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BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, EU budget, Housing, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press

Our reaction to the Agenda for cities

Twinning Report - News

CEMR welcomes the publication of the EU Agenda for Cities and the renewed recognition of local and regional governments as essential partners in delivering Europe’s priorities

The publication of the Agenda for Cities marks an important step towards strengthening the urban dimension of EU policies. It does acknowledge the key role of local and regional governments in implementing 70% of EU legislation, and the importance therefore to better inform and associate local governments in the preparation of European legislations. But the agenda falls short of answering the “ambition” level announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her mission letter to Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto.

Beyond a catalogue of policy areas where cities play an important role, and a list of initiatives already implemented by the European Commission, several elements will require clarification and improvement to ensure the Agenda truly delivers solutions for cities of all sizes and contribute to better policy making by transparent and representatives partnership with local and regional governments at European level. 

The Agenda for cities is just one piece of the puzzle 

While the EU Commission states that the Agenda applies to cities of all sizes, as well as suburbs and towns, the continued reliance on the Eurostat definition of “urban centres” (50,000+ inhabitants) risks leaving much of Europe behind. As we have seen with the implementation of the European Innovative action, the Eurostat definition has become the minimum population criteria in calls for proposals directly managed by the European Commission. This approach may inadvertently exclude small and medium-sized municipalities, which make up the majority of local governments and are at the heart of delivering EU policies.  

But beyond the Agenda for Cities, CEMR regrets that this initiative has not been enshrined in a broader more comprehensive territorial development strategy for Europe. As set out in our position paper Towards an inclusive EU agenda for cities of every size and context, an effective EU Agenda must reflect the full territorial diversity of the EU and avoid reinforcing urban–rural divides.  

A welcome recognition of cities’ role, but structured multilevel governance is still missing 

CEMR welcomes the acknowledgement of local and regional authorities as key implementers of EU legislation. However, the governance model proposed in the Agenda still relies heavily on ad hoc consultations, including the reference to the June 2025 Implementation Dialogue, which lacked transparency and representativity. 

We reiterate the need for a permanent, structured and inclusive multilevel governance mechanism involving local and regional governments and their representative associations at national and European level. This is essential for shaping, not only implementing, EU policies. In this respect, associations representing local and regional governments at European but also national level must be the go-to partners for the European Commission, to ensure representativity and legitimacy of their consultation processes.  

When mentioning the preparation of the “National and Regional Partnership Plan” for the EU budget post 2027, the Commission states that structured multilevel dialogue will be key feature in the preparation and implementation of the plan, but did not include any binding measure to ensure this is the case. CEMR also made concrete recommendations to secure the involvement of local and regional governments in preparation of these plans. 

Better Implementation must become a priority of the EU Agenda 

It is positive that the Agenda includes some specific support under a new “EU Cities platform” for capacity building, innovation and participation in dialogue. It will be important that this support offer is not restricted to few cities but available to all subnational governments.  
CEMR calls in particular for a dedicated Better Implementation pillar as part of the EU Urban Agenda with: 

  • Governance and competence impact assessments for all new EU proposals, 
  • capacity-building resources in the reforms pillar of the next MFF, 
  • regular and inclusive implementation dialogues, 
  • and a one-stop-shop integrating all support tools for subnational governments. 

These elements are indispensable for translating EU ambitions into real local outcomes.  

Funding: more clarity, but uncertainties remain 

We welcome the launch of the new EU City Portal, which can help cities navigate funding opportunities more easily. At the same time, the future EU Facility – to be directly managed by the European Commission raises questions about the future of existing programmes (EUI and URBACT) and on governance, accessibility, and safeguarding participation of smaller municipalities. To unlock the full potential of local governments, the EU must deliver simpler, fairer and better-aligned funding, as outlined in our position paper.  

Promising measures in the agenda, if they remain accessible to all

CEMR welcomes new initiatives announced in the Agenda, including: 

  • “potential” access to the European Competitiveness Fund for clean transition and industrial decarbonisation, as well as for resilience, security and defence 
  • High and technical levels consultations of urban stakeholders 
  • strengthened support for capacity building, including on public procurement, 

While cities are encouraged to adopt the “mission approach” it remains unclear whether that is mere suggestion or whether it will come with a new call and potential funding for these “Mission Cities”. 

