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

How Europe is taking the lead on SDGs

Localising SDGs - News

Just out: New study on how to assess the UN Global Goals on the ground

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Towns and regions still lack the financial resources to monitor the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is one of the problems identified by associations of local and regional governments in a ground-breaking study carried out by PLATFORMA and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) on the evaluation of the actions taken to localise the UN Global Goals.

This study, entitled “Sustainable Development Goals – How Europe’s town and regions are taking the lead”, highlights the main challenges identified by associations of towns and regions, the top three being the lack of financial resources, the lack of data available at the local level and the lack of training.

But this fresh study is not only about identifying obstacles, it also collects good practices taken by associations and makes concrete recommendations on how to monitor the local implementation of the SDGs at domestic and international level. This includes the nomination of local SDG ambassadors, the setting of indicators or awareness raising campaigns.

The study was presented today in New York, at the 2018 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, an 8-day meeting with a central role in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Representing CEMR and PLATFORMA, the Mayor of Soria (Spain), Carlos Martínez Mínguez, explains: “Today, cities represent the global leadership which allows people to be at the core of the 2030 Agenda.”

He adds: “There is no doubt that towns and regions, national governments, the European Union and international institutions can overcome obstacles together to achieve the localisation of the SDGs. However, local and regional governments need support, both financially and technically. This is the role that associations of towns and regions are playing, but they can’t achieve this alone.”

For Carlos Martínez, the study shows that by working closer together, everybody wins: on the design, implementation and monitoring of national SDG strategies. He also also called on all EU Member States to follow the Spanish example and include next year a chapter on local governments’ actions to localise SDGs in their Voluntary National Reviews to the UN.

This publication is also available in French.

Background

Based on a survey sent out to national associations of local and regional governments, this study complements the Global Task Force’s 2nd Report to the High-Level Political Forum 2018, to which CEMR and PLATFORMA have also contributed.

This study was developed in the framework of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between CEMR-PLATFORMA and the European Commission.

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Protecting regional solidarity funds 

Investing in Europe - News

CEMR warns against budget cuts and calls for strong, ambitious cohesion policy at the heart of Europe’s future 

Read full declaration

At its Policy Committee meeting in Bilbao (11 June 2018), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) adopted a declaration on the European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). While the proposals maintain cohesion policy interventions in all European regions, CEMR highlights serious concerns about the reduced ambition and risks for Europe’s territories. 

Risks of a reduced budget 

The proposed 7% cut to cohesion policy represents more than a financial adjustment: it risks undermining the EU’s ability to deliver on key priorities such as climate action, social inclusion and economic development. CEMR stresses that cohesion policy is not just another programme, but an objective enshrined in the EU Treaties and central to the Union’s DNA. 

Safeguarding cohesion and partnership 

CEMR calls for cohesion policy to remain focused on territorial, economic and social cohesion, not diluted by unrelated measures such as public administration reforms. It also warns that new provisions risk weakening integrated territorial development by creating further divisions between funding streams such as the ERDF and ESF+. At the same time, local and regional governments must not be penalised for decisions taken at national or EU level within the European Semester. 

A modernised but ambitious approach 

CEMR welcomes efforts towards simplification, flexibility and sound financial management. However, the organisation insists that modernisation cannot come at the cost of ambition. Local and regional governments, the main investors in cohesion policy sectors, must be closely involved in shaping and implementing programmes through strong partnership agreements. 

Looking ahead 

As negotiations continue, CEMR urges that the future cohesion policy reflect the EU’s broader commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Europe’s capacity to meet these challenges depends on empowering its municipalities and regions, placing them at the heart of the European project. 

Read the position paper here 

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GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications, Sustainable mobility, Sustainable mobility

Review of clean vehicles directive

Mobility - News section

Rethinking EU Clean Vehicles Rules: Why CEMR Calls for Flexibility, Funding, and Local Autonomy 

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With road transport accounting for nearly a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is pushing for cleaner mobility solutions across all sectors. But in its current form, the proposed revision of the Clean Vehicles Directive could undermine the very public transport systems it aims to green. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) raises serious concerns about the directive’s scope, rigid procurement quotas, and potential to impose disproportionate costs on local and regional governments. 

