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Position papers

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

EU water resilience strategy

Recommendations for the EU water resilience strategy

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As Europe faces increasing water challenges—ranging from severe droughts to devastating floods—CEMR is calling for action. In its recommendations for the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, CEMR outlines how local governments can lead the way in protecting water as a public good, addressing regional needs, and strengthening collaboration across all levels of governance. 

Access to water is a fundamental right, yet climate change and urbanisation pose increasing challenges to this vital resource. The drought that hit Europe in 2022, one of the worst in 500 years, left rivers like the Rhine and Po at record-low levels, disrupting ecosystems, agriculture, and transport. Meanwhile, frequent and severe flooding in Northern Europe has highlighted the urgent need for better water management systems. CEMR is taking a stand with its recommendations for the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy.  

A bridge over the Po River completely dry due to the drought that has been affecting Piedmont for more than a year. Revello, Italy – April 2023 – MikeDotta/Shutterstock

In fact, the European Commission has announced its plan to develop a comprehensive Water Resilience Strategy as part of the 2024–2029 guidelines. This initiative aims to map risks, identify preparedness needs, and align with the ongoing revision of EU water directives. These discussions highlight the urgency of ensuring sustainable water management across urban and rural areas, addressing both immediate climate risks and long-term infrastructure needs. 

But water is not just a resource—it is a public good. This is why CEMR and its member associations emphasize the need for robust legal frameworks to ensure it is not treated as a commercial product and to guarantee universal access, calling for public sector-led water management to provide transparency and prioritize community welfare. 

But a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. Across Europe, water challenges range from droughts in the south to flooding in the north. That is why CEMR advocates for place-based solutions tailored to local realities, underpinned by nature-based strategies like wetland restoration and innovative urban planning. 

Achieving water resilience also requires financial investment. CEMR urges the EU to increase funding for ageing water infrastructure, climate adaptation measures, and innovative technologies, while streamlining access to emergency funds for regions affected by water-related crises. 

Finally, achieving water resilience requires stronger involvement from local and regional governments. As the level of governance closest to citizens, they are best positioned to design and implement water management strategies tailored to local realities. Whether it’s cities like Paris and Berlin successfully remunicipalising their water services to improve quality and affordability, or regions in the Netherlands pioneering flood prevention through integrated urban planning, local governments have proven their ability to manage water efficiently when given the right tools and resources. 

Ensuring that municipalities and regions have the necessary funding, decision-making power, and support to lead on water resilience is crucial for tackling interconnected challenges across urban and rural areas. CEMR calls for a governance framework that empowers local authorities to take proactive action, secure long-term investments, and foster cooperation with civil society and the private sector. Strengthening their role will be key to building a Europe where water systems are robust, adaptive, and sustainable. 

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the full CEMR policy paper for detailed insights and actionable recommendations. 

CEMR Policy paper – Water Resilience 2024 (EN) _Download_

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GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications, Territorial development

Future of EU cohesion policy

MFF - Position paper News 2025

Rethinking EU budget design to empower local and regional governments post-2027 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights the critical role of local and regional governments in shaping Europe’s future Cohesion Policy and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Municipalities, cities and regions are at the frontline of delivering essential services, from transport to education and climate adaptation, while also being major drivers of public investment. Yet, the upcoming EU budget debates risk sidelining their role, particularly with the disappearance of the Treaty objective for Territorial Cohesion. 

CEMR calls for a strong, ambitious Cohesion Policy that maintains at least one-third of the EU budget and embeds key principles such as partnership, multi-level governance, and place-based development. Simplification is a top priority: fewer funds, a single set of rules for beneficiaries, and reduced administrative burdens would make EU resources more accessible and effective. Importantly, local and regional governments must be clearly recognised as beneficiaries and implementing partners to ensure funds reach citizens directly. 

A place-based and integrated territorial approach should be at the core of future instruments, designed bottom-up with local authorities defining priorities. CEMR stresses that Cohesion funds must not be redirected towards large corporations without strategic planning, but rather reinforce local and regional capacity for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. 

For the post-2027 EU budget, the message is clear: no successful European project without local and regional governments at its heart. Territorial cohesion, simplified rules, and genuine partnership are essential to delivering a fair, sustainable, and effective Cohesion Policy. 

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BORDELOT Federica
In Impact community Society, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Latest, Local democracy, Publications, Twinning

EU elections call to action

CEMR advocates for local and regional priorities in call to action ahead of 2024 EU elections

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is gearing up for the upcoming European Parliament (EP) elections in 2024 by releasing its Call to Action, addressing the unprecedented challenges faced by Europe and the world.

In a time when national governments grapple with complex issues, such as climate change, the revision of its competition model and geopolitical shifts, CEMR and its national associations underscore their unwavering commitment to fundamental values such as democratic governance, human rights, subsidiarity, and sustainability. CEMR emphasises the critical role of local and regional autonomy in the face of re-centralisation trends and attempts to diminish power at the local level.

Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of CEMR, highlighted the significance of this Manifesto, stating, “Now, more than ever, it is imperative that local and regional governments actively participate in shaping policies that address the pressing challenges of our time. The upcoming EP elections provide a crucial opportunity for collaboration and co-creation with the new Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).”

CEMR EU Manifesto Four Key Advocacy Points

1. Active Subsidiarity and Multi-level Governance Cooperation:

Subnational governments are responsible for over 50% of public investment, and the involvement of LRGs in implementing EU legislation at the national level is at least 70%. CEMR emphasises the need for greater participation of LRGs at any level of decision-making to ensure the effective deployment of EU legislation, especially concerning the Green Deal package.

2. Systemic Approaches for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Societies:

LRGs are key enablers of the digital transition and, therefore, need sufficient public and private investment in digital services technologies, infrastructures, and skills to achieve this goal. CEMR urges the next European Parliament to be bold in promoting an enabling environment that supports the digital literacy of local public administrations.

3. Integrated Territorial Approach:

Urban and rural areas should be treated as mutually complementary assets, creating a reinforcing relationship that defines the concept of the urban-rural continuum. To accomplish this synergy, the upcoming EU co-legislators should advocate for appointing a dedicated Commissioner for Territorial Development within the next European Commission, scheduled to assume office in autumn 2024.

4. Open and Responsible Model of International Cooperation:

LRGs have attested to their commitment to fostering shared values and promoting openness within diverse communities through European partnerships, twinning arrangements, and city-to-city cooperation. This dedication extends to the context of EU enlargement. To amplify the impact of LRGs’ territorial diplomacy, it is imperative for EU policymakers to establish ongoing dialogues and involve local elected representatives in high-level meetings, including those convened by the United Nations and European institutions.

As the clock ticks down to the EP elections, CEMR encourages political parties to incorporate these priorities into their programs and candidate lists. CEMR believes that only through collaborative efforts with Europe’s future policymakers can meaningful outcomes be achieved on the ground.

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GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications, Waste, Waste

Sustainable textile waste management 

Textile Waste - News

Strengthening EU Waste Legislation Through Local Collaboration and Producer Responsibility 

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As the EU prepares to implement key provisions of the revised Waste Framework Directive, including mandatory separate collection of textiles by January 2025, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for urgent improvements to ensure fairness, clarity, and efficiency in textile waste management. Drawing from on-the-ground experience and policy best practices, particularly France’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, CEMR offers targeted recommendations to close critical legislative gaps and empower local governments in achieving sustainable waste solutions. 

1. Expand the Definition of Textile Waste 

The current directive focuses narrowly on ‘household textiles,’ excluding significant sources of textile waste from commercial and institutional settings such as hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, and schools. CEMR recommends a broader, more inclusive definition of ‘textile waste’ that reflects its diverse origins and aligns with the Polluter-Pays Principle. 

2. Clarify the Role of Social Enterprises 

Social enterprises play a vital role in collection, sorting, reuse, and resale of textiles. These actors must be fully recognised within the waste legislation and EPR frameworks, with fair access to funding and partnership opportunities. Their unique contributions can enhance the circular economy while delivering strong social outcomes. 

3. Strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles 

a) Align Implementation Deadlines 

There is currently a mismatch between the 2025 obligation for separate textile collection and the proposed EPR deadline, which may not come into effect until 2027 or 2028. CEMR calls for the EPR scheme to be implemented simultaneously with the collection obligation, and for producers to retroactively reimburse municipalities for collection-related costs from January 2025. 

b) Recognise Local Authorities as Key Partners 

Municipalities are central to waste collection and citizen engagement, yet their role is not clearly defined in the proposed EPR framework. CEMR urges mandatory collaboration between Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and municipalities to ensure streamlined collection systems and cohesive public communication. 

c) Ensure Full Cost Coverage 

EPR funding must comprehensively cover not only infrastructure and operational costs, but also continuous public communication campaigns, which are critical to successful sorting and reuse. Additionally, producers should bear partial responsibility for textiles that remain in mixed waste streams, incentivising better product design and citizen behaviour. 

d) Include Unsold Textiles in EPR Obligations 

To align with the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products, which bans the destruction of unsold goods, CEMR advocates for including unsold textiles in the scope of EPR. A clear definition should be added to the directive to ensure these products are managed responsibly and transparently. 

4. Introduce Clear Measures to Prevent Textile Waste 

Overproduction and fast fashion are key drivers of Europe’s textile waste crisis. The revised directive must go beyond waste management and address prevention at the source. This includes incentives for sustainable design, extended use, reuse systems, and anti-overproduction regulations. 

Case Study: France’s “Refashion” EPR Scheme 

France’s pioneering EPR program, “Refashion,” offers a proven model. Since 2007, it has tripled the collection and recycling rates of post-consumer textiles. In 2020 alone, it engaged over 4,000 producers and allocated €36 million toward sorting, community projects, and innovation. Nearly 40% of textiles placed on the market were collected, up from 27% in 2013, with a 90% material recovery rate and 50% direct reuse. 

This success story demonstrates how producer accountability, coupled with strong public-private cooperation, can drive significant progress. However, challenges such as labour-intensive sorting and the difficulty of recycling blended fibres remain and must be addressed at the EU level. 

Conclusion 

With the right revisions, the updated Waste Framework Directive can become a powerful tool in reshaping Europe’s approach to textile waste. CEMR urges EU institutions to act decisively by aligning deadlines, empowering municipalities, and ensuring that both social and environmental responsibilities are shared equitably across the textile value chain. Only then can the EU truly advance toward a circular, fair, and sustainable future. 

Read the position paper here 

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

Insights on cohesion policy funds

Cohesion Policy - News 2023

CEMR released in-depth study unveiling insights into European cohesion policy funds

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is pleased to announce the release of its comprehensive study on European Cohesion Policy funds. This illuminating study offers valuable insights into the management and implementation of European Structural and Investment Funds, a cornerstone of the European Union’s investment strategy.

Offers practitioners and policymakers a comprehensive overview of how Cohesion Policy Funds are implemented in different countries.

European Cohesion Policy funds, also known as European Structural and Investment Funds, are pivotal to the EU’s vision of a more prosperous and sustainable continent. These funds reach every corner of Europe, supporting critical initiatives such as job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, green and digital transitions, and the building of inclusive societies. In the funding period from 2021 to 2027, eight distinct funds play a key role:

  1. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
  2. European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
  3. Cohesion Fund (CF)
  4. Just Transition Fund (JTF)
  5. Asylum and Migration Fund (AMIF)
  6. European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
  7. Internal Security Fund (ISF)
  8. Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI)

However, to truly understand the impact of these funds and their operational dynamics, one must delve deeper. Questions emerge, such as who manages these funds, how Member States approach their administration, and how coordination is ensured to prevent overlap. Additionally, understanding their alignment with non-Cohesion Policy funds, like the Recovery and Resilience Facility, is crucial.

The Cohesion Policy Funds study delves into these fundamental questions. It offers a comprehensive exploration of Cohesion Policy funds for 2021-2027, shedding light on their management, coordination, and impact.
This pioneering study reveals critical insights into:

  • Centralised vs. Decentralised Management: Discover how Member States manage Cohesion Policy funds, whether through centralized, decentralized, or mixed models.
  • Sustainable Urban Development: Explore the rising emphasis on sustainable urban development, a core component of Cohesion Policy, with Member States committing an average of approximately 12%, surpassing the required 8% allocation for this purpose.

CEMR’s study is a valuable resource for policymakers, regional and local authorities, and all stakeholders invested in Europe’s advancement.
Unlock the potential of Cohesion Policy funds and their transformative role in shaping Europe’s future.

Cohesion Policy Fund graph

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

Electricity market design reforms

Electricity Market - News 2023

Reforming the European Electricity Market: Priorities and Challenges

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In March, the European Commission proposed a regulation to improve the EU’s electricity market. The reform is important for local and regional governments, since they play a central role as suppliers, distributers and consumers of electricity. While the current internal market for electricity has brought positive effects and lower prices, reforms are needed to address decarbonization of the electricity sector and gas shortages caused by Russia’s energy weaponization in the Ukraine conflict.

The past winter has made it clear for all Europeans that ensuring the security of supply and lower prices of electricity were top priorities for the years to come. The EU and Member States must increase both the production of electricity and their capacity in terms of energy storage. They also need to take strong measures to decarbonize the electricity sector in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In other words, the European electricity market is at a crossroads: to move forward, the EU needs to take strong actions and work together with local and regional governments.

Facilitate local and regional governments’ work driving investments in renewable energy

Local and regional governments have important roles to play in changing the electricity sector. They are responsible for finding suitable locations for production, distribution and transmission; they also must speed up permitting, manage spatial planning, invest in energy companies, and enable consumers and energy communities.

Furthermore, they possess valuable insights due to their direct engagement with local communities, and are therefore essential in ensuring citizens’ acceptance of the rollout of renewable energy. Considering all these factors, local and regional governments must be key partners in the reform of an efficient, sustainable European electricity market.

Make electricity prices less reliant on short-term fossil fuel costs

It is important to offer the option of long-term contracts, including to individuals and smaller consumers. This helps protect them from high and unpredictable prices, especially until more renewable energy production at lower generation prices is available.

Keep emergency measures as permanent features of the Electricity Market Design

During periods of excessively high electricity prices, it is advisable to maintain certain emergency measures. These measures can include price caps, taxes on windfall profits, and reimbursements for consumers. However, they should only target fossil fuel and other phased-out energy sources to encourage investment in renewable energy. These measures should not discourage energy savings or flexibility.

Encourage better consumer empowerment and protection

Efforts should be made to empower and protect consumers, particularly vulnerable ones, when implementing renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures. Support schemes, loans, and technical assistance can help achieve this goal. Moreover, regional and municipal energy providers, acting as a “supplier of last resort,” should receive adequate financial compensation from national or European funding to support vulnerable households and enterprises.

Promote efficient multi-level governance solutions and financial support

Collaboration among different levels of governance, following the principles of subsidiarity and multilevel governance, is crucial for success. Platforms like the Covenant of Mayors facilitate cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of good practices at EU, national, and regional levels.

Finally, to successfully implement changes at local and regional levels, it is important to provide financial resources and supportive measures, while avoiding excessive regulations and administrative burdens.

In conclusion, the Commission’s proposed regulation offers an opportunity to address challenges in the European electricity market. To achieve climate neutrality and ensure a secure energy supply, increasing production and storage capacities, promoting renewable energy sources, and involving local and regional governments are crucial. Collaboration, financial support, and efficient governance will contribute to a sustainable European electricity market.

To learn more about the measures proposed by CEMR, read the full position paper.

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GURI Durmish
In Impact community Society, Impact community Society, IncluCities [closed project], Inclucities [closed project], Latest, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Inclusion starts locally

Inclusive Migration - News 2023

Key lessons from IncluCities to improve migrant integration through multilevel cooperation 

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The IncluCities project, led by CEMR and funded by the EU’s AMIF programme, has shown how local and regional governments (LRGs) can lead inclusive migration policies when equipped with the right tools and support. Over three years, eight cities and six national associations worked together in a mentoring scheme to improve local integration strategies for third-country nationals. 

From needs assessments to action plans and training academies, IncluCities focused on real collaboration between cities and their associations, guided by CEMR. The project clearly demonstrated that peer exchange and coordinated support lead to more effective and sustainable policies. 

Turning Practice into Policy 

Based on the project experience, CEMR outlines seven key recommendations: 

  1. Adopt a Whole Community approach – Integration policies should benefit all residents, not just newcomers, and promote active local citizenship. 
  1. Promote inclusion over adaptation – Inclusion must be a two-way process involving the whole community, not just the integration of migrants. 
  1. Train entire ecosystems – Sustainable action requires collaboration across municipal services, civil society, and migrant communities. 
  1. Guarantee meaningful participation – Participation must be recognised as a basic right and embedded in local governance structures. 
  1. Support migrant women – Women play a key role in communities and should be at the centre of local inclusion efforts. 
  1. Improve multilevel governance – Stronger cooperation between EU, national, and local governments is vital, along with direct access to funding. 
  1. Create local support networks – Clustered partnerships help cities share knowledge and raise their voice in national discussions. 

Conclusion 

Local and regional governments are essential in managing integration, yet they remain underrepresented in EU policymaking. As the New Pact on Migration and Asylum moves forward, CEMR calls for the full inclusion of local voices in shaping migration policy, especially those of small and medium-sized cities, which are closest to the ground. 