These measures can help cities accelerate the green and digital transitions—as long as access is equitable and not restricted to larger or well-resourced municipalities. 

Our final message 

Today’s publication is a milestone for Europe’s urban future. But an EU Agenda for Cities must be inclusive, territorially balanced and grounded in genuine multilevel governance. CEMR stands ready to work with the European Commission, Member States, and its member national associations to ensure that this Agenda becomes a truly transformative framework—one that delivers for cities, towns and regions of every size and context. 

For more information, contact:

BENNIS Hamza
In Digitalisation, Digitalisation, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Press, Public services, Public services, Publications,

Digital local and regional governments

Digital transition - News 2022

How Europe’s municipalities and regions can drive an inclusive, secure and people-centred digital transformation

Read full position paper

Local and regional governments are at the heart of Europe’s digital transformation. As the public authorities closest to citizens, they deliver services such as healthcare, education, transport, social support and broadband deployment, all increasingly shaped by EU digital legislation. Their role is essential to ensure that digitalisation remains inclusive, sustainable and accessible to everyone. Yet many local and regional governments still face major obstacles: unequal access to digital infrastructure, insufficient financial and human resources, cybersecurity risks, and widening gaps in digital skills.

Across Europe, disparities in connectivity and digital access disproportionately affect rural and remote areas, low-income households and vulnerable groups. These inequalities threaten territorial cohesion and limit citizens’ ability to participate fully in digital society. To make digital public services truly accessible, digital solutions must follow inclusive design principles and remain complemented by in-person service options for those who cannot or prefer not to use digital channels.

Cybersecurity has become an increasing concern as local authorities manage sensitive public data and critical infrastructure, often without sufficient expertise or funding to meet growing EU requirements such as those under the NIS2 Directive. Smaller municipalities, in particular, lack the resources to implement robust cybersecurity measures, respond to incidents or comply with complex regulatory frameworks. Reinforced cooperation, simplification of rules and sustainable financial support are essential to strengthen local resilience.

Skills development remains another pressing challenge. To implement new EU digital policies, including those related to artificial intelligence, interoperability and data governance, local administrations need staff trained to oversee digital systems, maintain human oversight, and ensure ethical, transparent and fair use of technologies. At the same time, strengthening digital literacy among citizens through lifelong learning and community-based initiatives helps build trust, inclusion and participation. Cooperation between municipalities and across regions also accelerates innovation and avoids fragmentation by enabling the exchange of best practices and common solutions.

A Call for Stronger EU Support

To ensure a fair, secure and inclusive digital transition, CEMR calls on European institutions to reinforce investment in digital infrastructure, especially in underserved regions; provide technical and financial support for accessible digital public services; maintain non-digital access to essential services during the transition; facilitate public-private partnerships to expand connectivity; and offer tailored guidance, capacity-building and long-term funding to help local and regional governments strengthen their cybersecurity and digital skills. Europe’s digital future depends on empowering the actors closest to citizens: its municipalities, cities and regions!

Read the position paper here

For more information, contact:

Sofie OVERGAARD
In Impact community Labour, Lab, Press, Projects and Programmes,

Workshop on social dialogue

Lab event - News

CEMR-EPSU Workshop on social dialogue in Southern European Islands

CEMR and EPSU hosted a workshop in Malta focusing on social dialogue in Southern European islands. The event brought together participants from Malta, Cyprus and Greece to discuss current challenges and opportunities for national and EU level social dialogue.

Social dialogue means all types of negotiation, consultation or exchange of information between, or among, representatives of governments, employers and workers, on issues of common interest relating to economic, employment and social policy.

The workshop included interventions by the Head of the European Commission’s Representation in Malta, Maria-Elena Despot and the Director General of the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations in Malta, Diane Vella Muscat. It also featured a meeting with the Maltese government’s representative to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, Rodrick Zerafa.

The workshop featured examples of best practices for social dialogue by speakers from Germany, Estonia and Sweden. These included German practices to ensure staff retention and upskilling in collective bargaining agreements to address the need for new skills arising from the green and digital transition.

A representative from the Swedish trade union TCO presented the Swedish labour market model as an example of effective social dialogue leading to industrial peace and a high level of collective agreement coverage.

