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CEMR projects overview  

CEMR’s externally funded projects foster cooperation, innovation, and sustainability across Europe 


Through its externally funded activities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) brings local and regional leaders together to exchange ideas, test solutions, and build stronger communities. These projects are more than initiatives: they are platforms where municipalities and regions collaborate on Europe’s most pressing challenges, from climate action to equality, from digitalisation to democratic participation. 

Overview of Projects 
CEMR’s portfolio of externally funded projects reflects its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion: 

  • Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities (RFSC) – Supporting sustainable cities with a practical tool to plan and assess policies. 
  • IncluCities – Advancing migrant integration through peer learning among municipalities. 
  • Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) – Driving circular economy solutions for cities and regions. 
  • Green City Accord – Helping European cities commit to ambitious environmental goals. 
  • Covenant of Mayors – Uniting local leaders in climate and energy action. 
  • PLATFORMA – Strengthening international partnerships and decentralised cooperation. 
  • Bridges of Trust – Building ties between Ukrainian and European municipalities. 
  • EPSU (Local Digital) – Supporting local administrations in navigating digital transitions. 
  • EPSU (Third-Party Violence) – Tackling violence against public service workers. 
  • Go.Li.EU – Promoting youth engagement and European citizenship. 

Together, these projects illustrate how CEMR channels external resources into meaningful action. By bridging local realities with European priorities, they not only empower municipalities and regions but also shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all. 

Read the study here 

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Local action for climate at COP26

Climate Change - News Section

Municipalities and regions are essential to implementing the Paris Agreement and achieving the SDGs 


As the world prepares for COP26, the urgency of implementing the Paris Agreement is clearer than ever. Delays are no longer acceptable: ambitious climate action must be delivered across all levels of governance, with municipalities and regions at the forefront. Local leadership, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and decentralised solutions will be crucial to achieving carbon neutrality and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Tackling climate change requires ambitious leadership, and local governments are uniquely positioned to deliver practical results. Cities and regions across Europe are already setting climate targets and developing local solutions to global challenges. Their involvement in international processes, such as through the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) constituency, ensures that local voices shape global action. 

Effective climate policies also depend on appropriate regulatory and financial support. EU and national frameworks must acknowledge the diversity of local realities, enabling tailored solutions. Adequate funding, capacity-building, and investment are necessary to empower municipalities and regions to meet their commitments. Initiatives like the European Green Deal and a just transition should ensure no community is left behind. 

Finally, the localisation of the SDGs is inseparable from the climate agenda. With 65% of SDG targets linked to local action, decentralised approaches and multi-level governance are vital. Embedding the 2030 Agenda into territorial strategies will ensure that global commitments translate into tangible improvements in communities. 

The path to COP26 underscores a simple truth: global goals can only be achieved through local action. By supporting municipalities and regions with resources, recognition, and a genuine role in decision-making, the EU and international community can ensure that the Paris Agreement and SDGs are implemented effectively, delivering a sustainable and resilient future for all. 

Read the position paper here 

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