The advocacy work of our national associations: the case of the Czech Republic
As negotiations on the next EU long-term budget move forward at both European and national level, CEMR is calling for a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping EU investments and priorities.
In a recent video message, Richard Vereš, Mayor of Slezská Ostrava and CEMR Vice-President, warns that the current proposal risks moving decision-making further away from the territories most affected by EU policies. Speaking from the Moravian-Silesian region in the Czech Republic, he highlights in particular the absence of clearly dedicated funding for the Just Transition and the broader risk of weakening citizens’ trust in European institutions.
The Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic (SMO ČR) has been active both nationally and at European level, working alongside CEMR and the European Committee of Regions to advocate for a less centralised EU budget proposal that better reflects the needs of cities and regions.
Our views on the current EU budget proposal
CEMR calls for stronger guarantees for multilevel governance and partnership, greater flexibility for local governments to respond to crises, and a budget that reflects today’s challenges — from climate adaptation and housing to digital services and territorial cohesion.
The message behind the campaign is simple: when local and regional governments are involved from the start, Europe delivers better results for citizens.
For months, CEMR has been calling for:
- A strong role for local and regional governments in EU programmes and funds
- Clear guarantees for multilevel governance and partnership
- Greater flexibility so local governments can respond quickly to crises
- A budget that matches today’s real challenges, from climate adaptation to housing, digital services and territorial cohesion
CEMR’s EU budget campaign centres on one simple truth: When local and regional governments are involved from the start, Europe delivers better results for its citizens.
This is how democracy works — through cooperation, partnership and decisions made close to the people they affect.
Join us in defending that principle.
Learn more about the CEMR EU budget campaign
For more information, contact:
Director – Policy & Impact