Rather than empowering local authorities, the directive risks creating new financial burdens, administrative complexity, and counterproductive outcomes, such as reduced services or higher fares that could drive citizens away from public transport. 

Key messages include: 

  • Public authorities are not the problem. Local public transport is already among the cleanest transport modes. Efforts must focus more on vehicle manufacturers and private transport operators, not just municipalities. 
  • Procurement must remain flexible. While green public procurement should be encouraged, mandatory environmental or social criteria for public contracts would conflict with the subsidiarity principle and public procurement law. Local governments must retain the freedom to balance cost, service needs, and environmental goals. 
  • Technology neutrality is essential. The directive should avoid favouring specific technologies. Instead, a life-cycle emissions approach should guide definitions of “clean vehicles,” including real-driving emissions and biofuels. Special-purpose vehicles such as snow ploughs and waste trucks should be excluded. 
  • Quotas may backfire. Mandatory targets for clean vehicle procurement risk creating a vicious cycle: higher costs for local authorities may lead to service cuts, higher fares, and reduced public transport use, ultimately undermining climate goals. 
  • Funding must follow ambition. The transition to cleaner fleets requires substantial investment. CEMR calls for EU support, including a “golden rule” exempting public transport investment from Maastricht deficit rules, and more targeted funding. 
  • Reporting must be simplified. New national-level monitoring and reporting rules must not overload the over 100,000 local authorities across the EU. CEMR urges a streamlined, risk-based approach to limit bureaucracy. 

Ultimately, CEMR opposes the directive in its current form and urges amendments that respect local autonomy, enable cost-effective transition, and support sustainable transport without penalising the public sector already leading the way. 

Read position paper 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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GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

EU strategy on climate change

Climate Change - News

Why Local Governments Must Be Central to the EU’s Climate Resilience Strategy

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As the EU evaluates its 2013 Adaptation Strategy, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights a critical gap: climate resilience cannot succeed without fully involving local and regional governments. In its response to the Commission’s consultation, CEMR stresses that municipalities are already adapting to the effects of climate change, but current EU and national frameworks fail to empower them with the resources, recognition, and flexibility they need.

From floods and droughts to infrastructure strain, local authorities are on the frontlines of climate impacts. Yet too often, policies are shaped top-down, with insufficient consultation and support for those who must implement solutions on the ground. CEMR calls for a strengthened multi-level governance model, dedicated funding streams, and enhanced city-to-city cooperation to ensure the EU’s adaptation ambitions translate into effective, community-driven action.

Read the position paper here

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GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

Permanent platforms for energy dialogue 

Energy - News

Integrating local governments into national climate and energy planning through multilevel dialogue 

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The transition towards a sustainable, decentralised and decarbonised energy system is a collective endeavour. Local and regional governments across Europe are already demonstrating leadership, delivering a significant share of the EU’s climate objectives. Yet, despite their strong track record and growing involvement, their role in shaping national climate and energy strategies remains fragmented. Ongoing negotiations on Energy Union Governance open the door to correcting this imbalance by establishing permanent Multilevel Climate and Energy Dialogue Platforms. 

Building on local experience 
Cities and regions have proven to be persistent drivers of Europe’s energy transition, with research showing they contribute to more than a third of the EU’s 2020 climate target. Initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors have showcased how local ambition can exceed European targets, but without a formal structure, their contributions risk being underutilised. The European Parliament’s proposal for dialogue platforms would ensure local authorities, alongside civil society and business stakeholders, are systematically involved in drafting, monitoring, and reviewing National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and Long-Term Strategies. 

Such platforms would offer multiple benefits: continuous political support, feedback loops between delivery agents and policymakers, shared responsibility across sectors, stronger policy implementation, and the spread of best practices across Member States. 

National examples to inspire Europe 

Several countries already provide valuable models. In the Netherlands, municipalities and provinces negotiate national energy strategies with the government and social partners, resulting in formal agreements and regional climate plans. France has institutionalised citizen and stakeholder involvement through its Public Debate Commission, engaging the public directly in shaping energy programmes. Sweden demonstrates the value of capacity-building, with national agencies supporting local governments in setting and implementing climate objectives aligned with national goals. 