Read the position paper here 

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GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Safeguarding local investments 

Investing in Europe - News

Why EU economic governance reform must protect municipalities’ ability to invest 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has warned that the upcoming reform of the EU’s economic governance framework, including the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), could risk undermining the investment capacity of municipalities and regions across Europe. 

Local and regional governments are responsible for almost half of all public investments in the EU. These investments are essential to deliver on European priorities such as the green transition, digitalisation, and resilient infrastructure. However, the proposed introduction of net expenditure ceilings risks unintentionally penalising local governments, who generally borrow only for long-term investments in capital assets. 

Reform and its implications 

The European Commission has announced plans to simplify the SGP by replacing certain rules, including the medium-term objective (MTO), with a new system of net expenditure ceilings. While CEMR welcomes the move away from the MTO, which had previously constrained local investment through deficit limits and reduced transfers from central governments, it raises serious concerns about the impact of the new ceilings. 

Applying net expenditure limits to municipalities would create three major risks: 

  • Higher administrative burdens arise because local governments do not use the net expenditure concept in their accounting. 
  • Political mismatches, since local electoral cycles rarely align with national fiscal programming. 
  • Cuts in public investment, as postponing infrastructure projects, are often the only quick adjustment available under tight expenditure ceilings. 

This is even though local government debt levels are prudent in every EU Member State, and are already strictly monitored under national rules. 

The solution: exclude local expenditure 

CEMR is therefore calling for the exclusion of local government expenditure from the definition of net expenditure ceilings in the reformed SGP. Much like cyclical unemployment spending is excluded, removing local investment from these calculations would ensure municipalities can continue to provide essential services, maintain infrastructure, and invest in the future without being penalised by centralised fiscal targets. 

At a time when Europe urgently needs stronger local action to address climate, digital, and social challenges, weakening municipalities’ ability to invest would be counterproductive. Protecting local public investment within the EU’s economic governance reform is not just about budgets, it is about safeguarding Europe’s capacity to deliver on its ambitions. 

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BORDELOT Federica
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Housing, Housing, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications

Smarter building rules in Europe

Housing - News

EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe

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EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and Housing Europe have joined forces to publish a set of recommendations on the European Commission’s proposal to recast the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). While both organisations fully support the ambition to decarbonise buildings across the EU, they warn that the proposal must better reflect the realities on the ground. 

Local and regional governments, as well as providers of public, social, and cooperative housing, are critical actors in delivering the EU’s climate objectives. But a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. 

The joint position paper outlines three key recommendations: 

  1. Respect local differences through subsidiarity and adaptability 
    The EPBD must allow member states and local authorities to tailor building codes to their own context. Setting EU-level definitions for zero-emission buildings without a clear methodology risks creating uncertainty and undermining national efforts. Other areas, such as fire safety and asbestos removal, should remain the competence of national or local governments. 
  1. Provide a stable and realistic framework for renovations 
    Renovating buildings is a long-term process that requires careful planning. The proposed EPBD introduces tight deadlines and shifting labelling systems, making it nearly impossible for local authorities and property owners to comply effectively. CEMR and Housing Europe argue for a more predictable timeline that reflects labour shortages, market dynamics, and tenant affordability. 
  1. Support zero-emission construction with energy system flexibility 
    While new buildings must meet high standards, member states should retain the freedom to choose their energy sources. That includes not only on-site renewables, but also low-carbon energy from the grid, waste heat, and energy recovery, all in line with the EU waste hierarchy. 

Ultimately, the success of the EPBD will depend on how well it enables local and regional actors to deliver results. CEMR and Housing Europe are clear: the path to climate-neutral buildings must be ambitious but flexible, fair and grounded in local realities. 

Read the full policy paper here  

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BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Climate, Energy, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Publications

Territorial leaders in action at the COP 27

Climate - News Section

10 key points to prevent the inexorable march toward utter climate disaster

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It’s now or never. We must gear up for climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals on the ground. This is the core message that PLAFTORMA and CEMR will bring to the COP27 taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

In a joint position, PLATFORMA and CEMR put forward 10 key points for delegates and representatives from the UN, the EU and national governments who will sit around the COP27 negotiation table. Among the important points raised in the position are the need for a supportive regulatory and governance framework to implement subnational climate action, and the need for sustainable subnational financing.

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