In their presentation on the digital transition in Estonian local governments, the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities highlighted that “the digital transition can become a driver for dialogue, because it affects everyone’s work”.

This workshop marks the first of three regional events organised under the LAB project, an EU-funded initiative led by CEMR and EPSU. The project aims to strengthen social dialogue across Eastern and Southeastern Europe, candidate countries and Southern European islands by equipping local and regional social partners with the tools and knowledge to engage constructively at both national and EU levels.

These regions often experience challenges to active participation in national and EU level social dialogue due to limited capacities of the social partners and underdeveloped social dialogue frameworks. Social dialogue is becoming an increasingly important tool to address not only employment and social policy, but also to find inclusive and effective solutions to other challenges, such as the green and digital transitions. 

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica
In Climate, Climate, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development

EU budget: Local Alliance action plan

Local Alliance - News Section

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

Read full position paper

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

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

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

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

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

For the next MFF, we call on:

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

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

For the National and Regional Partnership Plans: 

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

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

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

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

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

For the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe: 

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

For Horizon Europe:

9. Continuing the Mission approach under Horizon Europe.

For the Global Europe Facility:

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

Read the full position paper here

For more information, contact:

THOMAS Carol
In Governance, Governance, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Publications

Mis/disinformation impact on democracy

Local truth study 2025

Empowering cities against mis/disinformation: building capacity, coordination, and trust

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According to CEMR’s latest study, nearly half of LRGs report moderate to significant impacts from misinformation, particularly in areas such as public health, personal attacks on officials, and election interference. During the pandemic, for example, false claims about vaccines and public measures severely undermined public trust. 

The personal toll is also growing. One in four local representatives has faced online abuse or intimidation, and over half report being targeted by false claims about their integrity or conduct. These are not abstract challenges, but rather, they erode both individual safety and democratic trust. 

The evidence of CEMR’s study highlighted how misinformation and disinformation spike during crises, for example, around COVID-19, climate policies like low-emission zones, or housing and migration debates. During moments when emotions run high and public debate intensifies, local and regional governments often find themselves on the frontline of these tensions, but many lack the capacity or tools to respond effectively. CEMR’s findings show that 58% of municipalities still lack a formal strategy to counter misinformation and disinformation, and only a quarter are in the process of developing one. Most rely on reactive measures, 58% monitoring social media to spot emerging issues, around a third run awareness campaigns, and a smaller share (4%) collaborate with fact-checkers or pursue legal action (21%). These are useful but insufficient without proactive planning. 

For CEMR, building resilience requires three key actions: 

  1. Strengthen local capacity and trust. Training staff, protecting targeted officials, and using participatory democracy tools such as citizens’ assemblies can help communities become less vulnerable to false narratives. 
  1. Improve coordination and tools. Shared monitoring systems, partnerships, and national or EU knowledge-sharing platforms can help municipalities act faster and avoid duplication. 
  1. Create an enabling framework. National and EU support, through measures like the Digital Services Act, AI Act, and national counter-disinformation laws, can provide resources, clarity, and legal backing. 

Ultimately, misinformation may be a global issue, but its impact is most visible locally. Empowering local governments with the right capacity, coordination, and frameworks is key to protecting communities, safeguarding democracy, and rebuilding public trust. 

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

REVAULT Martin
In About CEMR, Press, UCLG, United Cities and Local Governments

UCLG World Council in Xi’an

European cities and regions unite for peace and cooperation in Xi’an

As the European section of UCLG, CEMR took part in the UCLG World Council, hosted in Xi’an, and held in synergy with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) “Bridge for Cities” initiative. Under the motto “Shaping Communities for Current and Future Generations,” the summit brought together more than 300 participants from over 80 cities and local government networks.

The UCLG World Council was also an occasion for European local and regional representatives to engage with counterparts from around the world. During the European caucus meeting, CEMR members exchanged with Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, UCLG Asia-Pacific Secretary General, the priorities and potential areas of cooperation, particularly on gender equality.

The opening session, co-organised with UNIDO, reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between cities and international institutions. A joint statement was signed between UCLG, UNIDO and the city of Xi’an to deepen technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes. Speakers underlined that local transformation can only succeed when communities are fully involved as partners, not just beneficiaries.

CEMR also participated in the Bridge for Cities High-Level Plenary, which focused on innovation, sustainable urban development and the contribution of local leadership to global agendas.

