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Local Alliance calls to put cities at the heart of Europe’s climate plans

Local Alliance news

Local Alliance calls for a governance overhaul to put cities at the heart of Europe’s climate plans

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In a new position paper, the Local Alliance – a coalition of CEMR, ACR+, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe, and POLIS – calls on the EU to seize the revision of the Governance Regulation to make National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP) truly implementable, investable, and grounded in local realities. 

Cities, towns and regions across Europe are already acting — renovating buildings, deploying renewables, transforming mobility systems. Yet the EU’s climate planning framework has not caught up. National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) continue to be drafted largely without the involvement of the local and regional governments that will ultimately deliver them. 

The revision of the Governance Regulation, expected from the European Commission in the last quarter of 2026, is therefore a critical opportunity — one the Local Alliance is determined not to miss. 

A structural disconnect 

A wealth of local data, investment pipelines and climate plans already exists across Europe — from Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans to Climate City Contracts and local heating strategies. Yet this territorial knowledge rarely feeds into NECPs, creating duplication, fragmentation and missed investment opportunities.  

Meanwhile, the multi-level dialogues already required under Article 11 of the current Regulation have largely remained disconnected from real implementation decisions or remained tick-the-box level only. 

The result is a dangerous two-speed dynamic: high ambition at European and national levels, too little attention to what happens on the ground. 

The Local Alliance’s answer: connect what already exists 

The position paper calls for the revised Regulation to be built around four mutually reinforcing elements:  

  1. a permanent multi-level dialogue platform in each Member State to align all levels of government around NECP preparation and monitoring, taking into account national governance structures and needs;  
  1. a territorial chapter in each NECP drawing on existing local plans to show where and how national objectives will be delivered;  
  1. territorially informed sectoral pathways linking national targets across buildings, transport, heating, renewable energy, and circular economy with the local realities that determine whether delivery is actually possible; 
  1. and investment strategies that take account of local investment and capacity needs. 

This is not a call for more bureaucracy. It is a call to make what already exists work together — reducing consultation fatigue, cutting administrative duplication, and turning NECPs from reporting exercises into genuine frameworks for implementation and investment. 

Read the full position paper here

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Climate adaptation position paper

ODELL - City of Bilbao, main banner

CEMR calls for a territorial approach to Europe’s climate resilience


Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world. Heatwaves, floods, droughts and extreme weather events are already affecting communities, infrastructure and ecosystems across the continent — with impacts that vary widely from one territory to another. In this context, climate adaptation has become an urgent priority for towns, cities and regions, which are on the frontline maintaining essential services and strengthening resilience on the ground. 

While the European Commission is currently developing a new integrated framework for European Climate Resilience and Risk Management, CEMR has published a new policy paper, Adapting Together – A territorial approach to resilience and risk management, setting out concrete recommendations to strengthen Europe’s approach to climate adaptation and preparedness. 

A new policy paper: Adapting Together 

The policy paper highlights a clear reality: local and regional governments already implement the vast majority of adaptation measures, yet their role remains insufficiently recognised and supported in EU and national frameworks. The paper calls for a territorial approach to climate resilience, grounded in multi-level governance and built around six key priorities: 

  • Empowering local and regional governmentswith clear mandates and flexibility to act; 
  • Strengthening local capacity through better access to data, tools and peer learning; 
  • Securing predictable and accessible funding for adaptation investments; 
  • Improving preparedness and disaster risk management; 
  • Restoring ecosystems and scaling up nature-based solutions; 
  • Ensuring water resilience through integrated, locally driven water management. 

By combining horizontal enablers (governance, capacity and finance) with sector-specific recommendations, the paper demonstrates how empowering towns, cities and regions is essential to Europe’s overall resilience. 

Towns, cities and regions at the frontline of adaptation policies  

Ronan Dantec, CEMR spokesperson for Climate, underlines: Today, it is urgent to recognise that adaptation to climate change is pivotal for municipalities and regions of all sizes. Investing in sustainable infrastructure and using our resources more efficiently is not just an option, but an imperative for securing a thriving future for all. 

Climate impacts are inherently local. Even within the same country, risks can differ significantly between urban and rural areas, coastal and inland regions, or northern and southern territories. Towns, cities and regions are therefore best placed to: 

  • Assess local climate risks and vulnerabilities; 
  • Protect vulnerable populations; 
  • Plan and manage resilient infrastructure; 
  • Ensure continuity of essential services such as water, transport and energy; 
  • Deliver nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration. 