These examples show that permanent platforms for dialogue are both feasible and effective. Institutionalising multilevel dialogue under the Energy Union Governance would not only ensure that the EU benefits from the proven ambition of local authorities but also strengthen the democratic legitimacy and efficiency of Europe’s energy transition. Local governments are ready to contribute, what is needed now is a framework that guarantees their voice is heard at every stage. 

Read the position paper here 

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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 

EU Semester - News 2024

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

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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. 

Read the position paper here 

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

Making the EU semester inclusive

EU Semester - News

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: 

OKKALI AKTAS Ayben
In About CEMR, About CEMR, Press, Publications

CEMR rules of procedure

Leaders Summit - Oslo News

Ensuring transparent, balanced, and effective governance within CEMR

Read rules of procedure

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) operates through a structured and transparent governance framework designed to ensure fair representation, accountability, and effective decision-making across its network. The Rules of Procedure set out how the organisation functions, from membership and institutional structures to decision-making processes and financial management.

CEMR membership is open to national associations of local and regional governments that meet defined criteria. Clear procedures guide applications, cooperation between members within the same country, and the handling of fees, ensuring both inclusiveness and organisational coherence.

The organisation is governed by key statutory bodies, including the Policy Committee, Executive Bureau, and Financial Management Committee. These bodies are responsible for political direction, operational oversight, and financial supervision. Particular attention is given to balanced representation, especially gender equality, reflecting CEMR’s commitment to inclusivity and the principles of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life.

Decision-making processes are designed to be democratic and transparent. Meetings are convened with advance notice, voting procedures are clearly defined, and mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability, including rules on quorum, proxy voting, and financial compliance.

CEMR’s functioning is further supported by committees, expert groups, and spokespersons who contribute to policy development and represent the organisation externally. The Secretary General plays a central role in managing the Secretariat, implementing strategic priorities, and ensuring the smooth running of daily operations.

Financial governance is ensured through structured fee systems, oversight by the Financial Management Committee, and regular auditing. At the same time, cooperation with European and international organisations strengthens CEMR’s role in promoting local and regional self-government globally.

Overall, the Rules of Procedure provide a solid foundation for CEMR’s work, ensuring that the organisation remains democratic, representative, and effective in supporting local and regional governments across Europe.

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BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

Local and regional leaders at COP23

Green City - COP News

Driving decarbonisation through cooperation, finance and multilevel governance

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At COP23, European towns and regions reaffirm their commitment to building decarbonised and sustainable societies. Local and regional governments are already on the frontlines of the climate transition, implementing concrete measures that bring global climate goals to life at the community level. As Mayor Juan Espadas of Seville and Mayor Furio Honsell of Udine underline: 

Towns, regions and countries should all stand side by side to reach a sustainable planet. At COP23, let’s work together to achieve a decarbonised and sustainable future for everyone.

Key Messages from Local and Regional Governments 

  1. Global climate agendas are only achieved with local action 
    Cities and regions are essential for turning international commitments into reality. Localising the Agenda 2030 and strengthening multilevel alliances ensures that national and international targets translate into measurable change on the ground. 
  1. Appropriate financial and political frameworks are crucial 
    Ambitious local climate action depends on strong frameworks that provide resources and recognition. National governments must formally acknowledge local authorities as legitimate partners and equip them with the means to lead mitigation and adaptation efforts. 
  1. Governing together for a stronger impact 
    Tackling climate change requires collaboration at all levels. Early involvement of towns, cities and regions in national and international policymaking strengthens implementation and creates unity of purpose. Global initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors demonstrate the power of collective local action. 
  1. Europe’s global responsibility 
    Europe must reinforce its role as a leader in protecting the planet by working hand in hand with local and regional governments. Their active participation in shaping climate policy will ensure effective, democratic and sustainable results at both the EU and global levels. 
  1. Decentralised cooperation accelerates decarbonisation 
    Cities have already developed extensive expertise in sustainable planning and international partnerships. Through decentralised cooperation, European towns and regions support their peers worldwide to implement climate projects, strengthening the global movement towards decarbonised societies. 

The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement highlights the need for all other actors to step up. Local and regional governments across Europe are ready to intensify their cooperation, within Europe and globally, to keep the world on track towards a sustainable, decarbonised future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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