Skip to main content
search

Position papers

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

Extending social protection rights 

Youth employment - News

CEMR highlights challenges and priorities in ensuring fair access to social protection for all forms of employment 

Read full position paper here

In June 2017, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) responded to the European Commission’s first-phase consultation of social partners on access to social protection within the framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights. CEMR welcomed the initiative but emphasised that further detail is needed to ensure effective and fair implementation across Europe. 

CEMR underlined that while improving access to social protection is beneficial, implementation must remain balanced between workers’ rights and employers’ needs. The organisation cautioned that additional measures, such as parental leave provisions under the Work-Life Balance Directive, may create significant costs for local governments and should be carefully planned. 

A key challenge lies in ensuring similar social protection rights for similar work, while recognising that not all workers lacking access face the same risks. The main issue arises when individuals have no coverage at all, not when they are already protected through another job. 

For self-employed workers, CEMR identified several priority areas for EU action under social protection, including: 

  • sickness and accident-at-work benefits, 
  • old-age and invalidity benefits, 
  • maternity and paternity benefits. 

In terms of employment services, CEMR stressed the importance of strengthening guidance, counselling, training, and reintegration measures to support workers in transition. 

While CEMR agreed that all self-employed workers should, in principle, be included in such an initiative, it pointed out the particular difficulties faced by small and micro-businesses. A tailored approach is needed, with careful assessment of different employment types. 

CEMR reaffirmed that responsibility for social policy and social insurance design remains with Member States, and that self-governance by social partners must be respected. Any EU initiative on access to social protection should therefore act as a framework for guidance and support, while preserving national competencies and diversity. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Shaping the future of cohesion

Head Banner - Cohesion Post

CEMR outlines 14 key reforms for a more inclusive, place-based EU policy 

Read full position paper

As the EU prepares the next programming period, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is calling for a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping and delivering cohesion policy. 

In a new position paper, CEMR presents 14 key recommendations to improve the way EU funds are managed on the ground, making them simpler, more flexible, and better suited to the needs of Europe’s territories. 

Key priorities include: 

  • A guaranteed budget for cohesion policy to meet EU goals like the Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals. 
  • Stronger partnerships between the EU, national, and local authorities, with clear responsibilities and joint agreements. 
  • Simpler rules and more flexibility to reflect local realities, especially in rural or less-developed areas. 
  • Improved access to funding through a “one-stop-shop” system and support for small municipalities. 
  • A new capacity-building tool to help local authorities manage and deliver EU funds more effectively. 

CEMR also warns against replacing grants with loans and calls for more manageable audits and controls, especially for small projects. 

Why it matters: 

Cohesion policy is a key pillar of EU solidarity, helping to reduce inequalities and support green and social transitions. But local governments often face too much red tape and too little say in how the funds are used. 

With these recommendations, CEMR urges EU institutions to design a place-based, inclusive cohesion policy, one that truly works with and for Europe’s territories. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BENNIS Hamza
In Employment, Employment, Gender equality, Gender equality, Impact community Labour, Impact community Labour, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, Migration and inclusion, Publications

Strengthening work-life balance 

Work Life - News

Improving equality, labour participation, and social cohesion through better policies on leave, childcare, and flexible work 

Read full position paper

Work-life balance remains one of the most pressing challenges in Europe, with direct implications for gender equality, labour market participation, and social cohesion. Despite progress in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in employment, face higher risks of poverty, and continue to carry a disproportionate share of care responsibilities. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic necessity, as women’s employment is a key driver of growth. 

Policies that support better reconciliation of work and family life are crucial to close the gender employment gap. Several measures stand out: ensuring high-quality and affordable childcare, promoting equal sharing of parental leave, developing flexible working arrangements, and adopting gender-sensitive budgeting practices. 

Childcare plays a central role in enabling equal participation in the labour market. Meeting the “Barcelona objectives”, with at least 90% of children between the ages of three and school age having access to childcare, is essential. Investment in childcare infrastructure reduces the burden of informal care, often borne by women, and creates conditions for greater economic independence. 