Their proximity to citizens also allows them to integrate social resilience into adaptation policies, ensuring that no one is left behind as climate impacts intensify

Preparing for the EU’s upcoming integrated framework on climate resilience 

CEMR’s policy paper comes at a key political moment, as the new integrated framework for European ClimateResilience and Risk Management is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in the second half of 2026. It will aim to establish a comprehensive and coherent EU approach to climate resilience and preparedness.  

 The ongoing public consultation of the European Commission on the future integrated framework, includes a set of questions covering resilience-by-design across EU policies; harmonised and comparable climate risk assessments; funding for adaptation; support for local and regional level, consideration of climate-related health impacts.  

CEMR is currently developing a response in cooperation with its expert group, requesting that towns, cities and regions are recognised not only as implementers, but as strategic partners in the design, financing and monitoring of this future framework. The consultation is open until 23 February 2026. CEMR encourages its members to participate and make their voices heard. 


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EU budget: Local Alliance action plan

Local Alliance - News Section

Making the next EU budget work for cities and regions: the Local Alliance’s 10-point action plan


The Local Alliance – a coalition of Europe’s leading local and regional governments: ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS, – aims at ensuring that our constituencies have the competencies and resources to implement and reinforce Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and decarbonisation.

We share a common vision for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to become a strong, democratic, and future-proof tool that drives cohesion across territories, reinforces Europe’s competitiveness, and enables a just transition towards climate-neutral and resilient transition.

Local and regional governments are Europe’s frontline for delivering change. They are the democratic level closest to citizens, trusted by a majority of Europeans, and directly or through shared responsibility in charge of implementing most EU legislation. They mobilise the bulk of climate-relevant investment, drive innovation and competitiveness, and safeguard cohesion and just transition by ensuring that no community is left behind. Without their leadership, Europe cannot succeed in meeting its green, digital, social, and competitiveness ambitions.

Yet instead of empowering this strength, the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF risks sidelining local and regional governments, who are best placed to deliver. A centralised approach, which does not reflect the local realities and priorities, not only threatens delivery on the ground, but also Europe’s long-term societal, democratic and economic resilience and competitiveness. As the Committee of the Regions’ most recent report highlights, European cities and regions need a budget to help build the Union from the ground up – where local and regional authorities are not only implementers but co-creators of Europe’s future.

With the negotiations already underway, the Local Alliance calls on the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to seize this opportunity to put democracy, territorial cohesion, and competitiveness at the heart of the next MFF by ensuring local and regional governments are recognised as indispensable partners. Europe cannot achieve its strategic objectives without working hand in hand with its towns, cities and regions. For this reason, the Local Alliance presents an 10 point action plan to ensure the EU budget delivers tangible results for people in every territory across Europe and beyond.

For the next MFF, we call on:

1. Stronger multilevel governance mechanisms to deliver both reforms and investments.

2. Stronger partnership principle for the implementation of the MFF.

For the National and Regional Partnership Plans: 

3. Making regional and territorial chapters of the National and Regional Partnership Plans mandatory, with a clear section on cities.

4. Earmarking for a just transition & affordable living for all.

5. A real EU program for cities of all sizes under the proposed EU Facility.

6. Safeguarding mechanism for the local and regional level to guarantee their access to EU funds.

7. Linking performance indicators to EU law implementation and territorial delivery.

For the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe: 

8. Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe should recognise cities and regions explicitly as innovators and investors.

For Horizon Europe:

9. Continuing the Mission approach under Horizon Europe.

For the Global Europe Facility:

10. Stronger support for accession cities and regions for the future of European cohesion.

Read the full position paper here

For more information, contact:

Renewables with communities first 

Energy - News Section

A European consensus sets guiding principles to accelerate renewable energy and grid deployment while ensuring fairness, transparency, biodiversity protection, and local benefits 


Europe is at a turning point. To reach climate neutrality by 2050, the EU must drastically expand renewable energy and electricity grids. This challenge is also an opportunity: renewables are cheaper than fossil fuels, can reduce biodiversity risks, and bring local economic benefits. Yet progress remains too slow, hampered by lengthy permits, weak community dialogue, and a lack of perceived value for citizens. 

To overcome these barriers, European stakeholders have united behind a set of baseline principles for fast and fair deployment of renewables and grids. These principles underline that projects must be shaped with communities, not imposed on them. Early engagement with mayors and citizens, transparent communication, and mechanisms for feedback are central to building trust. 

