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GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Local finances, Local finances, Publications

Amendements to the EU budget

Shaping the future of EU Cohesion Policy: CEMR’s amendments to the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans

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The EU’s place-based approach to policymaking — which recognises territorial diversity and builds on the role of local and regional governments — is under critical pressure. The European Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework risks weakening this approach by centralising investment decisions and blurring the distinct objectives of EU policies with very different territorial logics.

CEMR has therefore developed targeted amendment proposals to the regulation establishing the National and Regional Partnership Plans. These proposals aim to preserve place-based policymaking across EU investments, strengthen democratic and territorial governance, and ensure that policies designed in Brussels and capitals continue to deliver concrete, long-term benefits in cities, towns and regions. 

The main messages driving CEMR amendments

1. Safeguarding cohesion as a core EU priority
CEMR calls for a stronger budgetary commitment to economic, social and territorial cohesion. Reducing the relative weight of cohesion policy — while expanding access to funds to all private actors — risks undermining public services, increasing competition for limited resources, and weakening Europe’s capacity to deliver resilient territories and communities. 

2. Putting territories and people back at the centre
Cohesion policy must work across all regions and respond to territorial diversity. Our amendments reinforce the territorial dimension of EU investments, ensuring that no region or community is left behind and that the objectives of the EU Treaties are fully respected. 

3. Making partnership and multilevel governance real
While the Commission proposal refers to partnership and multilevel governance, it lacks strong guarantees. CEMR proposes clear obligations, monitoring mechanisms and consequences to ensure that local and regional governments are genuinely involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of national plans — not merely consulted in name. 

4. Preventing over-centralisation of EU investments 
Recent experiences with the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other national plans have shown the risks of centralised approaches. CEMR therefore calls for mandatory regional and territorial chapters in national plans, ensuring place-based strategies and meaningful involvement of subnational governments throughout the programming period. 

5. Strengthening integrated territorial development 
Integrated territorial approaches — in urban and non-urban areas — bring Europe closer to citizens and have proven their value on the ground. CEMR proposes a minimum 30% earmarking of national allocations for integrated territorial development, supported by higher EU co-financing and increased pre-financing to enable local authorities to participate fully. 

6. Supporting rural areas, cities and functional territories 
Our amendments reinforce support for rural development, sustainable urban development, urban-rural linkages and functional areas. These approaches are essential to tackling demographic change, climate challenges and social inequalities in a coherent and coordinated way. 

A call for a stronger, fairer cohesion policy

CEMR’s amendment proposals are guided by a clear conviction: Europe’s resilience, prosperity and democratic strength depend on strong local and regional governments and on cohesion policy that is ambitious, inclusive and place-based. 

We call on the European Parliament and Member States to take these proposals seriously and ensure that the future EU cohesion policy delivers for all territories and all citizens. 

👇 We invite you to consult the full set of CEMR amendment proposals for a detailed overview of our recommendations and legal changes to the Commission’s proposal.

260114 Final CEMR NRPP and ERDF amendmentsDownload

More information:

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

MFF 2028-2034 position paper

EU Budget - News 2025

A stronger Europe is built locally: CEMR publishes its position paper on the EU Budget 2028–2034

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As the EU prepares its next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, CEMR calls for a clear message to EU institutions and Member States: Europe’s future strength depends on empowering its towns, cities and regions.

CEMR’s new position paper, A stronger Europe is built locally, sets out how the next EU budget can effectively support territorial cohesion, competitiveness, democracy, and resilience. In the paper, CEMR warns that while the Commission’s proposal slightly increases overall resources, it reorients priorities toward defence, security, and industrial competitiveness—often at the expense of cohesion and local development, the very pillars that bring the EU closest to its citizens.

Multilevel governance must be non-negotiable

The paper highlights a major risk of recentralisation: by granting Member States and the European Commission broader discretion in defining funding priorities, the proposal could marginalise local governments, particularly in countries with weaker multilevel governance structures.

