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TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

European social partners with Ukraine 

Ukraine people - News

Social partners offer solidarity and support in response to the Russian invasion

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The European social partners for local and regional governments, CEMR and EPSU, have jointly expressed their strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a grave violation of international law and a direct threat to democracy and peace in Europe. 

In a statement released through the European Social Dialogue Committee, the two organisations extended full support to the Ukrainian people, especially to workers in cities, municipalities, and local public services, who continue to serve their communities under attack. 

“Our thoughts are with first responders, emergency services workers and municipal staff who are ensuring the delivery of basic services, despite the ongoing destruction,” the statement reads. 

CEMR and EPSU pledged to mobilise both material assistance and technical expertise to support their peers in Ukraine and urged the EU and international community to provide shelter and asylum for those fleeing the war. 

As municipalities across Europe begin to welcome displaced persons, the statement also highlights the importance of supporting local migration services and coordinating with national governments to ensure dignified reception and integration. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Governance, Governance, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Ukraine reconstruction

Local support to Ukraine 

Mayors in Ukraine - News 2023

European local and regional governments denounce Russia’s aggression and pledge solidarity with Ukrainian communities 

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European local and regional governments have expressed their strongest condemnation of Russia’s repeated attacks and violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They reject any attempt to dismantle a free and democratic state in Europe, stressing that these acts threaten peace and democracy across the continent. 

Solidarity with Ukrainian Communities 
Mayors, councils, and regional leaders stand firmly with their peers in Ukraine, municipalities, hromadas, districts, and their associations, who remain on the frontline providing essential services to citizens under the constant threat of bombings and destruction of infrastructure. 

Commitment to Support 
Local and regional governments across Europe, representing 60 national associations in 40 countries, commit to offering Ukrainian communities the materials, expertise, and assistance needed to face the ongoing crisis. They also prepare to respond to the humanitarian consequences, including the likely arrival of refugees, in close coordination with national governments. 

City Diplomacy for Peace 
Rooted in a tradition of local democracy and city diplomacy since 1951, European municipalities reaffirm their belief in peace and cooperation. They call on Russia to cease its aggression, withdraw from Ukraine, including Donbas and Crimea, and respect international law. 

Looking Ahead 
Despite the violence, local leaders remain convinced that diplomacy between cities can once again be a powerful force for unity, peace, and rebuilding across Europe. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In Climate, Climate, Governance, Governance, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Publications, Territorial development, Twinning

Empowering local Europe 

European Town - News

CEMR unveils its vision for stronger, inclusive and sustainable territories across Europe

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has launched its political manifesto calling for a more inclusive, resilient, and citizen-driven European Union. With over 41 national associations of local and regional governments behind it, the manifesto sets out a roadmap to bring Europe closer to its citizens, starting from the ground up. 

At its heart are six concrete proposals to reinvigorate European democracy: from establishing permanent citizen panels and annual Europe Day debates in schools, to relaunching town twinning and creating an Erasmus-style programme for civil servants. 

CEMR also stresses that a strong Europe must leave no one and no place behind. It calls for renewed efforts to tackle territorial disparities, address depopulation, and ensure that public services, from education to health, are accessible to all citizens, no matter where they live. 

The manifesto also focuses on key priorities for the coming decade, including: 

  • Citizen participation through inclusive local democracy; 
  • Empowered local climate action, as cities and regions lead Europe’s green transition; 
  • Fair and coordinated migration policies, with strong local support for integration; 
  • Digital transformation that bridges the urban–rural divide; 
  • New forms of town-to-town partnerships, especially beyond the EU’s borders; 
  • And financial means to invest in sustainable local infrastructure and innovation. 

CEMR’s proposals emphasise the urgent need for deeper recognition of local and regional governments in European decision-making. This includes a stronger role for the Committee of the Regions, the creation of a local chamber, and systematic consultation of representative associations like CEMR when shaping EU legislation and strategies. 

By calling for a Europe that is democratic, sustainable, and close to its people, the manifesto is a bold invitation to reimagine the Union from the local level up, with municipalities and regions playing a central role in shaping the continent’s future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BENNIS Hamza
In Digitalisation, Digitalisation, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Latest, Publications

Principles for a digital transition for all

Digital transition - News 2022

Is the EU’s new approach in tune with local and residents’ needs?

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Digital services, online platforms and electronic devices have become part of our everyday life, bringing us countless new opportunities for professional and personal development. However, innovation can come at a cost. Continuous access to information and data can put our privacy at risk and expose us to misinformation, fraud and discrimination.

For this reason, the European Commission recently issued a “Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade” with guidelines to ensure a fair and inclusive digital transition. The document will shape future EU digital rules, such as the upcoming Data Act on sharing of information between businesses and governments.