Equally important is ensuring that local communities share in the value of new projects. This means creating jobs, offering benefit-sharing schemes such as funds or co-ownership, and guaranteeing that revenues are used transparently for local improvements, from transport to housing. The principles also commit to nature-positive deployment, applying strategies to avoid or minimise harm and, where possible, enhance biodiversity. 

Finally, the consensus highlights the need to empower community-led initiatives, giving citizens and municipalities fair access to the energy market and the grid. By creating space for local ownership, Europe can ensure that the energy transition is not only fast but also fair. 

Together, these principles form a European consensus: a shared roadmap to accelerate the transition while protecting ecosystems and ensuring citizens see real, tangible benefits. 

Read the position paper here 

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An incluve local green transition deal

Renewable Energy - News Section

CEMR launches groundbreaking report on the local green transition


CEMR is excited to announce the launch of its new report, “Local Green Transition: Prospects for an Inclusive and Competitive Deal”. This study examines how Local and Regional Governments adapt to and implement the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.  It provides a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges LRGs face in executing green policies, highlighting their critical role in achieving Europe’s climate goals. With over 300 LRGs participating in extensive surveys, the study presents sector-cross-cutting and specific recommendations to enhance local-level implementation of green strategies.

Key Insights:

  • High Awareness: An impressive 92% of LRGs are familiar with the decarbonisation legislation affecting their regions.
  • Impact of Climate Change and Preparedness: Many LRGs report feeling the effects of climate change acutely, with only a third feeling adequately prepared to implement necessary legislation.
  • Positive Outcomes: More than half of the surveyed LRGs have experienced benefits from green policies, including job creation and improved air quality, although challenges like funding access and regulatory complexity remain significant.
  • Social Equity: The report emphasises the need for equitable and responsive policies to the diverse needs of urban and rural areas.

Recommendations for EU Decision-Makers: CEMR identifies crucial priorities for European and national governments to support LRGs in their green transition efforts, including:

  1. Addressing local needs during EGD implementation.
  2. Fostering collaborative dialogue and partnerships with LRGs.
  3. Simplifying and increasing funding for local initiatives.
  4. Ensuring equitable implementation across regions.
  5. Making the green transition a priority for cross-border cooperation.

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen emphasised the importance of local governments in facilitating real change, stating, “Municipalities and regions lay the groundwork for a more competitive Europe by implementing renewable energy projects and developing sustainable infrastructure.”

This report serves as a vital resource for local and regional governments, aiming to guide them in harnessing the green transition to foster economic growth while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change

Read study here

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Adoption of the nature restoration law

Green City - News Section

Cities and regions urge swift adoption of EU Nature Restoration Law to combat climate and biodiversity crises


As Europe faces intensifying environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate-driven heatwaves and pollution, cities and regions are stepping up their call for action. Partners of the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, including many local and regional governments, have issued a joint letter urging EU Member States to swiftly adopt the long-delayed Nature Restoration Law. 

Local authorities are often at the frontline of environmental crises. With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, the need to restore green spaces is not only a climate priority but also a public health and quality-of-life imperative. The proposed law would provide a long-awaited framework to strengthen biodiversity, adapt cities to rising temperatures, and support sustainable land use. 

Delays in the law’s adoption not only undermine urgent environmental action but also threaten democratic trust in EU decision-making. A provisional agreement between the European Parliament and Council was reached months ago, and failure to finalise it now would send the wrong signal, both to EU citizens and the global community. 

CEMR and its partner’s stress: restoring nature is not optional. It is essential! Local governments stand ready to deliver, but they need the political will at the EU level to match their ambition. 

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Local Alliance for the Green Deal

Local Alliance: city and regional networks urge EU to stay the course on Green Deal implementation


Eight leading networks of European cities and regions – ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS – have come together to form the Local Alliance. 

In a joint letter, the Alliance calls on EU leaders to find new ways to effectively roll out the European Green Deal at the local level. The EU must “stay the course on the European Green Deal under this and the next mandate of the European Commission, the networks have stated.

Recent challenges, such as the passage of the Nature Restoration Law, which still languishes with the European Council, or the last-minute setbacks suffered by the internal combustion engine phase out, are undermining the Green’s Deal objectives. As the European elections approach, the EU must ensure it remains a global beacon for climate leadership.  