Equally important are leave provisions. While maternity leave remains a cornerstone, extending its duration may sometimes hinder women’s reintegration into the workforce. Alternatives such as affordable childcare, telework options, or flexible work schemes can provide more balanced solutions. Paternity leave, especially when non-transferable, is vital for promoting equal responsibility between parents, while parental leave policies must go further in encouraging fathers’ participation. Carers’ leave also deserves attention, particularly as ageing populations increase the demand for informal care. 

Flexible working arrangements, including telework, temporary reductions in working hours, and adaptable schedules, can further support families. Properly implemented, they improve retention, motivation, and productivity, while helping both women and men manage family responsibilities. 

Finally, transparency in pay structures and the regular monitoring of gender equality measures at all levels can help reduce persistent wage gaps and ensure progress is visible. Sharing good practices and setting benchmarks allows countries and regions to learn from one another and target actions where they are most needed. 

Work-life balance is not just a matter of private concern but a cornerstone of social and economic development. By strengthening childcare, modernising leave policies, and encouraging flexible and equal working arrangements, societies can ensure greater gender equality, reduce poverty risks, and boost long-term growth. Achieving these goals requires commitment across all levels of governance, with local and regional authorities playing a decisive role in turning principles into everyday realities. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

European pillar of social rights 

Work - News

Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery 

Read full position paper

As the European Commission advances its agenda on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reiterates that success hinges on meaningful involvement of local and regional governments, alongside social partners. 

CEMR emphasises that the diversity of Europe’s social and labour systems must be fully respected. Rather than setting additional minimum standards at the EU level, the Pillar should serve as a reference framework, offering benchmarks and guidance while preserving subsidiarity and national ownership. 

The organisation underlines three main priorities for strengthening the social dimension of the EU: 

  • Skills for the future: Preparing for digitalisation, demographic change and migrant integration through targeted investment in education and lifelong learning. 
  • Inclusive labour markets: Supporting active participation of underrepresented groups, including women, older workers, and migrants, to strengthen social cohesion and economic resilience. 
  • Gender equality: Promoting flexible working conditions, better work-life balance, and innovative employment practices to increase women’s participation in the workforce. 

CEMR warns that increasing EU-level regulation in sensitive areas like minimum wages or employment contracts risks undermining national and regional competencies. Instead, the focus should be on empowering local actors to deliver tailored social and employment policies that reflect local realities. 

David Simmonds, CEMR spokesperson on local and regional governments as employers, concludes: 

“The best way to achieve the goals of the Social Pillar is to recognise the diversity of our territories and fully involve the local level in shaping and implementing social policies. This is the path toward a more inclusive and democratic Social Europe.” 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Backing local investment 

Local Investment

Municipalities, cities and regions urge the EU to support long-term local investments through flexible financial rules

Read full letter here

Municipalities, cities and regions are the backbone of Europe’s future prosperity. Their ability to invest in sustainable infrastructure and services is crucial for creating jobs, driving growth, and enhancing resilience. Yet, current financial and budgetary rules too often limit their capacity to invest for the long term. In response, POLIS, CEMR and EUROCITIES have come together to call on EU institutions to support local governments by creating more flexibility in investment frameworks. 

Representing thousands of local and regional governments across Europe, the three organisations underline that resilient territories must have the financial capacity to adapt and grow in the face of social, economic and environmental challenges. Quality local investments in services, mobility, housing and infrastructure trigger private investment and support sustainable economic recovery. 

To make this possible, they urge EU institutions to take key actions: 

  • Ensure local and regional investment is included in the European Commission’s future plans for economic governance. 
  • Encourage the European Parliament to highlight barriers to local investment. 
  • Call on the European Council to create leeway for local investments within the Stability and Growth Pact. 
  • Invite Eurostat to treat long-term investment debt differently from operating expenditure. 
  • Adapt EU funds and financial instruments, such as EFSI, to better fit local needs. 