CEMR provided its input during the Commission’s consultation preparing the digital decade declaration. In fact, we recently adopted our own position paper “Digital Services for All: Principles for a digital transition in European local and regional governments”. The paper outlines CEMR members’ views on the digital transition, a trend which is transforming the role and activities of local and regional governments.

Several of the principles put forward by CEMR members were also reflected in the Commission’s Declaration, notably on the importance of user-centred digital services, consultation between levels of government for setting standards and the upgrading of digital skills among citizens. Read our take on the declaration and what’s in store for local governement.

Interoperable and transparent data management

Digital Services for All outlines the conditions needed for local and regional governments to provide effective and inclusive digital services for all citizens.

These include the development of open international standards through dialogue between all levels of governments – European, national, regional and local – and between the public and private sectors. Only through dialogue with all stakeholders can solutions suitable to all be found.

Public and private actors must bear in mind that the interoperability of services and systems is crucial to ensuring smooth data exchange. Data management must be transparent. To this end, local and regional governments comply with GDPR and other regulations on accessing public-sector data. 

Inclusive digital services

Digitalisation of public services is useless if the people concerned, our citizens and users, cannot access them. That is why CEMR strongly advocates a non-discriminatory approach for the deployment of digital public services, taking into account economic and social barriers.

Awareness of intersectionality – the interaction of these economic and social barriers – means always ensuring public services are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of the conditions they face. Proactive actions are needed to make sure that elderly people, persons with disabilities, marginalised and vulnerable individuals are not excluded.

Finally, we can only reap the full fruits of digitalisation if people have the skills needed to participate. We need coordinated action to further develop digital skills and literacy among public officials, citizens and indeed all users. Only an informed society and a digitally literate public will be able to make the most out of digital services.

Read the position paper here

For more information, contact:

THOMAS Carol
In Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Publications

TERRI – mapping territorial reforms

Terri - News 2022

Discover “TERRI”: a new online tool mapping territorial reforms and powers in Europe

Discover the online tool

How is Europe’s complex patchwork of local and regional governments evolving? How have the responsibilities of municipalities, counties and regions changed in recent years, marked by environmental and health crises? What examples of successful territorial reforms can inspire others?

To answer these questions, we present to you a new digital report entitled, ‘Territorial Governance, Powers and Reforms in Europe’, or TERRI Report for short. This online tool highlights territorial reforms and decentralisation trends over the past decade in 40 countries. It also analyses the changing nature of relationships between central and subnational governments.

In light of the pandemic, this edition zooms in on local health responsibilities in different countries and evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on local health systems. TERRI visualises trends with numerous charts. In just a few clicks, you have access to individual country profiles, an interactive map and recommendations to policymakers for undertaking successful territorial reforms. There is also a unique tool for side-by-side comparisons of different countries’ systems of local government.

The TERRI Report is based on research by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), gathering data from its member associations on the state of local and regional governments across Europe.

The trends reshaping local Europe

While the situation in different European nations is necessarily diverse, the TERRI Report has identified several common trends.

Europe today is made up of 114,534 towns and cities, 1058 provinces and counties, and 353 regions. There have been reforms reducing the number of municipalities or regions in several countries. These typically aimed to consolidate the territories concerned into larger entities. Portugal, Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine and Turkey for example, all saw drastic reductions in the number of municipalities, while Norway and France considerably reduced the number of regions.

National associations of local and regional governments emerge as central players in both territorial reforms and healthcare systems. As regards healthcare, associations play a key role through activities such as sharing expert information and best practices amongst their members and in negotiating healthcare roles and budgets with national governments.

In many countries, there has been a decentralisation of healthcare responsibilities. This typically takes the form of increased healthcare responsibilities for subnational governments and/or more healthcare coordination between levels of government.

These are just a few of the changes that are affecting local life in our municipalities and regions. To find out more, explore the TERRI Report at: terri.cemr.eu

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GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Local finances, Local finances, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Boosting public investment for recovery

Cohesion Policy Alliance - News 2021

CEMR calls for investment-friendly EU economic governance reform

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The COVID-19 crisis exposed vulnerabilities in Europe’s economic governance and the need to rethink how EU rules support long-term, sustainable investment at all levels of government. In its 2022 position, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) argues that the reform of the EU’s economic governance framework is a vital opportunity to unlock local and regional investment capacity.

Local and regional governments, which account for 45% of public investment in the EU, were heavily impacted by the crisis. While they expanded essential services and supported communities, they also faced falling revenues and limited fiscal space. CEMR warns that without urgent reform, municipalities risk being held back from investing in vital green, digital, and social transitions.