CEMR urges the EU to reinforce partnership mechanisms across all programmes—especially within the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), the European Semester, the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and the Global Gateway. Stable, well-resourced local and regional governments platforms are essential to tailor EU investments to realities on the ground.

Cohesion at the heart of Europe’s transformation

CEMR stresses that cohesion is a treaty-based objective and must remain central. The paper calls for:

  • Mandatory regional and territorial chapters in all Partnership Plans
  • Increased budget allocation for the single integrated funding instrument proposed by the EU Commission, “The Fund”
  • A mandatory 30% earmark for sustainable territorial development, including 15% for urban development
  • A safeguarding mechanism to protect local governments’ access to funds when national governments fail to meet conditionalities
  • Strengthening ESF+ (European Social Fund) for cohesion, youth and inclusion

Without these guarantees, Europe’s green, digital, and social transitions risk leaving entire territories behind.

Competitiveness and connectivity must acknowledge territorial reality

While competitiveness is a top EU priority, CEMR notes that the Commission’s budget proposal overlooks the territorial dimension. Cohesion and competitiveness are two sides of the same coin, and local and regional governments’ role in driving local and regional economic development should be recognised.

CEMR paper also calls for biodiversity and nature restoration to become explicit priorities in the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and urges simpler access to ECF, Horizon Europe, and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)—especially for smaller municipalities. It also stresses the need to include urban mobility as a strategic CEF priority.

Democracy and enlargement: supporting the foundations of Europe

With rising polarisation, disinformation, and harassment of local politicians, the position paper urges the EU to strengthen local democracy, support civic participation, and fund democratic resilience—including Global Citizenship Education and support for local media.

On enlargement, CEMR calls for local and regional governments to play a central role in the accession process of candidate countries, backed by stronger capacity-building and dedicated resources.

Read the full position paper here

For more information, contact:

BENNIS Hamza
In Digitalisation, Digitalisation, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Migration and inclusion, Public services, Public services, Publications,

Digital local and regional governments

Digital transition - News 2022

How Europe’s municipalities and regions can drive an inclusive, secure and people-centred digital transformation

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Local and regional governments are at the heart of Europe’s digital transformation. As the public authorities closest to citizens, they deliver services such as healthcare, education, transport, social support and broadband deployment, all increasingly shaped by EU digital legislation. Their role is essential to ensure that digitalisation remains inclusive, sustainable and accessible to everyone. Yet many local and regional governments still face major obstacles: unequal access to digital infrastructure, insufficient financial and human resources, cybersecurity risks, and widening gaps in digital skills.

Across Europe, disparities in connectivity and digital access disproportionately affect rural and remote areas, low-income households and vulnerable groups. These inequalities threaten territorial cohesion and limit citizens’ ability to participate fully in digital society. To make digital public services truly accessible, digital solutions must follow inclusive design principles and remain complemented by in-person service options for those who cannot or prefer not to use digital channels.

Cybersecurity has become an increasing concern as local authorities manage sensitive public data and critical infrastructure, often without sufficient expertise or funding to meet growing EU requirements such as those under the NIS2 Directive. Smaller municipalities, in particular, lack the resources to implement robust cybersecurity measures, respond to incidents or comply with complex regulatory frameworks. Reinforced cooperation, simplification of rules and sustainable financial support are essential to strengthen local resilience.

Skills development remains another pressing challenge. To implement new EU digital policies, including those related to artificial intelligence, interoperability and data governance, local administrations need staff trained to oversee digital systems, maintain human oversight, and ensure ethical, transparent and fair use of technologies. At the same time, strengthening digital literacy among citizens through lifelong learning and community-based initiatives helps build trust, inclusion and participation. Cooperation between municipalities and across regions also accelerates innovation and avoids fragmentation by enabling the exchange of best practices and common solutions.

A Call for Stronger EU Support

To ensure a fair, secure and inclusive digital transition, CEMR calls on European institutions to reinforce investment in digital infrastructure, especially in underserved regions; provide technical and financial support for accessible digital public services; maintain non-digital access to essential services during the transition; facilitate public-private partnerships to expand connectivity; and offer tailored guidance, capacity-building and long-term funding to help local and regional governments strengthen their cybersecurity and digital skills. Europe’s digital future depends on empowering the actors closest to citizens: its municipalities, cities and regions!

Read the position paper here

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica
In Climate, Climate, EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications, Territorial development

EU budget: Local Alliance action plan

Local Alliance - News Section

Making the next EU budget work for cities and regions: the Local Alliance’s 10-point action plan

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The Local Alliance – a coalition of Europe’s leading local and regional governments: ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS, – aims at ensuring that our constituencies have the competencies and resources to implement and reinforce Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and decarbonisation.

We share a common vision for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to become a strong, democratic, and future-proof tool that drives cohesion across territories, reinforces Europe’s competitiveness, and enables a just transition towards climate-neutral and resilient transition.

Local and regional governments are Europe’s frontline for delivering change. They are the democratic level closest to citizens, trusted by a majority of Europeans, and directly or through shared responsibility in charge of implementing most EU legislation. They mobilise the bulk of climate-relevant investment, drive innovation and competitiveness, and safeguard cohesion and just transition by ensuring that no community is left behind. Without their leadership, Europe cannot succeed in meeting its green, digital, social, and competitiveness ambitions.

Yet instead of empowering this strength, the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF risks sidelining local and regional governments, who are best placed to deliver. A centralised approach, which does not reflect the local realities and priorities, not only threatens delivery on the ground, but also Europe’s long-term societal, democratic and economic resilience and competitiveness. As the Committee of the Regions’ most recent report highlights, European cities and regions need a budget to help build the Union from the ground up – where local and regional authorities are not only implementers but co-creators of Europe’s future.

With the negotiations already underway, the Local Alliance calls on the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to seize this opportunity to put democracy, territorial cohesion, and competitiveness at the heart of the next MFF by ensuring local and regional governments are recognised as indispensable partners. Europe cannot achieve its strategic objectives without working hand in hand with its towns, cities and regions. For this reason, the Local Alliance presents an 10 point action plan to ensure the EU budget delivers tangible results for people in every territory across Europe and beyond.

For the next MFF, we call on:

1. Stronger multilevel governance mechanisms to deliver both reforms and investments.

2. Stronger partnership principle for the implementation of the MFF.

For the National and Regional Partnership Plans: 

3. Making regional and territorial chapters of the National and Regional Partnership Plans mandatory, with a clear section on cities.

4. Earmarking for a just transition & affordable living for all.

5. A real EU program for cities of all sizes under the proposed EU Facility.

6. Safeguarding mechanism for the local and regional level to guarantee their access to EU funds.

7. Linking performance indicators to EU law implementation and territorial delivery.

For the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe: 

8. Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe should recognise cities and regions explicitly as innovators and investors.

For Horizon Europe:

9. Continuing the Mission approach under Horizon Europe.

For the Global Europe Facility:

10. Stronger support for accession cities and regions for the future of European cohesion.

Read the full position paper here

For more information, contact:

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

Position paper on migration 

Migration - News Section

CEMR calls for a human‑centred and inclusive EU migration agenda by empowering local actors 

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As Europe continues to navigate complex migration dynamics, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) stresses that migration is lived and managed locally. Cities, towns and regions are the first to welcome newcomers, support vulnerable groups, and build long‑term inclusion. Yet, most of the time, they remain under‑recognised and under‑resourced in EU migration governance. 

With its new position paper, CEMR urges EU institutions and national governments to place local and regional governments (LRGs) at the heart of migration policy. This means shifting from an emergency mindset to a sustainable, human‑centred, and territorially grounded approach. 

CEMR’s key asks 

1. Empower LRGs 

Reinforce their formal role in migration governance, supported by structured multilevel cooperation, predictable funding, and targeted capacity‑building. 

2. Adopt a human‑centred EU migration policy 

Ensure that all asylum and migration measures respect fundamental rights, legal clarity, and the real capacities of municipalities. 

3. Include LRGs in the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact 

Systematically involve cities and regions in reception, integration, and emergency responses, backed by clear procedures and real-time information. 

4. Sustain coordinated support for Ukrainians under Temporary Protection 

Move from emergency assistance toward long‑term integration, with a focus on housing, employment, and access to essential services. 

5. Strengthen labour‑market inclusion 

Improve skills recognition, reduce administrative burdens, and promote local partnerships with businesses to ease migrants’ path to employment. 

6. Secure long‑term EU funding for inclusion 

Protect and expand AMIF and ESF+ resources in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to enable municipalities to continue innovative integration work. 

By recognising the essential role of local actors, Europe can build a migration agenda that is both effective and true to its values—supportive, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of people and places. CEMR stands ready to work with EU and national leaders to make this shift a reality. 

For more information, please contact:

THOMAS Carol
In Governance, Governance

Better regulation position paper

CEMR calls for stronger governance, placing local and regional governments at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness

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Europe cannot deliver competitiveness with legislation alone. It will only succeed if policies work on the ground.

And that depends on local and regional governments.

Across the European Union, towns, cities and regions implement more than 70% of EU legislation. They finance public investment, deliver essential services, and turn European priorities — from the Green Deal to digital transformation — into concrete results for citizens and businesses.

Yet too often, local and regional governments are brought into the process too late, faced with fragmented rules, overlapping obligations and growing administrative burdens — clear signs of the limits of the current system. Complex legislative packages, inconsistent timelines and layers of guidance have made implementation harder, slower and more expensive, forcing authorities to spend valuable time navigating procedures instead of delivering solutions. At a moment when Europe is striving to boost productivity, resilience and strategic autonomy, this is a luxury the EU cannot afford.

In this position paper, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for a fundamental shift in how EU policies are designed and implemented: from top-down regulation to genuine multilevel governance.

To make this shift a reality, CEMR calls for:

  • Systematic involvement of local and regional governments throughout the entire EU policy cycle — from design to implementation and evaluation.
  • Structured consultation mechanisms, ensuring meaningful and timely participation of subnational authorities.
  • Territorial and governance impact assessments to ensure policies are realistic and implementable across diverse local contexts.
  • Stronger political recognition of local and regional governments as equal partners in EU decision-making.
  • EU legislation and funding frameworks that reflect territorial realities, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
  • A governance model that prioritises implementability, ensuring policies can be effectively delivered on the ground.

Competitiveness goes beyond regulatory simplification. It requires public policies that are relevant to businesses and communities that they serve and capable of being effectively implemented.

CEMR and its members stand ready to contribute their expertise, data and on-the-ground experience. The time has come to move beyond ad hoc consultation and embed local and regional governments where they belong: at the decision-making table.

Because Europe’s competitiveness will be won — or lost — locally.

Discover CEMR’s full recommendations for a stronger multilevel governance framework in the position paper.

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Local finances, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

CEMR inputs for EU agenda for cities

Matchmaking Platform - Launch

Towards an inclusive EU Agenda for cities of all sizes 

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As the European Union prepares to shape its next urban strategy, CEMR has published a new input paper calling for a truly inclusive EU Agenda for Cities — one that recognises the vital role of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in shaping Europe’s future. 

LRGs are the first responders to many of Europe’s most pressing challenges. From tackling the energy crisis to investing in sustainable mobility and managing public services, cities and regions are not just implementing EU policies — they are innovating, adapting, and delivering results on the ground. Their proximity to citizens places them in a unique position to foster trust, ensure inclusive governance, and respond effectively to the evolving needs of their local communities. 

Yet too often, EU policies are developed without fully engaging the very authorities responsible for delivering them. Over 70% of EU legislation is implemented at the local and regional level. Despite this, subnational governments still lack a formal role in shaping that legislation. 

CEMR’s paper sets out a vision for a new EU Agenda for Cities that is not only inclusive of every territory — from smaller municipalities to major metropolitan areas — but also equipped with the governance mechanisms, funding tools, and institutional recognition to deliver real impact. 

Key proposals include: 

  • Establishing a permanent, structured process for multi-level governance consultations for any new EU regulation proposal that could have an impact on LRGs. 
  • Using the “reforms” component of the next EU structural investment policy to ensure LRGs have the capacities (financial, technical, human) to implement EU regulations. 
  • Streamlining and simplifying access to EU funding, and including a 15% earmark for sustainable territorial development in the next EU budget period, CEMR also calls for greater alignment between EU funding opportunities and local realities, simplifying access and strengthening the administrative capacity of subnational governments. As the paper makes clear, the time has come to transition from fragmented engagement to a systemic approach that incorporates local and regional voices at every stage of the EU policy cycle — from design to implementation. 

The new EU Agenda for Cities presents an opportunity to bridge the gap between ambition and implementation. With the right tools and governance in place, LRGs can power Europe’s green and digital transitions, drive economic resilience, and make the promise of inclusive, sustainable communities a reality for all. 

CEMR will present these ideas at the Cities Forum in Krákow, taking place from 17 to 19 June 2025. Our Secretary General, Fabrizio Rossi, will join the discussion on the Agenda with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto. 

Read the full input paper here

For more information, contact:

250526-CEMR-Input-paper-EU-agenda-for-Cities-ENGDownload

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

Renewables with communities first 

Energy - News Section

A European consensus sets guiding principles to accelerate renewable energy and grid deployment while ensuring fairness, transparency, biodiversity protection, and local benefits 

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Europe is at a turning point. To reach climate neutrality by 2050, the EU must drastically expand renewable energy and electricity grids. This challenge is also an opportunity: renewables are cheaper than fossil fuels, can reduce biodiversity risks, and bring local economic benefits. Yet progress remains too slow, hampered by lengthy permits, weak community dialogue, and a lack of perceived value for citizens. 

To overcome these barriers, European stakeholders have united behind a set of baseline principles for fast and fair deployment of renewables and grids. These principles underline that projects must be shaped with communities, not imposed on them. Early engagement with mayors and citizens, transparent communication, and mechanisms for feedback are central to building trust. 

Equally important is ensuring that local communities share in the value of new projects. This means creating jobs, offering benefit-sharing schemes such as funds or co-ownership, and guaranteeing that revenues are used transparently for local improvements, from transport to housing. The principles also commit to nature-positive deployment, applying strategies to avoid or minimise harm and, where possible, enhance biodiversity. 

Finally, the consensus highlights the need to empower community-led initiatives, giving citizens and municipalities fair access to the energy market and the grid. By creating space for local ownership, Europe can ensure that the energy transition is not only fast but also fair. 

Together, these principles form a European consensus: a shared roadmap to accelerate the transition while protecting ecosystems and ensuring citizens see real, tangible benefits. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BORDELOT Federica
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Latest, Publications, Territorial development

Final call for the EU budget

MFF - Position paper News 2025

Local and regional governments’ final call to EU institutions for a real involvement in the design of the EU budget 

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The future of the EU budget is at a crossroads. As the European Commission launches consultations on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), local and regional governments across Europe, represented by CEMR, are calling for a fundamental change: an EU budget that is inclusive, decentralised, and truly aligned with the needs of cities, municipalities, and regions.  

This requires that future national plans and investment priorities in each Member State are not imposed from the top-down, but shaped through meaningful consultations with local and regional governments, just as the Partnership Principle ensures in Cohesion Policy. Only in this way can EU investments be fit for purpose and truly serve the people it is intended to benefit. 

CEMR’s newly released position paper on the post-2027 MFF sets out a clear vision for a reformed EU budget that strengthens multi-level governance and empowers local and regional governments as essential partners for effective spending of the EU budget on the ground. With growing social and economic inequalities, the need to accelerate climate adaptation, and increasing geopolitical instability, Europe cannot afford to sideline local and regional governments—the very actors that implement over 70% of EU policies on the ground. 

