sea programme, along with essential project management skills.

One objective of the training is to strengthen the capacities of local governments for international cooperation and European integration, with a particular focus on the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Participants will gain a comprehensive overview of the programmes, including eligibility criteria and the intricacies of the application process. The sessions will enhance the abilities of Ukrainian and European local governments to access EU funds effectively.

In addition, three specific training sessions will concentrate on project management, covering the three crucial phases of a project’s lifecycle: planning and initiation, implementation, and monitoring and control. These sessions aim to provide participants with a solid understanding of project management principles and practical tools to assist them throughout the process.
Leading the sessions will be Kirill Dimanopoulos, an expert from CEMR specialising in EU funding and project management. Following the training, participants will apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to develop collaborative reconstruction projects with their partners as part of the Bridges of Trust initiative.

Take a look on the trainings’ agendas: Introduction to Interreg Next – Bilateral and Multilateral Interreg Next programmes – Erasmus+ programme – Interreg Danube programme – Black Sea programme – First Steps in Project Management – Implementing the Project – Monitoring and Control

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