The advocacy work of our national associations: the case of The Netherlands
As negotiations on the next long-term EU budget move forward on two fronts—both between the EU institutions and within each member state among national governments, stakeholders, and regional and local networks—CEMR is sending a clear message: Europe works best when towns, cities, and regions have a real seat at the table.
In this video message, Arjen Gerritsen, King’s Commissioner of Flevoland and CEMR spokesperson on the EU budget, highlights why the stakes are high — not just for local governments, but for every European community.
Town, cities and regions are where EU policies become real. This is where roads are built, where homes are planned, where climate protection happens, where small businesses get support, and where essential public services are delivered every single day. Europe’s ambitions only work when they work locally.
The most crucial discussions are now taking place within the Council and the European Parliament. This is why conversations in the capitals of the different member states are more relevant than ever. CEMR is mobilising its full strength to advocate at the national and regional levels, drawing on the influence of our national associations in the member states.
In this video, Arjen Gerritsen stresses that organisations like the Association of Provinces of the Netherlands (IPO) are already working to ensure regional voices are heard at the national level. But this effort needs to be shared across Europe, and he invites every local and regional politicians to do the same:
“Talk to your governments. Raise your voice. Defend multilevel governance.”
Our views on the current EU budget proposal
The current proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) risks shifting decisions further away from local and regional governments. And when choices are made too far from the ground, investments become less effective — and citizens feel the gap.
That’s why CEMR’s message is clear: partnership should not be optional — it must be the standard.
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