As local leaders stress, the EU must adapt its financial rules to enable sustainable long-term investments. Whether it is modernising infrastructure, supporting mobility, or creating jobs, empowering local and regional governments to invest is crucial for Europe’s growth and cohesion. A more flexible approach to fiscal rules will ensure that Europe’s recovery and future prosperity start at the local level. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Regions driving climate action

Environment - News

Municipalities and regions as catalysts for COP22 progress 

Read full position paper

COP22 in Marrakesh marked a crucial moment in translating the Paris Agreement into concrete action. For Europe’s municipalities and regions, this summit was an opportunity to showcase their role as catalysts in building sustainable and decarbonised societies. Represented by CEMR and PLATFORMA, local and regional governments brought forward five key messages to ensure that climate policies are inclusive, effective, and grounded in local realities: 

  1. Embedding the subnational level in global climate governance 
    Since COP15, the EU has acknowledged the role of municipalities and regions in combating climate change. At COP22, local leaders urged the EU to formalise a permanent, structured dialogue, allowing subnational governments to join EU delegations in climate negotiations. This would not only strengthen governance but also ensure that national commitments reflect local realities. 
  1. Linking COP outcomes with global agendas 
    COP22 should not stand alone but connect to broader frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, and the Habitat III Urban Agenda. Local financial capacities and legal competences must be assessed early to avoid unrealistic policies or burdensome costs for municipalities. 
  1. Mobilising financial and political resources 
    Successful climate action requires adequate resources. CEMR and PLATFORMA highlighted the importance of EU Structural and Investment Funds, access to global climate financing, and innovative tools like sustainable public procurement. Local politicians’ direct engagement and citizen ownership are vital to building resilient and low-carbon communities. 
  1. Mainstreaming local action into EU and national policies 
    Climate legislation must fully integrate the local dimension. Early recognition of local authorities as legitimate actors is essential. Initiatives such as the EU Urban Agenda, Territorial Agenda 2020, and the Covenant of Mayors show how climate policies can work when municipalities are treated as true partners. 
  1. Encouraging cooperation and knowledge exchange 
    Sharing practices, tools, and joint initiatives among cities and regions is key to accelerating progress. Decentralised cooperation, particularly through the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Global Covenant of Mayors, demonstrates how European municipalities can support global peers in their transition to sustainable development. 
     

CEMR and PLATFORMA reaffirmed their commitment to climate action by promoting multi-level governance, showcasing local best practices, and strengthening decentralised cooperation worldwide. Their message at COP22 was clear: local and regional governments are not bystanders but central actors in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future. Climate action is an opportunity for green jobs, growth, and resilience, and municipalities and regions are ready to lead. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Circular economy starts locally

Waste - News Section

CEMR’s Priorities for Revising EU Waste Rules and Advancing the Circular Economy 

Read full position paper

With the EU revising its Waste Framework Directive as part of the broader Circular Economy Package, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is calling for an approach that respects local realities and builds true governance partnerships. 

Local and regional governments are central to delivering Europe’s circular economy goals. From waste collection and recycling to raising citizen awareness, they are closest to the daily operations that make sustainability a reality. 

In its 2016 position, CEMR welcomes the Commission’s shift toward a more balanced approach. It supports clearer definitions for municipal waste, realistic recycling targets, and the inclusion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules. However, CEMR also warns against overregulation through delegated acts and stresses the importance of flexibility in areas like separate collection and biowaste. 

Key recommendations include: 

  • Respecting subsidiarity: Leave room for national and local adaptation. 
  • Ensuring fair cost-sharing: Producers should fully cover the costs of waste linked to their products. 
  • Supporting public investment: EU funds must clearly back local waste infrastructure. 
  • Promoting green public procurement: Encourage but avoid overlap with procurement rules. 
  • Looking beyond municipal waste: Industrial and commercial sectors must also be addressed. 

Ultimately, CEMR sees municipalities as essential partners, not just implementers, in shaping a sustainable and job-creating circular economy. Without their full involvement and adequate resources, Europe risks missing the mark on both ambition and delivery. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

Simplifying EU funds for all 

Cohesion Policy - News 2023

Clearer rules and better access to cohesion funding 

Read full position paper

Accessing EU funding shouldn’t be complicated and yet, for many local and regional governments, navigating the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) remains a challenge. In its 2016 position paper, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) outlines concrete proposals to simplify EU cohesion funding, making it easier and more efficient for local authorities and other beneficiaries to participate. 

