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GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, Impact community Society, Latest, Projects and programmes, Publications

How to unlock EU funds

EU financing opportunities - News

A guide to help local and regional governments navigate 2021–2027 funding opportunities and prepare successful proposals 

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Accessing European Union funding can be complex, especially for municipalities and regions unfamiliar with project management procedures. To address this challenge, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has developed a guide within its new External Funded Activities (EFA) Platform. The guide provides practical support for members, including information on funding opportunities, thematic priorities, and tips for writing strong proposals. 

The current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021–2027, boosted by Next Generation EU, represents the EU’s largest-ever budget, totalling €2 trillion. More than half is dedicated to research, innovation, digitalisation, and climate action, while one-third supports cohesion policy. For local and regional governments (LRGs), this translates into significant opportunities to finance projects across diverse fields. 

The guide outlines how to navigate the Funding and Tenders Portal, the central entry point for EU calls. It explains how applicants can: 

  • Search funding opportunities and partners; 
  • Check eligibility; 
  • Submit proposals online; 
  • Manage reporting and compliance requirements. 

It also provides advice on preparing successful project proposals. Key recommendations include aligning projects with EU policy goals, ensuring sustainability and impact, and selecting experienced, committed partners. Strong project teams, clear narratives, and realistic budgets are critical for success. 

Finally, the guide emphasises capacity-building. CEMR encourages municipalities to build internal expertise, engage with partners early, and take advantage of available training and support services. 

By simplifying complex procedures, the CEMR guide aims to empower local and regional authorities to fully tap into EU funds and deliver projects that advance Europe’s priorities, from green transition to digital innovation. 

Read the study here 

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REVAULT Martin
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Impact community Society, Latest, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Twinning, UCLG, Ukraine reconstruction, United Cities and Local Governments

Escalation of war against Ukraine

Escalation of war against Ukraine Declaration

European local leaders condemn renewed Russian attacks and pledge solidarity with Ukrainian cities and communities

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Meeting in Daejeon at the 7th UCLG World Congress and Summit of Local and Regional Leaders, European mayors and councillors expressed their deepest indignation at the recent escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The renewed wave of violence continues to bring devastation to civilian populations and destruction to Ukrainian municipalities. 

Condemning Targeted Attacks 
The declaration strongly denounces deliberate strikes on civilians, including women and children, in violation of the Geneva Conventions. Equally condemned is the destruction of essential urban infrastructure, which deprives communities of the basic services needed to survive in wartime. 

Solidarity with Ukraine 
Local and regional leaders across Europe reaffirm their solidarity with Ukraine’s people, mayors, councillors, and associations of local governments who continue their work under extreme conditions. These partnerships are vital to ensuring communities can endure today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s recovery. 

Shared Values 
The declaration recalls the core values upon which Europe is built—peace, democracy, justice, equality, inclusion, and dialogue. By standing with Ukraine, Europe also defends international law and human rights. 

A Call to Action 
European municipalities are invited to strengthen ties with Ukrainian peers through partnerships, twinning, and reconstruction efforts. The declaration also appeals directly to local leaders worldwide, and especially in Russia, to condemn the war and join the call for peace. 

Reconstruction will require joint efforts. The declaration highlights the need for European institutions to support rebuilding Ukrainian infrastructure through city-to-city cooperation, aligning with Ukraine’s Fast Recovery Plan. European local and regional leaders reaffirm their readiness to work hand-in-hand with Ukrainian communities, ensuring that from the ruins of war, democracy and peace prevail. 

Read the declaration here 

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BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Climate, Energy, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Publications

Territorial leaders in action at the COP 27

Climate - News Section

10 key points to prevent the inexorable march toward utter climate disaster

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It’s now or never. We must gear up for climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals on the ground. This is the core message that PLAFTORMA and CEMR will bring to the COP27 taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

In a joint position, PLATFORMA and CEMR put forward 10 key points for delegates and representatives from the UN, the EU and national governments who will sit around the COP27 negotiation table. Among the important points raised in the position are the need for a supportive regulatory and governance framework to implement subnational climate action, and the need for sustainable subnational financing.

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

Annual report on SDGs goes digital

PLATFORMA - banner 3

Our annual report on the SDGs goes digital at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)

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Available for the first time in an online format, PLATFORMA and CEMR have just published their fifth annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Released on the occasion of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, discover this innovative publication today on local-sdgs.eu

This study gathers the most recent information on how and to what extent associations and networks of local and regional governments have been involved in the localisation of the SDGs, both in Europe and with their global peers, and in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s survey therefore, included questions on the SDGs’ implementation since 2015 and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. In the last two sections, there were also additional questions regarding Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSR) and decentralised cooperation.