National plans must include mandatory consultations to local and regional governments 

The roadmap on the next MFF confirmed the European Commission’s ambition to establish single national plans for reforms and investments based on priorities defined at European level. The European Commission mentions the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as a good example of an instrument linking investments and reforms and points out that two thirds of the EU budget (Cohesion Policy funds and the Common Agricultural Policy) could in the future be implemented according to the RRF approach. In this context, CEMR issues a final warning to the European Commission: the RRF model failed to ensure effective multi-level governance. CEMR found that, since consultation with local and regional governments was not mandatory, it simply did not occur in most of the Member States.  

The European Commission must ensure that national plans and the definition of investment priorities in each Member State are developed through meaningful consultations with local and regional governments, similar to the Partnership Principle in Cohesion Policy. This is the only way to guarantee that EU investments are fit for purpose and meet the real needs of the population.  

“The EU is more than its institutions and the 27 states—it belongs to its people, municipalities, cities, and regions. Decisions based solely on macroeconomic trends risk disconnecting it from citizens” — Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President. 

CEMR key priorities for the post-2027 EU budget 

CEMR’s position paper, backed by national associations of local and regional governments across Europe, contains concrete proposals to reform the post-2027 EU budget and enhance its effectiveness: 

  • Empowering municipalities, cities and regions not only as implementers but also as planners 
    The Partnership Principle should be made mandatory across all EU-funded programmes to ensure that the funds effectively reflect the actual needs of local and regional governments. 
  • Decentralising the Cohesion Policy 
    Strengthening the capacity of local and regional governments to manage EU funds will ensure that investments address real local needs and promote balanced territorial development. 
  • Diversifying EU instruments as part of the ambitious policy agenda for cities 
    From shared management funds to increased direct funding, it would allow EU investment to reach local and regional authorities of all sizes, from all types of territories, both urban and rural.   
  • Simplifying and easing EU funding mechanisms  
    to reduce administrative burdens for both Managing Authorities and beneficiaries. CEMR proposals for simplification include: a single set of rules for beneficiaries across the different funds; flexibility in thematic concentration to allow place-based definition of priorities, hence accelerating funds disbursement; and a labelling of auditing processes as compliant with EU rules to avoid multiplication of auditing.
  • Enhancing synergies among EU funds. 
    The next MFF must improve coordination between different EU funding instruments to maximise impact at the territorial level. 

Take part in the public consultation 

Local and regional governments must not be sidelined in shaping the post-2027 EU budget. The European Commission’s consultation must not be reduced to a bureaucratic exercise or a mere checkbox. Consultations alone are not enough. The next EU budget regulations must include a mandatory requirement to involve local and regional governments in defining the investments that will meet the real needs of the population. 

Use this public consultation —open until May 7 2025— to demand a real seat at the table and a budget that truly serves our communities. A stronger, more inclusive Europe starts from the ground up. Speak up before it’s too late. 

Read the full CEMR position paper here

Contribute to the public consultation on the future EU budget here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_486 

For more information, contact: 

BENNIS Hamza
In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Latest, Publications, Skills

Public procurement to local realities

European Union - News

CEMR Releases New Position Paper on Public Procurement: A Call for More Flexibility and Less Bureaucracy

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CEMR has officially released its position paper on public procurement, outlining key changes needed to ensure a procurement system that truly works for local and regional governments.

As the largest public investors and contracting authorities in the EU, local and regional governments (LRGs) play a crucial role in delivering essential public services. However, the current public procurement framework remains too complex, rigid, and burdensome, limiting their ability to act efficiently and effectively.

CEMR’s position paper highlights three key areas for reform:

  • Greater flexibility to adapt procurement to local needs
  • Simplified rules to reduce administrative burdens
  • Stronger support for SMEs to foster local economic growth

The document serves as a clear call to action for EU policymakers, urging them to shape a procurement framework that respects the autonomy of local governments while ensuring efficient public service delivery.

CEMR Position on Public ProcurementDownload

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