During the World Council,  a new call for action open to all local and regional governments was approved. Under the title “Call for action on peace and reconstruction”, it expresses the commitment of local and regional governments to peace, human rights and reconstruction, particularly in territories affected by armed conflict. It builds on the values of the Pact for the Future of Humanity — People, Planet and Government — and highlights the unique role of cities in rebuilding coexistence and social ties.

By representing the European perspective and emphasising the key role of cities, towns and regions in democratic resilience and inclusive development, CEMR helped to reinforce this global movement and reaffirm the role of local governance in shaping peaceful and sustainable societies.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Territorial development

The EU must hear its cities

Cities and regions unite to defend their role in Europe’s next budget

During this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities, Europe’s local and regional leaders sent a clear message: the future of the EU budget must not sideline those who make Europe work.

Through two major events — one under the #CohesionAlliance and another by The European Urban Forum and the Local Alliance — the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and its partners mobilised to defend the role of towns, cities and regions in shaping and delivering the EU’s next long-term budget for the period 2028–2034.

These engagements follow a broader advocacy effort launched right after the European elections, when the new EU institutions began to define the political priorities for the current mandate.

Standing up for partnership and cohesion

On 15 October, elected representatives from across Europe gathered in front of the European Parliament to call on EU institutions to give local and regional governments full partnership rights in the future Cohesion Policy, and to resist its nationalisation and centralisation.

In a symbolic action joined by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), the European Committee of the Regions and Europe’s territorial associations, the #CohesionAlliance partners adopted a seven-point call rejecting the European Commission’s current proposal .

“Bundling Cohesion Policy with policies on agriculture, defence or migration,” the statement warned, “would force local and regional authorities to compete for funds at the national level.” Such a shift, participants stressed, risks moving decision-making power away from regions and cities — the level where the EU’s goals are actually delivered.

“Competitiveness and cohesion are two sides of the same coin,” said Christoph Schnaudigel, CEMR Co-President and President of the County of Karlsruhe, Germany. “Businesses in our cities need infrastructure, housing, schools, and fibre networks. Cohesion is part of the Treaties — we need competitiveness and cohesion together. Otherwise, the money will disappear before reaching local communities. The European Commission must talk to us. You can’t know what territories need from Brussels or Berlin — we know it at the local level.”, he added.

Cities at the centre of Europe’s priorities

Later the same day, local leaders gathered again in the European Parliament for a debate titled “Shaping the Next EU Budget with Cities”, convened by the European Urban Forum in cooperation with the Local Alliance.

The message from city leaders, MEPs and European institutions was united: Europe’s priorities — from the green transition to digital transformation — cannot succeed without empowering cities and regions. As CEMR’s Christoph Schnaudigel put it: “You don’t know what the needs are from Brussels. We do — from the local level.”

Pascal Smet, Member of the Brussels-Capital Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, warned that the proposed setup risks creating “a Europe of nation states”.

Other leaders, such as Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenja (Slovenia), underlined the dangers of losing citizens’ trust if Europe fails to deliver on its promises in regions undergoing industrial transitions.

From Germany, Eckart Würzner, Mayor of Heidelberg, stressed that “cities are defenders of democracy” and that without adequate resources, “we will stand up” to protect the local dimension of Europe’s future.

Anna Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor of Bologna (Italy), urged the EU to use the forthcoming Agenda for Cities as “a lighthouse” to ensure the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) strengthens, rather than weakens, the role of local governments.

CEMR’s key asks on the next EU budget

CEMR is already working on an intense advocacy campaign to shape the current EU budget proposal made by the European Commission.

As stated in the document, ‘EU budget 2028-2034: Main changes, challenges and opportunities for local and regional governments’, CEMR has key asks on this topic:

  • Ensuring effective multilevel governance and meaningful partnership in the next MFF
  • Placing cohesion and territorial balance at the core of the next eu budget
  • Guaranteeing fair access to EU funding for local governments across all EU programmes 
  • Enhancing support for local governments in EU enlargement and accession of candidate countries
  • Developing a dedicated EU programme to reinforce local democracy

These proposals echo the sentiment voiced by local leaders throughout the European Week: Europe’s strength lies in its territories. Cohesion and competitiveness can only coexist through real partnership between all levels of government.

For more information, contact:

SKAZLIC Ivana
In Mindcraft, Mindcraft, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Decentralised cooperation report

ADD ME project

Decentralised Development Cooperation Report #1: a European overview

Read full report here

The first Decentralised Development Cooperation (DDC) Report provides a unique snapshot of how local and regional governments (LRGs), their associations, and civil society actors engage in international cooperation. Based on a Europe-wide survey), it presents results from 37 contributions from 27 LRGs, 9 associations, and 1 NGO across 11 countries.

The evidence on decentralised cooperation projects and partnerships, collected via the survey will support CEMR and PLATFORMA’s advocacy with stronger knowledge, better coordination, and a deeper understanding of enabling factors and challenges.

The first edition of the DDC Report highlights:

  1. DDC is a priority for many – Over 80% of respondents consider DDC important or very important for their work.
  1. Multi-actor character – Partnerships often involve not just LRGs, but also civil society organisations, educational institutions, public utilities, and in some cases, private sector actors.
  1. Persistent challenges – Limited resources, lack of expertise, and the short-term nature of project-based cooperation remain barriers for scaling up.
  1. Funding outlook – main funding channels include combination of national government funding, own resources, and the European Commission. 𝟮𝟳,𝟬𝟯% 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 expect their DDC budget share to grow in 2025, suggesting cautious optimism.

This article is part of a new series of reports mapping decentralised development cooperation across Europe. The second report will explore opportunities and challenges for DDC partnerships, effects of implemented DDC activities and provide details of selected DDC projects. Stay tuned!

Read the full Mindcraft DDC Report #1, available in English, French, Spanish, and German.  
 

CEMR encourages European and national authorities to strengthen the role of LRGs in development policy, not only as implementers, but also as strategic partners helping shape a more resilient, inclusive, and effective development agenda.


This report is produced within the Bridging and Mapping Knowledge Gaps in Decentralised Cooperation (Mindcraft), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).  

For more information, contact: 

SKAZLIC Ivana
In Governance, Governance, Mindcraft, Mindcraft, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Country profile #2 – Germany

Mindcraft - Germany publication

Country Profile on decentralised development cooperation: the case of Germany

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The country profiles offer a short overview of national models of (decentralised) development cooperation frameworks in selected EU Member States. The aim is to provide insights into specific mechanisms and modalities of analysed national frameworks and identify enabling factors as well as challenges related to practical implementation, focusing on the role and opportunities for local and regional governments and their associations.   
 
Based on the study, the German framework for DDC is characterised by:  
 
1. German federal states and municipalities maintain lasting partnerships with their counterparts abroad, generating sustainable impact. Recent German-Ukrainian solidarity partnerships underline DDC’s role in development policy and open paths for trilateral and multilateral cooperation.  

 2. Service Agency Community in One World – SKEW of Engagement Global is the main advisory and grant-providing platform for German LRGs in DDC, supporting project planning, implementation, and international exchange.  

 3. The variety of funding programmes (mainly financed by the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development – BMZ, managed via Service Agency Community in One World – SKEW and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internaztionale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ), designed for specific purposes, enable project-based, thematic cooperation and long-term partnerships. 
 
This article is part of a series of 7 Country Profiles examining decentralised development cooperation frameworks across Europe. The thirs edition, focusing on Spain, will be published in December. Stay tuned!  
 
Read the Country Profile, available in four languages: 

CEMR encourages German authorities to strengthen the role of LRGs in development policy, not only as implementers, but also as strategic partners helping shape a more resilient, inclusive and effective development agenda.  

This publication is produced within the Bridging and Mapping Knowledge Gaps in Decentralised Cooperation (Mindcraft), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). 

For more information, contact:

GURI Durmish
In Impact community Society, International cooperation, Press, Projects and Programmes, Twinning, Twinning

The future of town twinning

Town twinning - Village of Pyrenees in Spain

Town twinning in Europe: unlocking opportunities with AgoraEU

Since 1951, CEMR has championed town twinning as a driver of peace, democracy, and European identity. With the European Commission’s new AgoraEU programme proposed in the long-term budget, CEMR reflects on its legacy and introduces tools to further strengthen twinning, ensuring it continues to connect citizens across Europe.