It gathers 63 answers from 28 European countries, 37 associations of local and regional governments and 18 municipalities and regions.

Main recommendations

Six main recommendations came out of this study, targeting EU institutions, national governments and local and regional governments and their national associations:

  1. The European Commission should report regularly on any progress made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the EU level and indicate how the different levels of governance have contributed to this process.
  2. We encourage associations of local and regional governments to actively take part in the Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSR) process.
  3. Local and regional governments (LRGs) are calling for the firm recognition and inclusion by national governments of the role of LRGs and their associations in the monitoring and reporting of progress in the implementation of SDGs at the national level.
  4. European states and the EU need to strengthen their dialogue with the subnational levels and include them in any relevant high-level delegation meetings.
  5. Strengthen international cooperation to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels
  6. There is still a need to localise and territorialise the SDGs, through the deployment of appropriate funds and resources

This study will be presented by a PLATFORMA-CEMR delegation at different events during the second week of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) taking place in New York between 5 and 15 July 2022.

This delegation is composed of:

  • Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General
  • José Hila, Mayor of Palma de Mallorca (Spain, FEMP)
  • Hannah-Lea Braun, Member of Maichingen Council (Sindelfingen, Germany) and the CEMR Young Elected Officials Committee
  • Luis Salaya, Mayor of Cáceres (Spain, FEMP)
  • Valérie Dumontet, Vice-President of Aude Region, (France, Cités Unies France)
  • Pilar Díaz, Mayor of Espluges de Llobregat, Deputy to the Presidency, Delegate for International Relations at the Diputació de Barcelona (Spain, Barcelona Provincial Council – DIBA)
  • Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague (Netherlands, VNG International)

Directors, advisers and technicians from CEMR, the City of Paris, DIBA, FEMP, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), UCLG and VNG International are also attending HLPF this year.

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

EU directive on gender and domestic violence 

Gender Violence - News 2023

CEMR urges multi-level coordination, victim support, and recognition of women politicians’ safety 

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Violence against women and domestic violence remain among the most widespread violations of fundamental rights in Europe. In response to the European Commission’s proposed Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has published a position paper calling for a unified and multi-level approach to ensure effective implementation across the EU. 

CEMR welcomes key elements of the Directive, including provisions on safeguarding victims, training professionals, tackling harmful gender stereotypes, and addressing sexual harassment at work. However, the organisation stresses that the Directive must go further to recognise the central role of local and regional governments (LRGs), who are on the frontline of prevention, victim support, and access to justice. 

Among its recommendations, CEMR calls for: 

  • Formal consultation with LRGs in policy design and coordination, ensuring that Article 39 on multi-level response explicitly requires their involvement. 
  • Targeted EU funding for local authorities through programmes such as CERV, ERDF and ESF+, to strengthen prevention, awareness-raising and victim services. 
  • Better data collection, disaggregated by sex, age and region (NUTS 2, NUTS 3, and local level), to tailor policies effectively. 
  • Improved victim support systems, combining both “one-stop” online access and physical centres, with minimum geographic coverage standards. 

The paper also highlights violence against women in politics, noting that harassment and threats against elected representatives undermine democracy itself. CEMR urges the addition of a specific clause under Article 13 on aggravating circumstances for violence against women in public office. 

Finally, CEMR emphasises the importance of prevention, beginning with early education to challenge gender stereotypes, and extending to workplaces where women in public-facing professions are disproportionately exposed to third-party violence. The organisation recommends a dedicated article on cooperation between LRGs and social partners to strengthen workplace protections. 

By adopting a truly coordinated, multi-level approach, the Directive could transform Europe’s fragmented response into a coherent framework that empowers governments at every level to protect women’s rights and safety. 

Read the policy paper here 

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BORDELOT Federica
In About CEMR, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Publications

CEMR report of 2021 

Meet Local Leaders - News

Report on the publications, knowledge-sharing, advocacy and communications in 2021 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is pleased to present its 2021 Activity Report, which provides an overview of the organisation’s main actions and achievements over the year. Guided by the 2021–2030 multiannual strategy and the 2021–2022 work programme, CEMR focused its work on four objectives: 

  1. Policies and advocacy 
  1. Knowledge sharing and capacity-building 
  1. Pan-European campaigns and visibility 
  1. Internal organisation and sustainability 

All actions were aligned with the aim of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Europe’s territories. 

Shaping European and Global Agendas 

Throughout 2021, CEMR actively influenced European initiatives and alerted members to upcoming developments affecting local and regional governments. Activities included: 

  • Monitoring EU initiatives on recovery, resilience, and international cooperation. 
  • Engaging in structured dialogues on cohesion policy, rural development, disability rights, and urban development. 
  • Providing input that shaped OECD analyses, Council Conclusions, and the European long-term vision for rural areas. 
  • Publishing position papers and resolutions on gender equality, migration, the Fit for 55 energy package, water, and digitalisation. 