CEMR proposes several key changes:

  • Strengthen multi-level governance: Local and regional voices must be involved in economic coordination, including through a reformed European Semester with mandatory application of the partnership principle.
  • Recognise investment as a priority: The new framework must distinguish between current spending and long-term, sustainable investment to avoid penalising municipalities for future-oriented projects.
  • Grant borrowing flexibility: Local and regional borrowing for structural investments should not be constrained by national debt calculations under the Stability and Growth Pact.
  • Establish a European municipal and regional bank: This new facility within the EIB would support local investment, particularly through pooled resources and tailored green or social bonds.
  • Support local capacity building: Municipalities need the tools and skills to plan and deliver strategic investments, especially in health, care, and infrastructure.

CEMR also highlights the importance of maintaining local leadership in the implementation of National Recovery and Resilience Plans. Without adequate autonomy, funding, and engagement, the EU’s sustainable recovery goals, particularly those of the Green Deal, risk being delayed or derailed.

Ultimately, CEMR calls for a governance framework that enables, not restricts, local ambition, empowering municipalities and regions to invest in the future of Europe’s communities.

Read the position paper here

For more information, contact:

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

Modernising working time rules

Labour - News Section

Balancing worker protection with flexibility and legal clarity in local public service delivery under the Working Time Directive

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has responded to the European Commission’s public consultation on the review of the Working Time Directive (WTD), urging the EU to prioritise legal certainty and respect for local autonomy in any future reform. 

Unchanged since 2003, the current Directive no longer fully reflects today’s labour realities, especially for local and regional governments as major public employers. While modernisation is welcome, CEMR warns against overreach: the Directive should focus strictly on health and safety, without encroaching on broader employment issues that fall outside the EU’s remit, such as wages, work-life balance, or new working patterns. 

In its response, CEMR reaffirms key positions first set out in its 2011 position paper, which remain relevant today. It calls for: 

  • Flexibility for social dialogue: Local social partners are best placed to find tailored solutions through bargaining and agreements that balance worker protection with service continuity. 
  • Clear limits to scope: The Directive must not expand into areas that are either outside EU competence or not directly related to health and safety. 
  • Legal certainty: Any revision should result in simpler, clearer rules that avoid legal ambiguity and reduce the administrative burden on local authorities. 

CEMR further stresses that the review must take full account of the impact on local and regional governments’ ability to provide uninterrupted public services, especially in sectors like emergency care and civil protection, where flexible working patterns are essential. 

CEMR concludes that no legislative initiative should proceed before the publication of detailed impact assessments and a full analysis of the public consultation. In the meantime, it stands ready to engage in open and constructive dialogue with EU institutions to ensure a balanced approach that works for all levels of governance. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

ROSSI Fabrizio
In About CEMR, About CEMR, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, PLATFORMA, Publications, Twinning

Empowering local Europe since 1951  

Democracy, diversity, and sustainability at the heart of CEMR 

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Since its founding in 1951, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has worked to promote a peaceful, democratic, and united Europe. Rooted in local self-government and citizen participation, CEMR brings together municipalities, counties, and regions across 41 countries, giving local democracy a strong voice at European and international levels. 

Our Values 

CEMR stands on three core pillars: 

  • Local democracy: Protecting municipal autonomy, human rights, and the rule of law. 
  • Sustainability: Guiding action through the United Nations’ Global Goals. 
  • Diversity: Promoting gender balance, inclusiveness, and respect for differences. 

With a team of 40 professionals in Brussels, representing a dozen nationalities and speaking 15 languages, CEMR embodies the European mosaic it serves. 

A History of Local Leadership 

CEMR was born in 1951 when 56 mayors from six countries gathered in Geneva to lay the foundations of a united Europe from the bottom up. Their early efforts focused on town twinning, fostering reconciliation through exchanges and cultural ties. Today, with some 20,000 twinnings across Europe, this remains the continent’s most widespread form of cooperation. 

CEMR also pioneered the push for local autonomy, adopting the European Charter of Municipal Liberties in 1953, which later inspired the Council of Europe’s European Charter of Local Self-Government. 

In 1984, CEMR officially added “Regions” to its name, reflecting its advocacy for decentralisation and the growing importance of regional governance. 

What We Do Today 

CEMR’s mission is organised around four “Ps”: People, Places, Planet, and Partnerships. 

  • Advocacy: Representing local and regional interests to the EU, the Council of Europe, OECD, and the United Nations. CEMR works to ensure that 70% of EU laws affecting municipalities and regions take account of local realities. 
  • Knowledge: Sharing expertise and producing ground-breaking studies on local democracy, equality, climate action, migration, and finance. 
  • Partnerships: Leading externally funded projects on sustainable development, integration, climate, and democracy, including initiatives such as PLATFORMA, IncluCities, and the Covenant of Mayors. 
  • Communication: Reaching citizens, members, and global partners through campaigns, media work, and digital platforms. 