Over seven decades later, town twinning remains one of Europe’s most powerful instruments for European integration and local governments diplomacy. In its long-term EU budget proposal presented last July, the European Commission (EC) included the AgoraEU programme, a promising opportunity to support and revitalise town twinning efforts. Yet, if twinning is to remain a vital bridge between Europe and its citizens, further steps must be taken to reinforce its role in today’s evolving political and social landscape.

Where does town twinning come from? Why does it still matter today? And how can the AgoraEU programme help strengthen its role in the Europe of today and tomorrow?

A legacy of connection and peace

In the mid-1990s, in cooperation with the EC, CEMR played a central role in coordinating the town twinning programme. Working closely with national associations of local and regional governments, CEMR promoted twinning, inspired thousands of initiatives and co-managed the “Star of Europe awards” with the EC to recognise outstanding partnerships. These efforts empowered thousands of small and medium-sized municipalities—particularly in rural and border regions—to build lasting bonds across borders, turning twinning into a grassroots driver of European integration. The 2002 Antwerp Congress further reinforced twinning as a vital tool for peace, democracy, and sustainable development.

A means to foster a shared European identity

Twinning has been evolving to better respond to the needs of cities, towns and municipalities facing multiple challenges in their territories. While cultural exchange and mutual understanding remain at its heart, today’s partnerships also address issues such as climate action, migration, social inclusion, digitalisation, and youth engagement. According to CEMR’s 2023 Twinning Report, municipalities of all sizes continue to value twinning highly, but smaller towns in particular face barriers in accessing funding and navigating sometimes complex EU procedures.

Pakruojis and Inhulka Municipalities signing Memorandum of Understanding during the Bridges of Trust Annual Gathering 2024  

Far from being outdated, twinning continues to play a vital role alongside other Europe’s mobility programmes, fostering connections that celebrate both cultural diversity and the continent’s shared heritage. For many citizens, especially teenagers, senior citizens, and residents of deprived or rural areas, town twinning remains one of the few ways to directly experience Europe. It offers a deep entry point into European construction and debates, helping to reduce the growing distance between citizens and the European Union (EU), while fostering a shared European identity and a spirit of living together.

The Matchmaking Platform: an innovative tool to tackle today’s challenges

Many towns, cities, and regions face challenges in twinning, including finding suitable partners, limited opportunities for joint projects, difficulties accessing funding, and gaps in knowledge or capacity. Visibility and recognition of local initiatives can also be limited. To bridge these gaps, CEMR has launched a digital Matchmaking Platform, enabling subnational governments to:

  • Find peers and partners across Europe
  • Start joint projects with international visibility
  • Access funding and support opportunities more easily

This tool represents a modern continuation of CEMR’s long-standing role as a facilitator of exchange and cooperation between subnational governments in Europe and beyond.

A roadmap for 2028–2035

Looking ahead, CEMR calls for the revitalisation of twinning, especially for small and medium-sized municipalities by:

  • Simplifying access to EU twinning by cutting barriers and targeting support to underserved areas.
  • Strengthening national associations as local champions—reviving CEMR’s model of national correspondents to inspire and guide projects.
  • Creating a small-grants facility for new or renewed twinning between small towns, rural areas, and cross-border or enlargement partners.
  • Relaunching the “Star of Europe Awards” to celebrate excellence and raise the profile of high-impact twinning.
  •  Promoting twinning as a strategic tool to deliver EU priorities locally: democratic trust, youth participation, gender equality, climate, energy, and migrant inclusion.

AgoraEU: a timely opportunity

The European Commission’s €3.6 billion AgoraEU programme (2028–2034) shows a renewed commitment to citizen engagement. CEMR urges at least a doubling of EU support for town twinning and calls for simplified access to funding and streamlined administrative procedures, including application processes and reporting.

This support is urgently needed. Town twinning projects face growing financial pressures at the local level. Municipalities continue to invest heavily in keeping partnerships alive, yet many risk being unable to sustain them without stronger European backing. Twinning is not just a tradition, it is a living, evolving practice that connects citizens, strengthens democracy, and builds resilience across Europe.

The European Parliament and the Council will now examine the proposal. CEMR calls on both institutions to ensure that town twinning receives the recognition and resources it deserves, as one of the EU’s most effective tools to bring Europe closer to its citizens.

For more information, contact:

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