Position papers

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomes the European Pillar of Social Rights as a step toward strengthening fairness and equality in Europe. While supporting its ambition, CEMR stresses that the measures linked to the Pillar’s 20 principles should remain non-binding, respecting the diversity of national, regional and local competences. For local and regional governments, the Pillar should serve as a reference framework to inspire reforms, rather than impose uniform rules.

CEMR identifies key challenges where Europe must act: rising inequality, persistent poverty, gender gaps, and labour market transitions accelerated by digitalisation and COVID-19. Municipalities and regions, as major providers of education, housing, health, social inclusion and employment services, are at the heart of delivering social rights.

CEMR’s policy priorities include:

Skills and education: investment in training, apprenticeships and digital access to avoid a “lost generation” of young people.
Demographic change: integrating women, older workers, migrants, and disadvantaged groups into the labour market.
Gender equality: boosting women’s participation and addressing work-life balance challenges, especially in the pandemic’s aftermath.

At the same time, CEMR warns against excessive bureaucracy or additional reporting obligations for local authorities, calling instead for best practice exchange, benchmarks, and adequate funding.

For the European Pillar of Social Rights to succeed, it must respect subsidiarity, strengthen social dialogue, and involve local and regional governments as essential actors. Municipalities, cities, and regions are indispensable in turning principles into concrete progress, provided they are given the flexibility, resources and recognition needed to deliver.

For more information, contact:

BENNIS Hamza

Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

New EU strategy to climate change

CEMR’s Response to the EU Adaptation Strategy Review

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) strongly supports the development of a revised EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, calling for a clear EU Action Plan that empowers local and regional governments (LRGs) to lead on the ground.

Climate change is already a reality for Europe’s cities and regions, with impacts ranging from floods and heatwaves to droughts, wildfires and biodiversity loss. As the first responders to these challenges, LRGs are on the front line and play a vital role in ensuring climate-resilient communities.

In its official response to the 2020 EU consultation, CEMR stresses that:

Adaptation is as urgent as mitigation. While reducing emissions remains essential, Europe must also adapt to unavoidable impacts already underway.

Localised responses are essential. Climate impacts vary significantly across territories. An effective adaptation strategy must reflect local vulnerabilities, risks and capacities.

Integration is key. Adaptation should be embedded into land use planning, infrastructure, housing, water and environmental management, combining it with mitigation whenever possible.

Transformation requires support. LRGs need financial tools, enabling policies, capacity-building, data access and stronger multilevel governance to deliver meaningful change.

Nature-based solutions are critical. Investments in green infrastructure, biodiversity and water retention areas help cities adapt sustainably and cost-effectively.

CEMR also urges the Commission to ensure that adaptation becomes a mainstream requirement in planning and investment decisions. Risk and climate vulnerability assessments should guide long-term urban development, infrastructure planning and emergency preparedness.

Moreover, LRGs are not only ready to act locally but also to support international efforts, particularly in cooperation with developing countries, contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

As part of the European Green Deal, the new strategy should enable and accelerate local action, ensuring that no city or region is left behind in preparing for climate risks.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

Local action driving the green deal

CEMR outlines the crucial role of municipalities and regions in making Europe climate neutral by 2050

The European Green Deal, launched in December 2019, sets out the EU’s ambition to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. While the framework is driven at the European level, its implementation will rely heavily on municipalities and regions. Local and regional governments (LRGs) are already responsible for delivering 70% of climate mitigation measures, 90% of adaptation policies, and 65% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights that empowering these actors is essential to achieving the Green Deal’s goals.

CEMR stresses that LRGs are not only implementers but also innovators, mobilising citizens and setting ambitious targets beyond EU requirements. For example, the 10,000 signatories of the Covenant of Mayors have pledged to reduce CO₂ emissions by 47% by 2030, well above the EU’s current 40% target.

CEMR puts forward several recommendations to strengthen the Green Deal’s delivery:

Recognition and resources: LRGs must be recognised as full partners, equipped with sufficient financial capacity and flexibility to adapt implementation to diverse local realities.
Better regulation and coordination: The EU should enforce existing legislation, improve policy coherence between sectors, and avoid additional administrative burdens for local governments.
Climate and energy: Ambitious targets are welcome but must be matched with adequate resources. Local authorities should be included in decision-making on National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). Renewable energy should be treated equally, whether produced onsite or via networks such as district heating.
Circular economy: Municipalities manage nearly 500 kg of waste per capita annually and are central to recycling, waste reduction, and energy recovery. Their role must be reinforced in shaping circular consumption and production patterns.
Clean mobility: LRGs are at the forefront of decarbonising transport and public mobility, but need financial and regulatory support to modernise infrastructure and introduce innovative solutions.
Financing the transition: Investment is critical. Tools like the Just Transition Fund are welcome but insufficient. Sustainable local investments should be exempt from EU debt rules to unleash their full potential. Innovative funding mechanisms tailored to municipalities of all sizes are also needed.
Global leadership: LRGs can act as ambassadors of the Green Deal through international cooperation, capacity building, and partnerships with local authorities abroad, reinforcing Europe’s climate leadership on the global stage.