Looking Ahead 

Marking its 70th anniversary in 2021, CEMR reflected on past achievements while preparing for future challenges. In an age of polarisation, climate change, and digital transformation, the organisation continues to champion local democracy as the bedrock of peace and progress. 

As former CEMR President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing once urged Europe’s young people: “Today, power is there for the taking! It is the power to act, to bring on the future and to organise it.” 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In European Charter for Equality, European Charter for Equality, Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Bringing Equality Closer to Home 

UCLG people banner

2021 Report – CEMR Charter15 Reflection Process 

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The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, developed by CEMR, is both a political commitment and a practical tool enabling local and regional governments to integrate gender equality into all aspects of policy and administration. Since its launch in 2006, nearly 2,000 signatories across 36 countries have joined the initiative. 

Marking 15 years in 2021, CEMR initiated a reflection process to ensure the Charter remains relevant, inclusive and fit for the future. The process culminated in a set of recommendations to revitalise and adapt the Charter, supported by the EU’s CERV programme. 

Key Activities and Participation 

  • 6 online workshops (June–November 2021) 
  • 5 interviews with national gender focal points 
  • 75 participants from 21 countries, including local authorities, associations, and civil society. 

Workshop Themes & Findings 

1. Employment & Economic Development (September 2021) 

Gender gaps persist in pay, part-time work, and parental leave. The Charter update should reinforce equality in employment practices, particularly relevant to local governments as employers. 

2. Climate, Urban Space & Sustainable Development (October 2021) 

There is a demand to strengthen Article 25 on urban planning by including monitoring and evaluation tools, and to align with SDG 5 through the Charter’s indicators. 

3. Violence Against Women and Girls (November 2021) 

Updates should better address violence prevention, include children (especially girls) as victims, and consider the complex issue of honour-based violence. 

4. Communication, Stereotypes & International Cooperation (June 2021) 

The Charter must adopt an intersectional perspective without weakening its gender focus and show how gender equality benefits men and boys as well. 

5. Multiple Discrimination & Intersectionality (September 2021) 

A call to inclusively reflect diverse experiences of discrimination, guided by approaches like Sweden’s: “always gender, but never gender alone.” 

6. Public Services & Administration (September 2021) 

The Charter should be made more actionable at the local level. COVID-19 showed the need for gender-sensitive crisis planning to avoid backsliding on equality. 

Next Steps 

Based on the rich input from this process, an updated version of the Charter will be developed in 2022. This will ensure that it continues to serve as a dynamic tool for gender equality, adaptable to modern challenges, while respecting the commitments of existing signatories. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In European Charter for Equality, European Charter for Equality, Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Revitalising the Equality Charter 

Gender Charter - News

CEMR’s 15-year reflection process sets the stage for a renewed push to advance gender equality in Europe’s local and regional life 

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2021 marked the 15th anniversary of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, a milestone moment to celebrate achievements, reflect on lessons learned, and chart a course for the future. Initiated by CEMR in 2006, the Charter has grown into a powerful instrument for advancing gender equality at the local level, now embraced by nearly 2,000 signatories in 36 countries. 

The anniversary served not only to honour progress but also to examine how the Charter can evolve to remain relevant and impactful for today’s and tomorrow’s local governments. 

To mark the occasion, CEMR launched a wide-ranging reflection process. A series of six online workshops was held between June and November 2021, involving Charter signatories, national associations, gender focal points and other stakeholders. Five in-depth interviews complemented these to deepen the analysis. 

The process revolved around four key areas: 

  • Recognising achievements: Highlighting the tangible improvements in local equality made possible by the Charter; 
  • Reflecting on relevance: Considering how to modernise the Charter and connect it with broader policy frameworks; 
  • Celebrating commitment: Acknowledging the people and organisations driving real change on the ground; 
  • Revitalising tools: Gathering practical insights and suggestions to strengthen the Charter’s implementation. 

Participants emphasised that while the Charter remains a strong and valuable framework, its language, accessibility, and visibility could be improved. There was broad support for clearer, more inclusive, and action-oriented language. Concerns about legal implications for current signatories were addressed with a proposed solution: allowing signatories to either reconfirm or upgrade their commitment, while still validating earlier engagements. 

The 15-year review reaffirms the Charter’s relevance and potential as a living document. CEMR has now put forward a set of concrete recommendations to enhance its clarity, inclusivity and usability, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for gender equality at the local and regional level: 

  • Simplify the language and prioritise clarity and accessibility; 
  • Use assertive, action-driven phrasing to emphasise commitments; 
  • Improve translation quality in coordination with national associations; 
  • Adapt language to gender-inclusive norms, particularly in gendered languages. 

As the Chair of the Standing Committee for Equality put it: 

“Beyond chapters and clauses lies a common goal: bringing equality closer to home.”

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

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