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Declarations & charters

Leonie Kuhlmann
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications

Ambitious post-2030 climate and energy framework

Climate and Energy framework - News

CEMR joins call for a robust and ambitious EU post-2030 climate and energy framework

324 words
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Following the Environment Council on 12 October 2026 and ahead of the Energy Council on 29 October 2026, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) joined the call of the Coalition for Higher Ambition, an alliance of businesses, local and regional government networks and civil society organisations, in urging EU ministers to back a strong post-2030 climate and energy framework. 

After another summer of record heatwaves, drought and wildfires, the signatories stress that continuing the European Green Deal’s trajectory is both a climate imperative and a strategic investment. A transition built on energy efficiency, renewables and renewables-based electrification, they argue, strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and energy security, lowers and stabilises energy bills, and protects public health. 

The letter, addressed to the Irish EU Presidency and Member State ministers, calls for at least 90% net domestic emission reductions by 2040, with limited reliance on international credits. CEMR and other signatories warn that using up to 5% international credits would lock in only 85% domestic reductions, and also call for a credible EU Emission Trading System (ETS) that delivers real, predictable emissions cuts and a strong carbon price signal, with revenues prioritising energy efficiency, renewables and a just transition. 

The statement further urges ministers to maintain national climate targets, with priority given to gross emission reductions and separate targets for land-based and industrial carbon removals. Moreover, the signatories consider essential EU renewable energy and energy efficiency targets, backed by a strong Governance Regulation and a multilevel approach that links national plans with local and regional plans and investment needs. Finally, the letter asks for a bold 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to close Europe’s decarbonisation and resilience investment gap. 

For local and regional governments, which implement climate policy on the ground, predictable targets and genuine multilevel governance are essential to deliver. CEMR will continue to advocate for these priorities as negotiations move forward. 

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ROSSI Fabrizio
In Governance, Governance, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Publications

Statement on the arrest of Vahap Seçer 

Mersin Metropolitan Turkiye

CEMR denounces the arrest of Vahap Seçer, President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye and CEMR Vice-President 

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2–3 minutes
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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is deeply concerned about the arrest of Vahap Seçer on 6 October 2026, Mayor of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT), and CEMR Vice-President. 

Mayor Seçer is the third President of UMT, CEMR’s member association in Türkiye, to be deprived of his liberty since the 2024 Turkish local elections. His arrest follows those of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, on 19 March 2025, and Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana Metropolitan Municipality, on 8 July 2025. 

These developments are part of a broader and deeply concerning trend. Since the 2024 local elections, more than 80 municipalities in Türkiye have had their mayors replaced, and over 30 mayors have been arrested. Among them is Sinem Dedetaş, Mayor of Üsküdar and a member of the CEMR Policy Committee, who was arrested in July 2026. Taken together, these events point to a continued erosion of local democracy in Türkiye, a trend CEMR has repeatedly raised concerns about. 

CEMR reiterates that local elected representatives must be able to carry out their duties freely and without undue interference and calls on the Turkish authorities to: 

  • Respect the democratic mandates entrusted to local elected representatives by citizens and uphold the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government; 
  • Release arrested elected representatives and allow them to resume their mandates; 
  • Ensure that UMT can operate freely and continue to be led by the representatives chosen by its members. 

CEMR also calls on European institutions and the wider international community to stand in solidarity with democratically elected local representatives in Türkiye and to raise these cases in their dialogue with the Turkish authorities. 

At a time when democracy is facing increasing pressure across Europe, protecting local self-government is more important than ever. CEMR will continue to follow developments closely and stands firmly alongside UMT and its members and partners in Türkiye. 

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ROSSI Fabrizio
In Governance, Governance, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Publications

Detention of Mayor Sinem Dedetaş

Uskudar Turkyie

CEMR expresses solidarity with the detained Mayor of Üsküdar in Türkiye  

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2–3 minutes
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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), together with President Christoph Schnaudigel, voices full solidarity with Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, member of the CEMR Policy Committee, following her detention, and calls on Turkish authorities and European institutions to defend local self-government and the rule of law.  

CEMR has issued a statement expressing its deep concern over the detention today of Sinem Dedetaş, Mayor of Üsküdar and member of the CEMR Policy Committee, along with several members of her team. 

CEMR stresses that this is not an isolated case, but the latest in a sustained series of actions targeting democratically elected local representatives in Türkiye. Since the 2024 local elections, more than 80 municipalities in the country have seen their elected mayors replaced through trustee appointments, dismissals or arrests, while over 30 mayors have been detained, many remaining in prolonged pre-trial detention. 

“As President of CEMR, I wish to express full solidarity with Mayor Sinem Dedetaş and with all local elected representatives affected by these developments“, writes Christoph Schnaudigel, CEMR President and President of the County of Karlsruhe (Germany). 

It should be noted that when mayors and local leaders are deprived of their liberty and unable to exercise the mandates entrusted to them by citizens, the consequences extend far beyond those directly concerned: each case leaves a community without the representatives it elected. Taken together, these developments point to a steady erosion of local democracy and a lack of respect for the will of voters in Türkiye. 

CEMR recalls the importance of the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government, including respect for democratic mandates and the autonomy of local governments; principles CEMR considers essential to maintaining citizens’ trust in democratic institutions at all levels. 

CEMR calls on the Turkish authorities to ensure full respect for fundamental democratic standards and the rule of law, and to guarantee that elected representatives can carry out their responsibilities freely and without undue interference. It also calls on European institutions and the international community to stand in solidarity with democratically elected local representatives in Türkiye, and to continue advocating for the protection of local self-government, democratic institutions and the rule of law. 

CEMR will continue to monitor developments closely and stand alongside its members and partners in Türkiye in their commitment to democratic local governance. 

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BENNIS Hamza
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Public services, Public services, Publications

Statement on public procurement

Public procurement services news

Call on European institutions to safeguard public-public cooperation and in-house provision in the Revision of the Public Procurement Directives 

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Public-public cooperation and in-house provision are essential tools enabling local and regional governments to organise, deliver, and manage public services directly — whether through cooperation with other public authorities or through entities under their control — without resorting to external operators.  

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) released a statement in which it expresses its strong opposition to calls and proposals that further restrict public-public cooperation and in-house provision in view of the upcoming Revision of the EU Public Procurement Directives.  

In this new statement, CEMR argues that public-public cooperation and in-house provision are firmly grounded in the EU Treaties, the Public Procurement Directives, and the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Local and regional governments must retain the freedom to choose the delivery model that best serves their communities — including direct provision and cooperation with other public authorities.  

CEMR also takes aim at the notion that public-public cooperation or in-house provision harms competition. There is no evidence to support that claim; if anything, these models can improve efficiency, support investment, and strengthen essential public services for citizens.  

Additionally, at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, cybersecurity risks, and growing pressure on public services, local authorities cannot afford to lose the flexibility to organise critical services in-house or through trusted public partnerships.  

CEMR calls to the European institutions for greater legal certainty — not further restriction — in the revision of Article 12 of the Public Procurement Directive, while safeguarding the right of local and regional governments to organise public services according to local needs and democratic choices.  

To complement this information, you can also read here CEMR’s position paper setting out what local and regional governments need from the revision of the 2014 Public Procurement Directives. 

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BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications

EU budget political declaration

Leaders Summit Finland 2026

CEMR local leaders adopt a political declaration in support of an EU budget that works for every territory

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Gathered in Rovaniemi on 5 June, local leaders call on the EU’s Heads of State and Government to include the European Parliament’s EU budget recommendations on multilevel governance, territorial delivery and predictable funding into their negotiations with the Council

Local leaders of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) Policy Committee have adopted a political declaration calling on EU Heads of State and Government to incorporate the European Parliament’s key recommendations on the next EU budget (2028-2034) into their negotiations in the European Council. The declaration, with 55 signatories, approved during the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in Rovaniemi, comes at a crucial moment in the interinstitutional discussions on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

By endorsing this declaration in support of an EU budget that works for every territory, CEMR members urge to ensure that the next long-term budget is fit for the EU ambition for cohesion, competitiveness and global partnership. Addressed to national leaders, the declaration makes the case for a budget that is place-based, predictable, and grounded in genuine multilevel governance.

A particularly significant timing

The declaration follows the European Parliament’s adoption of its interim report on the 2028–2034 EU budget on its plenary meeting of 28 April 2026 in which the Parliament set out its political priorities and will be the basis of negotiations with the Council.

As Member States meeting on 18-19 June Council will finalise their position, CEMR calls on them to take into consideration the position and proposals put forward by the European Parliament towards an EU budget that delivers competitiveness, cohesion, and trust across all territories.

Key asks of the political declaration

In practical terms, the declaration encourages Heads of State and Government to uphold the European Parliament’s key recommendations on multilevel governance, territorial delivery and predictable funding under the future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP). It also calls for the continuation of territorial innovation and competitiveness tools, as well as stable and predictable support for innovation, scale-up and investment in towns, cities and regions under the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).

Local and regional governments are essential to turning EU priorities into concrete projects, services and investments on the ground. Among the main calls of the political declaration, it urges to preserve strong and clearly allocated funding for Cohesion Policy, which will secure key investments for economic, social and territorial cohesion in all regions.

It also insists that local and regional governments must be properly involved in the design and implementation of future NRPP.

The text further calls for the protection of integrated territorial and urban development tools, stronger administrative capacity for local and regional governments, and a more realistic approach to performance and delivery rules for long-term investment.

On competitiveness, the declaration argues that the future ECF must be accessible across all territories and better connected to local realities. It also calls on the EU to recognise local and regional governments as full partners in external action and development cooperation.

The overall message is clear: if the EU wants its next budget to produce tangible results for citizens, it must give local and regional governments the means and the role to make that happen.

CEMR advocacy campaign on the next EU budget

This action is part of CEMR’s wider campaign on the future EU budget. The campaign stresses that the decisions now being negotiated will shape the European Union’s ability to invest in people and places for the next decade. It also warns that greater flexibility in the new budget architecture must not come at the expense of safeguards for place-based investment, multilevel governance and predictable funding for towns, cities and regions.

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

Declaration on four years of war in Ukraine

Mayors in Ukraine - News 2023

CEMR issues declaration marking four years of war and reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine

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Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, local and regional elected representatives from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) once again reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.

On this fourth anniversary of Russia’s aggression, CEMR has issued a formal declaration strongly condemning the war, which continues to claim countless victims, and reiterating the commitment of European local and regional governments to stand alongside Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, reconstruction and European integration.

Call against attacks on Ukrainian mayors

Local and regional elected representatives remain on the frontlines of the war, ensuring the continuity of essential services under extraordinary and often dangerous conditions. Yet they continue to be directly targeted.

CEMR denounces the abduction of Ukrainian mayors and supports the call of the Association of Ukrainian Cities demanding the immediate release of those still detained:

  • Oleksandr Babych – Hola Prystan City Mayor
  • Ihor Kolykhaiev – Kherson City Mayor
  • Anatolii Siryi – Starosta of Novi Borovychi Starosta District, Snovsk City Municipality

CEMR also condemns the arbitrary imprisonment, torture and murder of Ukrainian people in Russian captivity, including:

  • Yevhenii Matvieiev – Mayor of Dniprorudne
  • Oleksii Vynnychenko – Starosta of the Hrebenykivka Starosta District of Boromlia Village Municipality

Commitment to peace, reconstruction and EU integration

CEMR calls for the immediate end to the war, and for decisive actions to enable the establishment of a just and lasting peace in Europe and the reconstruction of Ukraine. Achieving this requires full engagement of the European Union and its Member States at every stage of the process. European local and regional governments stand ready to contribute actively to recovery, democratic resilience, and long-term stability.

In its declaration, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to:

  • Supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction through partnerships, exchanges and decentralised cooperation between towns, cities and regions.
  • Accompanying Ukraine on its path to full EU membership, strengthening democratic governance and multilevel cooperation across Europe.
  • Sustaining and expanding cooperation through key initiatives, including:
    • Bridges of Trust Community, bringing together local and regional representatives engaged in cooperation to foster trust, resilience, sustainable development and democratic governance.

A call for sustained European engagement

As the war enters its fifth year, sustained political, financial and institutional support remains essential. The reconstruction of Ukraine and the achievement of a just and lasting peace demand continued solidarity, coordinated action and long-term commitment.

CEMR stands firm in defending European values of democracy, peace and the rule of law. European local and regional governments remain committed to accompanying Ukraine to full EU membership, contributing to a stronger, more resilient and more secure Europe.

Read the full CEMR declaration:

CEMR’s recommendations: five essential conditions for the fair and effective integration of Ukraine into the EU

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ROSSI Fabrizio
In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Publications

Concerns over local democracy in Türkiye

Democracy in Turkyie - News 2025

CEMR issues a statement condemning escalating pressure against democratically elected mayors in Türkiye 

Read the statement on democracy in Türkiye

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has issued a statement expressing its deep concern over the intensifying political pressure on local democracy in Türkiye, following the detention of Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana and Deputy-President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT), CEMR’s member organisation. 

In recent months, an increasing number of opposition-affiliated mayors and staff members of the municipalities have been suspended, prosecuted, or detained in ways that obstruct their ability to carry out their democratic mandates. 

The detention of Mayor Karalar follows the earlier arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, former President of UMT. These successive events “risk undermining the principles of local democracy and have potentially far-reaching consequences for stability, democratic resilience, and social cohesion across our continent”. “The legitimacy of democratic governances relies on strong, autonomous local governments, and respect for political pluralism”, defend the signatories.  

CEMR calls on the European and international communities to keep the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and local self-government at the core of their engagement with Türkiye. 

“We respectfully urge the prompt release of all detained Mayors and officials and the full restoration of their rights to perform their democratic functions without fear or interference”, the signatories declare. “Democracy and local self-government cannot and will not be compromised”, they conclude. 

Signatories of this statement include: 

  • Vince Maple, Councillor of Medway, Chair of CEMR Financial Management Committee 
  • Philippe Laurent, Mayor of Sceaux, CEMR Co-President 
  • Christoph Schnaudigel, President of the County of Karlsruhe, CEMR Co-President 
  • Gunn Marit Helgesen, Member of Telemark County Council, CEMR President 
  • Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, CEMR Executive President 
  • Anders Knape, Councillor of Karlstad, CEMR Executive President 
  • Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdansk, CEMR Executive President 

Related content: 

Meritxell PARRAMON VILA
In Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Publications

Op-Ed on local democracy in Türkiye

Turkiye democracy - News 2025

Op-Ed on the local democracy in Türkiye co-signed by presidents of the Congress, CoR, ALDA and CEMR

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The recent arrests and dismissals of democratically elected mayors in Türkiye, and their replacement by appointed trustees, mark a dangerous turning point for local democracy, not only in Türkiye but for Europe as a whole. At its core, democracy is not just about casting ballots; it is about ensuring that those elected by the people can govern freely, without fear of persecution. The replacement of elected mayors through judicial intervention, without full transparency and due process, raises serious questions about democratic standards and political freedom. 

This is not an isolated event. It is part of a worrying trend of democratic backsliding that threatens the fundamental values upon which modern Europe has been built. From the ashes of World War II, Europe emerged with a commitment to decentralization, democracy, and human rights. The European Charter of Local Self-Government, adopted in 1985, was a direct response to past authoritarianism, ensuring that local governments have the autonomy to serve their communities without undue interference from central authorities. This principle of local self-government is a safeguard against the concentration of power and a guarantee that democracy remains rooted in the daily lives of citizens.  

Yet today, these hard-won principles are being undermined. The detention of local leaders in Türkiye is a blatant violation of the commitments the country made as a member of the Council of Europe. It is a direct assault on the principles enshrined in the Charter and an ominous signal to other governments that such actions might be tolerated.  

Local democracy is the first line of defense for our freedoms. When it is attacked, it is not just a city or a region that suffers—it is the very foundation of democracy. As local elected representatives, mayors are the bridge between national governments and citizens, the leaders who turn democratic principles into tangible actions—whether in public services, social cohesion, or crisis response.  

Ignoring the crackdown on local leaders in Türkiye is not just a failure to support our colleagues—it is a failure to defend democracy itself. If Europe allows the erosion of local democracy anywhere on the continent, it sets a dangerous precedent that could spread.  

EU institutions, together with Member states of the European Union and of the Council of Europe, must take a clear and firm stance. The defense of democracy must not be selective or conditional on political expediency. The right of people to choose their leaders—and for those leaders to govern without fear—must be upheld at all costs.  

Democracy in Europe was never guaranteed; it was built through struggle and commitment. In the face of new threats, we must show the same commitment. The free election of representatives is not a privilege; it is the foundation of a just and stable society. If we fail to defend it today, we risk losing it tomorrow. 

Signatories: 

  • President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools 
  • President of the Committee of the Regions, Katta Tüttő 
  • President of ALDA: Nataša Vučković
  • President of CEMR: Gunn Marit Helgesen

*****

This opinion article was published on EU Observer on 15 April 2025. You can read it here

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

Declaration on three years of war in Ukraine

Ukraine Declaration - News 2025

CEMR issues a declaration reaffirming support and urging international action 

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After three years of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s full-scale invasion, local and regional elected representatives from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.  

CEMR has issued a formal declaration condemning the war launched by Russia and calling for decisive international action. 

Call against attacks on Ukrainian mayors 

Local and regional elected representatives are on the frontlines of this war, ensuring that essential services continue despite difficult conditions. Yet, they have also become targets of aggression.  

CEMR denounces the abduction of Ukrainian mayors and supports the call of the Association of Ukrainian Cities demanding the immediate release of those still detained: 

  • Oleksandr Babych – Mayor of Hola Prystan (Kherson region) 
  • Ihor Kolykhaiev – Mayor of Kherson 
  • Anatolii Siryi – Starosta of Novi Borovychi (Chernihiv region) 

CEMR also condemns arbitrary imprisonment, torture and murder of Ukrainian people in Russian captivity including: 

  • Yevhenii Matvieiev – Mayor of Dniprorudne (Zaporizhzhia region) 
  • Oleksii Vynnychenko – Starosta of Hrebenykivka (Sumy region) 

Call for Ukraine’s full EU membership 

A victory for Ukraine and a just peace that will allow its reconstruction requires the full engagement of the European Union and its member states.  

CEMR is committed to fostering resilience, recovery, and democratic governance in Ukraine. In its declaration, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to: 

  • Supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine’s municipalities and regions through partnerships and exchanges. 
  • Advocating for Ukraine’s full integration into the European Union to ensure long-term stability and prosperity. 
  • Sustaining cooperation between European and Ukrainian local and regional governments through key initiatives, including: 
  • The Bridges of Trust Community, Strengthening democratic governance, fostering partnerships, advancing recovery, and supporting Ukraine’s EU integration.   

A call for action 

As the war continues, it is time for European institutions, national governments, and local and regional authorities to intensify their support for and to Ukraine. The path to peace and reconstruction requires decisive action, sustained cooperation, and a commitment to justice. 

CEMR urges the international community to stand firm in defending democracy, peace, and the rule of law. We call for Ukraine’s victory and a just peace that will allow its cities, regions, and people to rebuild their brighter future. 

Read the full CEMR declaration: 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications, Water, Water

Adoption of the nature restoration law

Green City - News Section

Cities and regions urge swift adoption of EU Nature Restoration Law to combat climate and biodiversity crises

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As Europe faces intensifying environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate-driven heatwaves and pollution, cities and regions are stepping up their call for action. Partners of the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, including many local and regional governments, have issued a joint letter urging EU Member States to swiftly adopt the long-delayed Nature Restoration Law. 

Local authorities are often at the frontline of environmental crises. With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, the need to restore green spaces is not only a climate priority but also a public health and quality-of-life imperative. The proposed law would provide a long-awaited framework to strengthen biodiversity, adapt cities to rising temperatures, and support sustainable land use. 

Delays in the law’s adoption not only undermine urgent environmental action but also threaten democratic trust in EU decision-making. A provisional agreement between the European Parliament and Council was reached months ago, and failure to finalise it now would send the wrong signal, both to EU citizens and the global community. 

CEMR and its partner’s stress: restoring nature is not optional. It is essential! Local governments stand ready to deliver, but they need the political will at the EU level to match their ambition. 

For more information, contact: 

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