Impact community Labour 30

Local and regional governments are central to ensuring quality public services across Europe, from transport to childcare and broadband. Yet complex EU rules on competition and procurement are increasingly challenging their ability to deliver these services effectively.

That’s the core message of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)’s position paper, Strong Public Services through Local Governments.

As Europe reflects on its future, CEMR urges policymakers to recognise local governments not as a problem, but as part of the solution. From climate action to social cohesion, local services are key to implementing EU goals on the ground. However, this contribution risks being undermined by overregulation and limited local autonomy.

“European rules should enable, not obstruct, local governments in meeting community needs,” the paper argues.

CEMR highlights the need to:

Respect subsidiarity and local self-government;

Simplify procurement and state aid procedures;

Allow local authorities to support their economies through ‘buy local’ criteria;

Improve legal clarity for public-public cooperation;

Reform litigation-heavy procurement processes.

Despite burdensome procedures, cross-border procurement remains rare, pointing to a mismatch between regulatory effort and actual impact. A more flexible, proportionate system would support innovation and help local governments better serve their communities.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Towns leading global change

How Europe’s towns and regions are turning global sustainability goals into everyday reality

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Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it has become increasingly clear that towns and regions are at the forefront of making the global goals a reality. Local and regional governments are responsible for many of the services that directly affect citizens’ lives, education, housing, transport, waste management, and health. Their actions, often taken without reference to international frameworks, already contribute to creating more sustainable communities.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA highlight the central role of local governments not just as service providers but also as policy shapers, awareness raisers, and partnership builders. By engaging citizens and other stakeholders, municipalities are uniquely placed to embed sustainability principles in everyday governance.

To support and strengthen this work, four clear recommendations emerge:

Increase participation – raise awareness among citizens and encourage greater involvement in sustainability initiatives.

Ensure coherence – integrate local governments into national strategies to avoid fragmented approaches.

Build capacity – provide technical tools and knowledge so municipalities can implement goals effectively.

Support partnerships – back international cooperation and exchange between towns and regions to reinforce solidarity.

Progress is visible, but challenges remain: insufficient resources, difficulties in collecting local data, and the need for stronger national frameworks. Despite these obstacles, municipalities are proving to be powerful drivers of sustainable change. From inclusive policies to decentralised cooperation, they are demonstrating that building a sustainable future must begin at the local level.

The global goals are not about imposing new tasks on towns and regions, but about offering a common framework and shared language. Europe’s municipalities are showing that sustainability is not abstract: it is local, practical, and essential for the well-being of communities today and tomorrow.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva

Senior Advisor – Global Agendas, SDGs & Climate

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Local finances, Local finances, Press, Publications, Territorial development

Regional actors in economic governance

CEMR–EPSU report maps current involvement of local and regional actors in EU economic governance

The European Semester, created in 2010 in response to the financial crisis, is the EU’s annual cycle for coordinating Member States’ economic, social, employment, and budgetary policies. Its aim is to align national reforms with shared EU objectives, including stability, sustainable growth, and the Europe 2020 strategy.

While central governments and EU institutions remain the main players, the process increasingly affects local and regional governments (LRGs) and their social partners. From public finance and taxation to health, social care and employment, many Semester reforms directly touch the responsibilities of municipalities and regions, as well as the working conditions of the sector’s employees.

The joint CEMR–EPSU project “Localising the European Semester” (2018–2020) set out to better understand and strengthen this involvement. The first deliverable, a background report published in February 2018, provided an overview of the Semester’s development, evidence of how LRGs and social partners are engaged, and identified important gaps in knowledge.

Key findings from the report include:

Limited evidence of structured involvement: While LRGs are often consulted through existing dialogue structures, their influence remains inconsistent across Member States. For social partners, involvement is even less systematic, with sectoral trade unions and employers’ organisations often sidelined in favour of peak-level organisations.
Impact remains unclear: Academic studies assess when countries follow Semester recommendations, for example, during election cycles, under market pressure, or when backed by EU enforcement. However, little research exists on whether reforms are more likely to succeed when LRGs and social partners contribute.
Need for deeper analysis: The extent to which local governments and sectoral social partners shape National Reform Programmes (NRPs) is largely undocumented. Equally, it remains uncertain whether peak organisations fully represent the concerns of the local government sector in national consultations.
Opportunities for good practice: Where involvement does occur, it is often tied to long-standing structures for social dialogue or intergovernmental coordination. The challenge is to turn sporadic consultation into regular, structured dialogue with clear impact.

The report concludes that strengthening the role of LRGs and their social partners in the Semester is both necessary and possible. By documenting experiences, identifying good practices, and pressing for meaningful engagement, the CEMR–EPSU project aims to ensure that the voices of local governments, employers and workers are better reflected in one of the EU’s most powerful policy coordination tools.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Press, Publications

Making the EU semester inclusive

Final declaration of the CEMR–EPSU project calls for stronger involvement of local governments and social partners in the European Semester

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The European Semester, once primarily a tool for economic coordination, has evolved into a wide-ranging policy process that shapes social legislation, EU funding priorities, and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, its democratic legitimacy remains limited, with insufficient involvement of local and regional governments (LRGs) and their social partners.

From 2018 to 2020, CEMR and EPSU ran the joint project Localising the European Semester with the support of the European Commission. The initiative explored ways to better involve sectoral social partners of local and regional governments in the Semester cycle. Its findings confirm that around 80% of Country Specific Recommendations have a territorial impact, making the engagement of municipalities, cities and regions essential for their effective implementation.

The project demonstrated a growing interest from social partner organisations in contributing to the Semester. However, practices across Member States remain inconsistent, and consultation processes are often too formal to be effective. CEMR and EPSU therefore call for clearer standards and stronger mechanisms to ensure meaningful participation.

Key recommendations include:

Guaranteeing that the views of local and regional social partners are fully taken into account.
Setting EU-wide quality standards for inclusive consultation processes.
Providing dedicated fora and visibility for sectoral social partners in the Semester cycle.
Establishing an ad-hoc grant to support information and consultation at the national level.
Ensuring the Semester becomes an inclusive framework for achieving the SDGs.

CEMR and EPSU underline that municipalities, cities and regions are vital socio-economic actors, delivering investments, growth and high-quality services. To strengthen the legitimacy and impact of the European Semester, EU institutions and national governments must involve them, and their social partners, much more closely. Only by doing so can the Semester live up to its promise of supporting sustainable and inclusive development across Europe.

Read the declaration here

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications

Guidelines for gender equality

Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the European Public Service Union (EPSU) have adopted revised guidelines to help local and regional governments strengthen gender equality in the workplace. These updated guidelines replace the original 2007 version, reflecting new social challenges and priorities, such as the effects of austerity policies and demographic change.

Recognising the central role that municipalities and regions play as employers and service providers, the guidelines provide a practical framework for developing Gender Equality Action Plans (GEAPs). These plans aim to improve working conditions, promote equal career opportunities for women and men, and support a better work-life balance for all staff.

“Gender equality is essential to create fair and resilient communities. Local governments can lead by example,” state the social partners.

The revised guidelines:

Encourage positive action and gender mainstreaming in HR and service provision;

Offer templates and checklists to support the creation of tailored local plans;

Promote cooperation between employers, employees, and trade unions;

Align with existing EU legislation and the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

The document also outlines the importance of political backing, training, and long-term commitment to ensure successful implementation. CEMR and EPSU plan to assess the impact of these updated guidelines through the Social Dialogue Committee in 2019.

For municipalities, county councils, and regions, this tool is an opportunity to foster more inclusive, equitable workplaces while meeting broader European goals on gender equality.

For more information, contact:

Read full position paper here

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Press, Public services, Public services, Publications

Extending social protection rights

CEMR highlights challenges and priorities in ensuring fair access to social protection for all forms of employment

In June 2017, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) responded to the European Commission’s first-phase consultation of social partners on access to social protection within the framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights. CEMR welcomed the initiative but emphasised that further detail is needed to ensure effective and fair implementation across Europe.

CEMR underlined that while improving access to social protection is beneficial, implementation must remain balanced between workers’ rights and employers’ needs. The organisation cautioned that additional measures, such as parental leave provisions under the Work-Life Balance Directive, may create significant costs for local governments and should be carefully planned.

A key challenge lies in ensuring similar social protection rights for similar work, while recognising that not all workers lacking access face the same risks. The main issue arises when individuals have no coverage at all, not when they are already protected through another job.

For self-employed workers, CEMR identified several priority areas for EU action under social protection, including:

sickness and accident-at-work benefits,
old-age and invalidity benefits,
maternity and paternity benefits.

In terms of employment services, CEMR stressed the importance of strengthening guidance, counselling, training, and reintegration measures to support workers in transition.

While CEMR agreed that all self-employed workers should, in principle, be included in such an initiative, it pointed out the particular difficulties faced by small and micro-businesses. A tailored approach is needed, with careful assessment of different employment types.

CEMR reaffirmed that responsibility for social policy and social insurance design remains with Member States, and that self-governance by social partners must be respected. Any EU initiative on access to social protection should therefore act as a framework for guidance and support, while preserving national competencies and diversity.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Press, Public services, Public services, Publications

Revision of written statement directive

New obligations on short-term contracts could burden local employers

As the European Commission considers revising the Written Statement Directive (91/533/EEC) to reflect the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for a balanced and flexible approach that takes into account the realities of local and regional government employment.

In its official response to the Commission’s first-phase consultation of the social partners, CEMR acknowledges that the Commission has correctly identified many relevant issues. However, it expresses concern that expanding the scope of the directive, particularly to cover all atypical and short-term work contracts, could result in disproportionate administrative burdens for local authorities.

“The introduction of written statements for contracts under one month or eight hours would place a burden on employers that is not proportionate to the benefits for employees,” the response notes.

CEMR stresses that:

Most local government staff already fall under the existing rules;

Local authorities need flexibility in handling casual and supply contracts, especially in sectors like education;

Contractual elements should remain a matter for national decision-making, not EU regulation;

There is a risk in conflating very different work arrangements, such as traineeships, digital platform work, and genuine self-employment.

While supportive of fair and transparent working conditions, CEMR does not currently support new EU-level legislation in the areas identified and advises further analysis of the impact on public employers. Should EU-level social partners initiate negotiations under Article 155 TFEU, CEMR affirms its willingness to support the process.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

Strengthening work-life balance

Improving equality, labour participation, and social cohesion through better policies on leave, childcare, and flexible work

Work-life balance remains one of the most pressing challenges in Europe, with direct implications for gender equality, labour market participation, and social cohesion. Despite progress in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in employment, face higher risks of poverty, and continue to carry a disproportionate share of care responsibilities. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic necessity, as women’s employment is a key driver of growth.

Policies that support better reconciliation of work and family life are crucial to close the gender employment gap. Several measures stand out: ensuring high-quality and affordable childcare, promoting equal sharing of parental leave, developing flexible working arrangements, and adopting gender-sensitive budgeting practices.

Childcare plays a central role in enabling equal participation in the labour market. Meeting the “Barcelona objectives”, with at least 90% of children between the ages of three and school age having access to childcare, is essential. Investment in childcare infrastructure reduces the burden of informal care, often borne by women, and creates conditions for greater economic independence.

Equally important are leave provisions. While maternity leave remains a cornerstone, extending its duration may sometimes hinder women’s reintegration into the workforce. Alternatives such as affordable childcare, telework options, or flexible work schemes can provide more balanced solutions. Paternity leave, especially when non-transferable, is vital for promoting equal responsibility between parents, while parental leave policies must go further in encouraging fathers’ participation. Carers’ leave also deserves attention, particularly as ageing populations increase the demand for informal care.

Flexible working arrangements, including telework, temporary reductions in working hours, and adaptable schedules, can further support families. Properly implemented, they improve retention, motivation, and productivity, while helping both women and men manage family responsibilities.

Finally, transparency in pay structures and the regular monitoring of gender equality measures at all levels can help reduce persistent wage gaps and ensure progress is visible. Sharing good practices and setting benchmarks allows countries and regions to learn from one another and target actions where they are most needed.

Work-life balance is not just a matter of private concern but a cornerstone of social and economic development. By strengthening childcare, modernising leave policies, and encouraging flexible and equal working arrangements, societies can ensure greater gender equality, reduce poverty risks, and boost long-term growth. Achieving these goals requires commitment across all levels of governance, with local and regional authorities playing a decisive role in turning principles into everyday realities.

For more information, contact:

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Press, Publications

European pillar of social rights

Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery

As the European Commission advances its agenda on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reiterates that success hinges on meaningful involvement of local and regional governments, alongside social partners.

CEMR emphasises that the diversity of Europe’s social and labour systems must be fully respected. Rather than setting additional minimum standards at the EU level, the Pillar should serve as a reference framework, offering benchmarks and guidance while preserving subsidiarity and national ownership.

The organisation underlines three main priorities for strengthening the social dimension of the EU:

Skills for the future: Preparing for digitalisation, demographic change and migrant integration through targeted investment in education and lifelong learning.

Inclusive labour markets: Supporting active participation of underrepresented groups, including women, older workers, and migrants, to strengthen social cohesion and economic resilience.

Gender equality: Promoting flexible working conditions, better work-life balance, and innovative employment practices to increase women’s participation in the workforce.

CEMR warns that increasing EU-level regulation in sensitive areas like minimum wages or employment contracts risks undermining national and regional competencies. Instead, the focus should be on empowering local actors to deliver tailored social and employment policies that reflect local realities.

David Simmonds, CEMR spokesperson on local and regional governments as employers, concludes:

“The best way to achieve the goals of the Social Pillar is to recognise the diversity of our territories and fully involve the local level in shaping and implementing social policies. This is the path toward a more inclusive and democratic Social Europe.”

For more information, contact:

Read the declaration here

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Press, Publications, Skills, Skills

Strengthening Europe’s social dimension

The European Pillar of Social Rights should focus on quality, investment, and upward convergence across Member States

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The European Pillar of Social Rights is intended to reinforce the EU’s social dimension and rebalance economic and social priorities. Public services and services of general interest (SGIs) are at the heart of this process, as they underpin citizens’ quality of life and provide the infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Rather than producing new legislation, the priority should be to ensure that existing EU social rules remain fit for purpose. The current Social Acquis already includes around 70 directives that protect workers and guarantee rights. What is needed now is stronger enforcement and, where necessary, modernisation, for example, revisiting the Working Time Directive to provide clarity for employers and employees alike.

The Pillar also offers an opportunity to introduce benchmarks that compare and measure social policy developments across Europe, within the framework of the European Semester. Such benchmarking could improve transparency, highlight gaps, and support upward convergence while respecting the diversity of national systems. Importantly, this approach should apply to all EU Member States, not just the euro area.

A stronger social dimension requires reliable and predictable investment in both physical and social infrastructure, from transport and energy to education, healthcare, and social services. To make this possible, fiscal rules may need to be reviewed so that key public investments can be prioritised without undermining sustainable growth.

The success of the European Pillar of Social Rights will depend on respecting subsidiarity and recognising national differences, while at the same time providing common principles to guide reform. By focusing on quality, enforcement, and strategic investment, the Pillar can help Europe reduce inequalities, strengthen essential services, and support sustainable growth across all territories.

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