Given the more complicated arena for climate legislation that lies ahead, local leaders are adamant that the EU’s commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 should remain a top priority, delivering a just transition that works for people and planet. 

Cities and regions are where at least 70% of the European Green Deal legislation must be implemented. European local and regional governments have already embarked on the journey to climate neutrality and started to transform European cities and regions, as well as ways of living, heating and cooling, housing, mobility, producing and consuming for millions of citizens. Today, the EU’s subnational governments mobilise around 58% of climate-significant public expenditures, surpassing their central governments. 

“Through this Local Alliance, we call on the EU institutions to listen to cities and regions that are already localising the Green Deal objectives by implementing 70% of the EU legislation. Putting the experience of local governments at the centre means prioritizing effective transition policies that will ensure fairness and acceptance of the Green Deal for all European citizens” – Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General, CEMR.

In the letter sent to EU leaders, the Local Alliance highlights that Europe’s pace of success in achieving the Green Deal objectives will depend on the following help for cities and regions:  

  • More joined up support for investments from the EU, national and regional funds across different funding programmes and actors, which are more responsive to locally developed integrated and holistic action and investment plans. This would also be a prerequisite for creating local jobs and markets for the European green industry.   

Local leaders highlight that partnership between all levels of government is key as “Financing the local transition to climate neutrality will require mobilising the EU and national budgets.” 

  • Cities and regions need adequate in-house skills and a workforce to successfully do their part of the climate neutrality transition and by doing so, to create demand for European businesses and industries.   

“These opportunities are the best way to create local investment potential for European industry, and to share the transition benefits for all EU citizens,” say the Local Alliance leaders.

  • Establishing structured dialogues with the local and regional levels at the EU and national level will be critical to achieving the necessary transformation and societal resilience at scale in Europe.  

It is only with cities, regional and local governments on board – the closest level of government to people and the one responsible for implementing most of the European Green Deal legislation – that we can fully meet the objective of a climate neutral Europe by 2050. 

The Local Alliance further repeats its commitment to work with national governments, the European Council, the Commission, and the Parliament to turn the European Green Deal into reality for every citizen across Europe. 

For more information, contact:

Sustainable textile waste management 

Textile Waste - News

Strengthening EU Waste Legislation Through Local Collaboration and Producer Responsibility 


As the EU prepares to implement key provisions of the revised Waste Framework Directive, including mandatory separate collection of textiles by January 2025, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for urgent improvements to ensure fairness, clarity, and efficiency in textile waste management. Drawing from on-the-ground experience and policy best practices, particularly France’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, CEMR offers targeted recommendations to close critical legislative gaps and empower local governments in achieving sustainable waste solutions. 

1. Expand the Definition of Textile Waste 

The current directive focuses narrowly on ‘household textiles,’ excluding significant sources of textile waste from commercial and institutional settings such as hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, and schools. CEMR recommends a broader, more inclusive definition of ‘textile waste’ that reflects its diverse origins and aligns with the Polluter-Pays Principle. 

2. Clarify the Role of Social Enterprises 

Social enterprises play a vital role in collection, sorting, reuse, and resale of textiles. These actors must be fully recognised within the waste legislation and EPR frameworks, with fair access to funding and partnership opportunities. Their unique contributions can enhance the circular economy while delivering strong social outcomes. 

3. Strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles 

a) Align Implementation Deadlines 

There is currently a mismatch between the 2025 obligation for separate textile collection and the proposed EPR deadline, which may not come into effect until 2027 or 2028. CEMR calls for the EPR scheme to be implemented simultaneously with the collection obligation, and for producers to retroactively reimburse municipalities for collection-related costs from January 2025. 

b) Recognise Local Authorities as Key Partners 

Municipalities are central to waste collection and citizen engagement, yet their role is not clearly defined in the proposed EPR framework. CEMR urges mandatory collaboration between Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and municipalities to ensure streamlined collection systems and cohesive public communication. 

c) Ensure Full Cost Coverage 

EPR funding must comprehensively cover not only infrastructure and operational costs, but also continuous public communication campaigns, which are critical to successful sorting and reuse. Additionally, producers should bear partial responsibility for textiles that remain in mixed waste streams, incentivising better product design and citizen behaviour. 

d) Include Unsold Textiles in EPR Obligations 

To align with the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products, which bans the destruction of unsold goods, CEMR advocates for including unsold textiles in the scope of EPR. A clear definition should be added to the directive to ensure these products are managed responsibly and transparently. 