Europe’s success in delivering the Green Deal will be determined locally. Municipalities and regions are already leading in climate action, but they need recognition, resources, and flexibility to scale up their efforts. By ensuring LRGs are fully integrated into EU policies and financing, the Green Deal can drive not only a carbon-neutral Europe but also a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

BORDELOT Federica In Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Migration and inclusion, Press, Publications

Gender equality: A local matter

Exploring the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 and what it means for Europe’s local and regional governments

In a significant move for gender equality in Europe, the European Commission has adopted a new Gender Equality Strategy for 2020–2025. As the first high-level communication of its kind in years, this strategy sets out a clear ambition to achieve a Europe free from gender-based violence, stereotypes, and structural inequalities.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has conducted an in-depth analysis of the strategy, identifying its opportunities, shortcomings, and implications for local and regional governments.

Key developments and opportunities

The Commission’s strategy adopts a dual approach, combining targeted actions with systematic gender mainstreaming, and for the first time, takes an intersectional perspective. The strategy touches on six key areas, from violence prevention to women’s representation and gender equality in the workplace.

Local and regional governments stand to benefit from new funding and networking opportunities, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence prevention, childcare provision, care infrastructure, and women’s entrepreneurship. The establishment of an EU network for preventing domestic violence, EU-wide awareness campaigns, and future updates to childcare targets all offer a space for local actors to lead and share practices.

New investment and support opportunities through the European Social Fund Plus, Horizon Europe, and Common Agricultural Policy also provide avenues for local authorities to implement gender-sensitive services and policies.

Gaps and concerns

Despite these strengths, CEMR highlights areas where the strategy could go further. The role of local and regional governments is not sufficiently acknowledged, and the Commission misses the opportunity to reference the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, which has nearly 1,800 signatories across 36 countries.

Furthermore, while the strategy rightly focuses on gender balance in the private sector, political representation at the local and regional levels is underdeveloped. There is also no mention of violence against elected women, a critical issue that undermines women’s participation in democratic life.

CEMR’s key messages

CEMR puts forward several recommendations to strengthen the strategy and better support local authorities:

Recognise local and regional governments as strategic partners in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the strategy.
Include the European Charter for Equality in the EU Platform for Diversity Charters.
Address the underrepresentation of women in politics and promote initiatives supporting female political leadership at all levels.
Strengthen protections for women in public life, particularly against gender-based violence and harassment.
Improve data collection on women’s representation and leadership and fund new studies across all European countries.
Support local gender equality initiatives through EU funding programmes, including the Charter and work on men and masculinities.

A call for greater collaboration

Local and regional governments are not only essential for implementing EU policy, but they are also drivers of innovation in equality. As the level of government closest to citizens, they play a unique role in translating ambition into action.

CEMR urges the European Commission to fully recognise and support this role in the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy, ensuring local authorities have the tools and resources to build a truly inclusive Europe.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Just transition mechanism analysis

The Just Transition Mechanism urges stronger local partnerships and clearer funding priorities

The EU’s ambition to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 is taking shape through the European Green Deal and its financing arm: the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). In its policy analysis, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) acknowledges the value of this tool while calling for stronger local engagement and better alignment with existing cohesion funds.

The JTM, made up of the Just Transition Fund, a dedicated InvestEU scheme, and a public sector loan facility via the EIB, aims to support the territories most affected by the transition to a green economy, particularly those dependent on carbon-intensive industries.

CEMR welcomes:

The creation of new financial tools tailored to the social and economic impacts of decarbonisation, especially the Just Transition Fund, with its €7.5 billion proposal.

Inclusion of the JTF in Cohesion Policy, which ensures the application of the partnership principle and opens space for dialogue with local and regional governments in the design of transition plans.

The focus on NUTS 3 level, allowing targeted support to local realities and better alignment with community needs.

Technical assistance and peer exchange platforms can empower municipalities to replicate successful models and accelerate climate-neutral transitions.

However, CEMR expresses concern over:

Budget uncertainty: With Member States resisting increases to the EU’s overall budget, there’s a risk the JTF will simply reallocate existing cohesion funds, limiting its added value.

Overlap with existing cohesion goals: Much of the JTF’s focus, green investment, upskilling, and digitalisation, is already covered by current ESIF priorities (PO2 and PO4). Its distinct impact must be clarified.

Thematic constraints on cohesion funds: Requirements to reallocate ERDF and ESF+ funds to the JTF may reduce resources available for other local development priorities.

For CEMR, local and regional governments must remain central actors in this transition. Their involvement is key not only in planning and implementation but also in ensuring that no territory is left behind as Europe moves toward a greener, fairer future.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

GAUDRON Marine In EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Local finances, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

The future of EU cohesion policy

CEMR opens dialogue on reforming EU Cohesion Policy post-2020 to better support local and regional development

Read full statement here

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), representing over 100,000 local and regional authorities across Europe, has launched an early contribution to the debate on the future of EU Cohesion Policy. With discussions on the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework already underway, CEMR stresses the importance of adapting Cohesion Policy to ensure it continues delivering economic, social and territorial cohesion for all communities.

CEMR proposes three possible scenarios: maintaining the current system, introducing incremental improvements such as simplification and stronger partnerships, or pursuing a more fundamental reform through the creation of a single territorial development fund. These options aim to make Cohesion Policy more effective, accessible, and transparent.

At the core of its opening statement, CEMR outlines five guiding principles for reform:

Integrated and simplified – moving beyond silos towards more coherent funding instruments.

Inclusive – ensuring stronger bottom-up partnerships and local ownership.

Result-oriented – focusing on impact and outcomes rather than only expenditure.

Relevant and flexible – aligning priorities with territorial realities and avoiding excessive thresholds.

For all territories – safeguarding equitable support, especially for less developed regions.
This statement marks the beginning of a dialogue between CEMR, its members, and the EU institutions. By placing local and regional governments at the heart of the debate, CEMR seeks to shape a Cohesion Policy that is more integrated, inclusive and effective, ensuring no territory is left behind in the next programming period.

For more information, contact:

GAUDRON Marine

Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

BORDELOT Federica In EU budget, EU budget, Governance, Governance, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Publications

Europe’s democratic future

The 2019 European elections highlight progress in participation, diversity, and gender balance, but also the need for stronger local involvement in shaping EU policies

The European elections of May 2019 marked a turning point for democracy in the European Union. With more than 400 million citizens called to vote, turnout reached 51%, the highest since 1979, signalling renewed interest in EU politics. Yet, the debate within the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) underlined that more must be done to sustain citizen engagement and strengthen local governments’ role in shaping European policies.

The new European Parliament is more diverse than ever, reflecting a broader range of political views. This diversity will influence the Union’s legislative agenda and policy outcomes. Progress has also been made on gender equality, with women now making up 40% of Members of the European Parliament, up from 36% in the previous mandate.

Still, challenges remain. Increasing citizens’ interest in Europe requires targeted outreach, particularly towards young people, through communication channels they use and trust. Local and regional governments are key to bridging the gap between European institutions and citizens’ daily lives. Strengthening their role in the EU’s decision-making process is essential for the effective preparation, financing, and implementation of policies.

Looking ahead, the new Parliament is expected to continue work on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) and embed the Sustainable Development Goals into EU legislation. A gender-balanced approach in filling top positions within both the Parliament and the European Commission is also vital to ensuring fair and inclusive representation.

The 2019 elections opened a new chapter for the European Union. Higher participation, improved gender balance, and a more diverse Parliament are encouraging signs, but further efforts are needed to build trust, foster inclusion, and give local governments a stronger voice. By working together, the EU and its citizens can ensure that Europe’s democratic future is both representative and resilient.

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica

Director – Policy & Impact

THOMAS Carol In Governance, Governance, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Publications

Achieve “active subsidiarity”

Improving EU policymaking through stronger dialogue with Europe’s local and regional governments

With the European Union facing increasingly complex challenges, from demographic shifts to digitalisation and climate resilience, ensuring that policies are designed and delivered as close to citizens as possible is more relevant than ever. In this context, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has released a position paper advocating for a more structured, inclusive, and effective approach to subsidiarity and proportionality in EU decision-making.

The paper responds to the European Commission’s 2018 Communication on subsidiarity and proportionality, which calls for a stronger application of these core principles in the legislative process. CEMR welcomes this shift and provides five concrete proposals to embed local and regional governments more deeply into the EU policy cycle.

Towards active subsidiarity: five key proposals

CEMR argues that local and regional governments (LRGs) are not merely stakeholders but essential partners in the design, implementation and evaluation of EU legislation. To improve policy outcomes, the position paper puts forward five central proposals:

Structured Dialogue: Introduce formal mechanisms to ensure that local and regional governments and their associations are regularly consulted at all stages of policy development, mirroring the success of the Social Dialogue model.

Effective Engagement: Tailor consultation tools to better capture the input of LRGs and provide feedback on how their responses are considered, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches.

Weighted Input: Recognise the democratic legitimacy of local authorities by assigning greater weight to their input in EU consultations and encourage deliberative dialogue through local stakeholder meetings.

Use of Local Data: Draw on the unique evidence and experience of LRGs earlier in the legislative cycle, especially through inception impact assessments and a reformed REFIT platform.

Access to Policymaking: Develop systems allowing LRGs to help shape legislation from the ground up and promote models of multilevel governance like those trialled through the Urban Agenda for the EU.

A call for genuine partnership

CEMR highlights that better regulation and stronger subsidiarity are not only technical improvements but democratic imperatives. By embedding multilevel governance and recognising the expertise of towns, cities and regions, the EU can build policies that are more effective, more efficient, and more trusted by citizens.

This paper adds to CEMR’s broader push for a European governance model based on real partnership with local and regional governments. With the next European Commission mandate on the horizon, the time is ripe to make “active subsidiarity” a reality.

For more information, contact:

THOMAS Carol

Senior Adviser, Governance, Gender Equality, Local Democracy

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications, Water, Water

Water framework and floods directive

Balancing high environmental goals with realistic implementation, funding, and stronger local involvement

The Water Framework Directive (WFD), in force since 2000, is one of the EU’s most ambitious environmental laws, aiming for good status of all EU waters by 2027. While progress has been made, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and increasing pressure on water resources demand a renewed and practical approach. In its response to the EU’s fitness check, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) underline the importance of keeping high ambition while ensuring realistic implementation for local and regional governments (LRGs).

Key Messages

Maintain ambition, improve delivery
The WFD has led to clear improvements in Europe’s waters and should be continued. While full achievement by 2027 may not be possible everywhere, the Directive remains a vital tool. Environmental goals must be preserved, supported by realistic intermediate targets and achievable management cycles.

Adjust without lowering ambition
LRGs stress the need to adapt the WFD to 21st-century challenges such as land-use changes, climate impacts, and new pollutants. The Directive should move towards a more realistic framework, reflecting natural and historical influences on water quality.

Better harmonisation with other EU policies
Water protection cannot be addressed in isolation. The WFD must align with related legislation, including the Drinking Water Directive, Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and rules on water reuse. Agriculture, industry, and transport have major impacts on water quality, requiring stronger links with the Common Agricultural Policy, REACH, and strategies to reduce nitrates, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals in water.

Stronger local involvement and governance
Municipalities, as the level of government closest to citizens and water bodies, must be more involved in water governance. LRGs are best placed to enforce measures, raise awareness, and apply flexible, site-specific solutions. This aligns with SDG 6.5 on integrated water resources management.

Simplification and funding
Implementation of the WFD is often too complex and administratively burdensome for municipalities and water operators. Reporting requirements should be simplified, and EU or national funding must accompany new obligations to ensure effective delivery.

Polluter Pays Principle
A stronger source-control approach is needed. Responsibility for water quality should not fall solely on municipal treatment plants but be shared across all polluters. Applying the “polluter pays” principle will create transparency, fairness, and stronger engagement from all stakeholders.

More flexible derogations
The current rules on exemptions are too rigid, often blocking socially important projects like new wastewater treatment plants. CEMR calls for clearer and more balanced derogation rules, allowing essential societal developments while safeguarding water protection.

CEMR’s position is clear: the WFD has proven its value and must remain ambitious, but reforms are needed to reflect new challenges, reduce administrative burdens, and empower local governments. By ensuring flexibility, proper funding, and shared responsibility, Europe can better safeguard its waters while supporting sustainable development at local and regional levels.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

BENNIS Hamza In Employment, Employment, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Press, Public services, Public services, Publications

The future of public services

Simpler EU rules needed to empower local service delivery

Local and regional governments are central to ensuring quality public services across Europe, from transport to childcare and broadband. Yet complex EU rules on competition and procurement are increasingly challenging their ability to deliver these services effectively.

That’s the core message of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)’s position paper, Strong Public Services through Local Governments.

As Europe reflects on its future, CEMR urges policymakers to recognise local governments not as a problem, but as part of the solution. From climate action to social cohesion, local services are key to implementing EU goals on the ground. However, this contribution risks being undermined by overregulation and limited local autonomy.

“European rules should enable, not obstruct, local governments in meeting community needs,” the paper argues.

CEMR highlights the need to:

Respect subsidiarity and local self-government;

Simplify procurement and state aid procedures;

Allow local authorities to support their economies through ‘buy local’ criteria;

Improve legal clarity for public-public cooperation;

Reform litigation-heavy procurement processes.

Despite burdensome procedures, cross-border procurement remains rare, pointing to a mismatch between regulatory effort and actual impact. A more flexible, proportionate system would support innovation and help local governments better serve their communities.