At the international level, CEMR deepened cooperation with UCLG, the Global Taskforce, OECD, and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. 

Building Knowledge and Capacity 

To strengthen understanding of EU policies and empower members to act, CEMR: 

  • Produced publications and webinars, including a new edition of the TERRI Report on decentralisation reforms. 
  • Organised workshops on member participation in national and European processes. 
  • Delivered capacity-building through externally funded projects in areas such as EU funding, climate adaptation, gender equality, migration, and SDG implementation. 

Raising Visibility and Engaging Citizens 

2021 was also a year of celebrations: 

  • 70th anniversary of CEMR and the 15th anniversary of the Equality Charter brought together 500 participants online. 
  • Pan-European campaigns were launched for Europe Day, SDG Day, and equality, highlighting the voices of local leaders and women in politics. 
  • CEMR ensured visibility for its spokespersons through social media, interviews, videos, and participation in international events. 

In numbers: 

  • Over 120 articles published in English and French. 
  • More than 650 tweets reaching 1 million views. 
  • 14 newsletters delivered to the network. 

Strengthening Internal Organisation 

CEMR took concrete steps to become a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient organisation: 

  • Two online Policy Committee meetings gathered 170 elected representatives to adopt policy positions and validate the strategy. 
  • A new Secretary General selection process was launched. 
  • Internal processes were modernised with digital templates, e-signatures, and reduced paper use. 
  • Staff received training on project management, budget monitoring, public speaking, and team collaboration. 

Milestones and Campaign Highlights 

  • Advocated for local governments to be included in post-COVID recovery plans (#CohesionAlliance). 
  • Shared local leaders’ visions for the Conference on the Future of Europe. 
  • Continued the #Power2Her and #LocalEquality campaigns on gender equality. 
  • Helped secure recognition of the multilevel cooperative model in the Glasgow COP26 agreement. 

2021 was a year of adaptation, resilience, and influence for CEMR. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the network succeeded in shaping European debates, amplifying the voice of local and regional governments, and strengthening internal capacities. With a stronger foundation and renewed strategy, CEMR continues its mission to empower Europe’s municipalities and regions to lead sustainable change. 

Read the study here

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

Statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine people - News

European municipalities and regions reaffirm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and local democracy amid ongoing threats 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has voiced deep concern over the ongoing Russian military build-up around Ukraine. Such actions pose new threats not only to Ukraine’s security and sovereignty but also to peace and democracy across the wider region. 

Local Governments Under Pressure 
Ukrainian municipalities and regions face immense challenges: providing public services under the daily threat of military escalation, sustaining decentralisation and governance reforms, and continuing the democratic development of their cities and communities. These pressures are particularly acute in eastern regions, which have already endured the consequences of war since 2014. 

Standing by Ukraine’s Sovereignty 
European local and regional leaders reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. These principles, rooted in international agreements and European security, cannot be compromised. 

Support from Europe 
CEMR welcomes the European Commission’s emergency financial assistance package to Ukraine and urges EU institutions and national governments to strengthen their support. Local authorities, directly in touch with citizens, continue to deliver essential services despite threats of conflict and energy blackmail. 

Commitment to Cooperation 
Europe’s municipalities and regions remain committed to supporting their Ukrainian peers through decentralised cooperation, city-to-city and region-to-region partnerships, and international solidarity efforts. Strengthening these ties will help ensure Ukraine’s continued development, resilience, and democratic future. 

Read the declaration here 

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THOMAS Carol
In EU budget, EU budget, Governance, Governance, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Publications

Recovery & Resilience Facility funds 

RRF Consultation - News

Local and regional governments warn of weak involvement, risks of fund misallocation, and limited ownership of recovery plans 

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The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is the EU’s largest ever economic support plan, launched in response to the COVID-19 crisis. While national governments designed National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) to guide investments and reforms until 2026, a new consultation by the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights a persistent problem: local and regional authorities (LRAs) remain sidelined in the process. 

Weak involvement in preparation and governance 

The survey, conducted in early 2022 among 26 associations across 19 EU member states, shows that most LRAs had little to no influence on defining objectives, reforms, or investments. Compared with 2021, dialogue with national governments slightly improved, but respondents stress that these consultations had minimal impact on final plans. Governance of the process remains largely top-down. 

Mixed views on the plans’ content 

Respondents were broadly positive about the NRRP’s contribution to the green (37% earmark) and digital transitions (20% earmark). However, they expressed doubts about the plans’ ability to advance territorial cohesion, one of the RRF’s six pillars. The interplay between NRRPs and other EU funds such as the ERDF or Cohesion Fund also remains unclear and inconsistent, raising fears of overlaps and inefficient spending. 