4. Introduce Clear Measures to Prevent Textile Waste 

Overproduction and fast fashion are key drivers of Europe’s textile waste crisis. The revised directive must go beyond waste management and address prevention at the source. This includes incentives for sustainable design, extended use, reuse systems, and anti-overproduction regulations. 

Case Study: France’s “Refashion” EPR Scheme 

France’s pioneering EPR program, “Refashion,” offers a proven model. Since 2007, it has tripled the collection and recycling rates of post-consumer textiles. In 2020 alone, it engaged over 4,000 producers and allocated €36 million toward sorting, community projects, and innovation. Nearly 40% of textiles placed on the market were collected, up from 27% in 2013, with a 90% material recovery rate and 50% direct reuse. 

This success story demonstrates how producer accountability, coupled with strong public-private cooperation, can drive significant progress. However, challenges such as labour-intensive sorting and the difficulty of recycling blended fibres remain and must be addressed at the EU level. 

Conclusion 

With the right revisions, the updated Waste Framework Directive can become a powerful tool in reshaping Europe’s approach to textile waste. CEMR urges EU institutions to act decisively by aligning deadlines, empowering municipalities, and ensuring that both social and environmental responsibilities are shared equitably across the textile value chain. Only then can the EU truly advance toward a circular, fair, and sustainable future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

Fixing Textile Waste

Textile Waste Management - News

CEMR calls for a stronger local role and producer responsibility in EU textile waste reforms


In response to the European Commission’s proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has published key messages to ensure that local and regional authorities are central to a fair and effective textile waste management system.

The revision, which includes mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles, is welcomed by CEMR. However, urgent improvements are needed to ensure timely implementation, comprehensive cost coverage, and clearer roles for public authorities and social enterprises.

CEMR’s recommendations highlight several critical areas:

  • Broaden the definition of textile waste to include non-household sources such as hotels, hospitals, and offices.
  • Clarify the role of social enterprises and ensure they are fully integrated into EPR schemes.
  • Align deadlines for separate collection (due by 2025) with the establishment of EPR schemes to avoid unfunded obligations for municipalities.
  • Guarantee full cost coverage for collection, sorting, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
  • Include unsold textiles under EPR rules, in line with the upcoming Ecodesign Regulation.
  • Promote prevention, especially by tackling overproduction and fast fashion.

Drawing on best practices from France’s “Refashion” scheme, CEMR shows how EPR can drive higher collection and reuse rates, stimulate innovation, and improve cooperation across the value chain, but only when properly implemented.

CEMR urges EU institutions to embed these recommendations into the revised directive to ensure that local governments can continue to lead on circular economy goals without being burdened by unfunded mandates.

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Smarter building rules in Europe

Housing - News

EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe


EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and Housing Europe have joined forces to publish a set of recommendations on the European Commission’s proposal to recast the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). While both organisations fully support the ambition to decarbonise buildings across the EU, they warn that the proposal must better reflect the realities on the ground. 

Local and regional governments, as well as providers of public, social, and cooperative housing, are critical actors in delivering the EU’s climate objectives. But a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. 

The joint position paper outlines three key recommendations: 

  1. Respect local differences through subsidiarity and adaptability 
    The EPBD must allow member states and local authorities to tailor building codes to their own context. Setting EU-level definitions for zero-emission buildings without a clear methodology risks creating uncertainty and undermining national efforts. Other areas, such as fire safety and asbestos removal, should remain the competence of national or local governments. 
  1. Provide a stable and realistic framework for renovations 
    Renovating buildings is a long-term process that requires careful planning. The proposed EPBD introduces tight deadlines and shifting labelling systems, making it nearly impossible for local authorities and property owners to comply effectively. CEMR and Housing Europe argue for a more predictable timeline that reflects labour shortages, market dynamics, and tenant affordability. 
  1. Support zero-emission construction with energy system flexibility 
    While new buildings must meet high standards, member states should retain the freedom to choose their energy sources. That includes not only on-site renewables, but also low-carbon energy from the grid, waste heat, and energy recovery, all in line with the EU waste hierarchy. 

Ultimately, the success of the EPBD will depend on how well it enables local and regional actors to deliver results. CEMR and Housing Europe are clear: the path to climate-neutral buildings must be ambitious but flexible, fair and grounded in local realities

Read the full policy paper here  

For more information, contact: