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Migration and inclusion16

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

Social rights, local action 

Social Rights Labour - News

What are the priorities for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights with a strong local and regional involvement? 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomes the European Pillar of Social Rights as a step toward strengthening fairness and equality in Europe. While supporting its ambition, CEMR stresses that the measures linked to the Pillar’s 20 principles should remain non-binding, respecting the diversity of national, regional and local competences. For local and regional governments, the Pillar should serve as a reference framework to inspire reforms, rather than impose uniform rules. 

CEMR identifies key challenges where Europe must act: rising inequality, persistent poverty, gender gaps, and labour market transitions accelerated by digitalisation and COVID-19. Municipalities and regions, as major providers of education, housing, health, social inclusion and employment services, are at the heart of delivering social rights. 

CEMR’s policy priorities include: 

  • Skills and education: investment in training, apprenticeships and digital access to avoid a “lost generation” of young people. 
  • Demographic change: integrating women, older workers, migrants, and disadvantaged groups into the labour market. 
  • Gender equality: boosting women’s participation and addressing work-life balance challenges, especially in the pandemic’s aftermath. 

At the same time, CEMR warns against excessive bureaucracy or additional reporting obligations for local authorities, calling instead for best practice exchange, benchmarks, and adequate funding. 

For the European Pillar of Social Rights to succeed, it must respect subsidiarity, strengthen social dialogue, and involve local and regional governments as essential actors. Municipalities, cities, and regions are indispensable in turning principles into concrete progress, provided they are given the flexibility, resources and recognition needed to deliver. 

Read the position paper here 

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BORDELOT Federica
In Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications

Gender equality: A local matter

Gender Equality - News

Exploring the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 and what it means for Europe’s local and regional governments 

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In a significant move for gender equality in Europe, the European Commission has adopted a new Gender Equality Strategy for 2020–2025. As the first high-level communication of its kind in years, this strategy sets out a clear ambition to achieve a Europe free from gender-based violence, stereotypes, and structural inequalities. 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has conducted an in-depth analysis of the strategy, identifying its opportunities, shortcomings, and implications for local and regional governments. 

Key developments and opportunities 

The Commission’s strategy adopts a dual approach, combining targeted actions with systematic gender mainstreaming, and for the first time, takes an intersectional perspective. The strategy touches on six key areas, from violence prevention to women’s representation and gender equality in the workplace. 

Local and regional governments stand to benefit from new funding and networking opportunities, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence prevention, childcare provision, care infrastructure, and women’s entrepreneurship. The establishment of an EU network for preventing domestic violence, EU-wide awareness campaigns, and future updates to childcare targets all offer a space for local actors to lead and share practices. 

New investment and support opportunities through the European Social Fund Plus, Horizon Europe, and Common Agricultural Policy also provide avenues for local authorities to implement gender-sensitive services and policies. 

Gaps and concerns 

Despite these strengths, CEMR highlights areas where the strategy could go further. The role of local and regional governments is not sufficiently acknowledged, and the Commission misses the opportunity to reference the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, which has nearly 1,800 signatories across 36 countries. 

Furthermore, while the strategy rightly focuses on gender balance in the private sector, political representation at the local and regional levels is underdeveloped. There is also no mention of violence against elected women, a critical issue that undermines women’s participation in democratic life. 

CEMR’s key messages 

CEMR puts forward several recommendations to strengthen the strategy and better support local authorities: 

  • Recognise local and regional governments as strategic partners in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the strategy. 
  • Include the European Charter for Equality in the EU Platform for Diversity Charters. 
  • Address the underrepresentation of women in politics and promote initiatives supporting female political leadership at all levels. 
  • Strengthen protections for women in public life, particularly against gender-based violence and harassment. 
  • Improve data collection on women’s representation and leadership and fund new studies across all European countries. 
  • Support local gender equality initiatives through EU funding programmes, including the Charter and work on men and masculinities. 

A call for greater collaboration 

Local and regional governments are not only essential for implementing EU policy, but they are also drivers of innovation in equality. As the level of government closest to citizens, they play a unique role in translating ambition into action. 

CEMR urges the European Commission to fully recognise and support this role in the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy, ensuring local authorities have the tools and resources to build a truly inclusive Europe. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact:  

BORDELOT Federica
In Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications

Women in politics – first edition 

CEMR study reveals persistent underrepresentation of women in politics and calls for stronger action at local and European levels 

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Gender equality is a cornerstone of democracy, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in politics across Europe. According to CEMR’s study Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, women account for only 34.1% of political decision-makers, despite representing half of the population. 

At the local level, the situation is particularly concerning: only 15.4% of mayors are women, while women councillors make up just under 30% of local councils. Although there has been gradual progress over the last decade, the pace is slow, and parity remains a distant goal. 

The report highlights important regional variations. Nordic countries lead the way, thanks to decades of policies fostering a genuine culture of equality. In Central and Eastern Europe, positive trends are visible, especially in the Balkans, where reforms and EU accession processes have strengthened gender mainstreaming. Yet, in much of Europe, women still face structural, cultural, and financial barriers to political participation. 

CEMR stresses that achieving gender equality requires more than political rhetoric. Quotas and legal measures have proven effective in boosting women’s representation, but they must be accompanied by mentoring, training, and dedicated funding to empower women candidates and dismantle persistent stereotypes. 

As the level of government closest to citizens, municipalities and regions are pivotal in fostering inclusive leadership. Local office often serves as the first step towards regional, national, or even European roles. Supporting women at this level is therefore essential for building stronger, more representative democracies. 

CEMR, through its European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life and the Equality Observatory, continues to mobilise local and regional governments, promote good practices, and push for equality to remain at the heart of the EU’s political agenda. 

The study’s message is clear: while progress has been made, gender parity in politics is far from achieved. Europe must act now, through quotas, support structures, and political will, to ensure that women and men share power equally at every level of governance. 

Read the study here 

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BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications

Funding migration integration 

Migration - News Section

How EU funds can better support local and regional governments in managing migration and long-term inclusion 

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Migration continues to shape Europe’s future, bringing both challenges and opportunities. While national governments define migration policies, it is local and regional governments that carry the responsibility of welcoming newcomers, providing housing, schools, healthcare, and jobs. Yet, access to EU funds that support integration remains complex and often out of reach for municipalities that need it most. 

Towards Smarter EU Funding 

The post-2020 EU budget framework is an opportunity to rethink how migration funds are designed and accessed. Local governments call for: 

  • More resources for integration: A larger share of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) should be earmarked for integration, rising from 20% to at least 30%. 
  • Direct access to funding: Cities and regions should be able to apply directly to the EU for integration projects, especially when dealing with urgent pressures. 
  • Simpler, fairer rules: Current procedures are often overly bureaucratic, leaving small and medium-sized municipalities excluded. Simplification and flexibility would allow more actors to take part. 
  • Block grants and blending facilities: Innovative funding tools combining multiple EU resources (AMIF, ESF, ERDF) with loans or microfinance could deliver integrated, long-term solutions tailored to local realities. 
  • Better coordination: Strengthening the partnership principle would ensure that municipalities are involved in programming, avoiding duplication and ensuring EU resources meet real needs on the ground. 

From Emergency to Long-Term Strategy 

Too often, EU migration funds are designed for short-term emergencies rather than sustainable integration. But integration is not a one-off response; it is a long-term process requiring education, job creation, social cohesion, and community investment. Aligning EU funds with local priorities and recognising integration as a shared responsibility will ensure better outcomes for both migrants and host communities. 

Migration is a European challenge, but its solutions are local. By improving access to EU funds, simplifying procedures, and investing in long-term integration strategies, Europe can empower municipalities and regions to turn migration into a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development. The future EU budget must make this shift a reality. 

Read the position paper here 

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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  

UCLG people banner

Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery 

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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. 

Read the position paper here 

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

Strengthening work-life balance 

Work Life - News

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

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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. 

Read the position paper here 

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