Implementation: low ownership, high risks 

When it comes to implementation, optimism is scarce. Only a handful of LRAs reported having a meaningful role in monitoring, adapting, or co-managing projects. Ownership is strikingly low, despite LRAs’ frontline role in pandemic response and recovery. The main barriers identified were a lack of political will at the national level and tight or unsuitable formats and timelines, rather than a lack of local capacity. 

These shortcomings translate into serious risks: 

  • Failure to meet milestones and targets 
  • Misallocation of funds 
  • Increased territorial disparities 
  • Public distrust in the EU and national institutions 

Calls for stronger EU-level monitoring 

To improve outcomes, respondents strongly supported enhanced dialogue between the EU and local/regional representatives and the creation of an early warning mechanism to flag delays or problems in implementation. 

Conclusion 

Two years after the pandemic outbreak, Europe’s recovery is underway, but its governance remains overly centralised. The CoR-CEMR consultation warns that without meaningful involvement of local and regional governments, the RRF risks missing its objectives, weakening both recovery efforts and citizens’ trust in the European project. 

Read the study here 

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

Investing in Europe’s future 

Investing in Europe - News

A new EU growth model must empower local services, boost resilience and deliver sustainable investments 

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The war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis have placed Europe at a critical crossroads. These overlapping challenges are testing the strength of our democracies, economies and social fabric and call for a bold rethinking of Europe’s economic governance. 

In response, the SGIs Network, bringing together key public service stakeholders, has issued a joint declaration ahead of the Tripartite Social Summit on 23 March 2022. The message is clear: to manage the transition and strengthen the EU’s resilience, Europe must urgently shift towards a more forward-looking, inclusive and investment-oriented growth model. 

A new economic framework 
The current EU fiscal rules are no longer fit for purpose in the face of permacrisis. The declaration calls for a reformed fiscal architecture that reconciles debt sustainability with long-term, growth-enhancing investments. This includes distinguishing productive investments, such as in green infrastructure, digitalisation, healthcare and education, from unproductive spending. 

Empowering local action 
Local and regional governments are essential to achieving a green, digital and fair transition. The declaration stresses the need for their full involvement in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) and accessing the Next Generation EU funds. Without this multilevel approach, the EU risks missing the full potential of its recovery strategy. 

From temporary response to permanent capacity 
As the NGEU package and current EU budget cycle expire in 2026–2027, the declaration urges leaders to prepare for a longer-term fiscal and investment strategy. A permanent common fiscal capacity will be vital to address future shared challenges, from climate change to geopolitical instability, and avoid deepening inequalities between territories. 

The call from the SGIs Network is not just for more funding, but for better governance and greater solidarity. It is a reminder that investing in public services, social cohesion and local resilience is not a cost. It is the foundation of a stronger, united Europe. 

Read the declaration 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

European charter for equality  

Gender Equality News

Europe’s towns and regions commit to building fairer societies through the European Charter for Equality 

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Equality between women and men is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. Yet, despite legal recognition, disparities remain in pay, representation, and everyday opportunities across Europe. Recognising the pivotal role of local and regional governments in tackling these inequalities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) developed the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life in 2006. 

By signing the Charter, municipalities and regions make a public commitment to promoting equality across their policies, services and institutions, and to developing Equality Action Plans that transform principles into practice. 

The Charter was drafted with the support of the European Commission and has since become a reference tool for towns and regions seeking to mainstream gender equality. It encourages signatories to act not only within their own administrations but also with local institutions, organisations and citizens. 

Over the years, supporting tools have strengthened their implementation: 

  • An online Observatory launched in 2011 provides resources and examples of good practice. 
  • A toolkit of indicators, developed in 2014, helps monitor and evaluate progress. 
  • A 2022 update, funded by the EU, introduced amendments to strengthen the Charter, clarifying language and emphasising intersectionality under the guiding principle: “always gender, never gender alone.” 

New provisions were also added, including the need to apply a gender lens in crisis management and to address gender perspectives in digitalisation and online life. From 2023 onwards, all new signatories commit automatically to both the original Charter and the 2022 amendments. 

The European Charter for Equality demonstrates how local and regional democracy is crucial for advancing fairness in daily life, whether through housing, transport, health, or political participation. By embedding gender equality into decision-making and governance, towns and regions can both safeguard rights and unlock economic and social potential. 

More than a symbolic document, the Charter is a practical instrument for change, mobilising local authorities across Europe to ensure that equality between women and men is not only a principle on paper but a reality in every community. 

Read the charter here 

For more information, contact: 

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