Key recommendations 

CEMR’s proposals focus on five main priorities: 

  1. Harmonising rules across funds 
    The current system is fragmented, with different rules for different funds and ministries. CEMR advocates for common procedures and a “one-stop-shop” that simplifies access, coordination, and application processes, particularly for multi-fund programmes. 
  1. More flexibility at the national and local levels 
    Local needs vary, but EU rules often limit how funds can be used. CEMR urges the EU to give Member States and local authorities greater flexibility to set priorities, so that funding can better address real challenges like broadband access, transport, and local infrastructure. 
  1. Streamlining controls and audits 
    Excessive checks and overlapping audits discourage smaller beneficiaries. CEMR calls for a more proportionate and risk-based approach, better coordination among audit bodies, and a clear distinction between fraud and honest mistakes. 
  1. Results-based funding 
    Rather than focusing on paperwork and compliance, funding should reward measurable outcomes. CEMR supports instruments like Joint Action Plans and Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs), though they are still underused due to late or unclear guidance. 
  1. Clearer, timely guidance 
    Technical guidance should be available early in the process and in all EU languages. This helps local and regional stakeholders plan ahead and ensures they are not penalised by last-minute rule changes. 

Building trust through better governance 

At its core, CEMR’s message is about trust and responsibility. Local authorities should be empowered to manage funding within clear frameworks, with a focus on results, not red tape. Simplifying EU funds is not just about efficiency; it’s about ensuring that local communities can truly benefit from European solidarity. 

CEMR remains committed to working with EU institutions and Member States to make simplification a reality on the ground. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

A smarter EU urban agenda

Head Banner - RFSC

Simplification, coordination and local leadership for better urban policy

Read full position paper

As cities and towns face rising challenges, from ageing populations to climate adaptation, the EU Urban Agenda must evolve to support them effectively. In its 2015 position paper, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) sets out key proposals to make the Urban Agenda a useful and inclusive tool for all local governments, regardless of size or geography.

What’s needed for real impact?

1. A clear roadmap with local voices at the table
An EU Urban Agenda should not be a top-down project. It must be developed in partnership with local governments and their associations, with a well-defined timeline and concrete actions.

2. Territorial impact across all policies
Policies across all EU institutions, not just DG REGIO, should consider local impacts. A strong territorial dimension in EU policymaking can ensure smarter regulation with less administrative burden.

3. Recognising cities of all sizes
Urban policy should reflect the reality of Europe’s diverse territories, including small and medium-sized towns and functional areas, not just major cities.

4. Easier access to EU funds
More streamlined, locally managed funding for urban development will empower municipalities to lead the changes they are best placed to deliver.

5. Innovation without rigid standards
While innovation is key, any urban indicators (e.g. for “smart cities”) should remain voluntary, flexible, and designed with local input, not imposed through rigid benchmarks.

Towards an inclusive global agenda

CEMR also calls for stronger involvement of local authorities in shaping the EU’s input into international processes, including the Habitat III conference and the global New Urban Agenda. Cities and towns are where global challenges meet real-world solutions, and local voices must shape the global conversation.

Read the position paper here

For more information, contact:

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

Local voices for climate at COP21 

Environment - News section

Municipalities and regions shaping COP21 success 

Read full position paper

In December 2015, the Paris Summit (COP21) became a milestone in global climate governance. For Europe’s municipalities and regions, represented by CEMR and PLATFORMA, it was the moment to demonstrate that climate action succeeds only when local and regional governments are part of the solution. By presenting clear demands, affirming shared values, and committing to concrete actions, local leaders positioned themselves as indispensable actors in the transition to low-carbon societies. 

Developing the Demands and Values 

Local and regional governments brought forward a set of concrete demands to ensure their recognition in climate governance. They called for: 

  • A structured EU dialogue to integrate the subnational dimension into the UNFCCC process. 
  • A formal seat at the COP negotiation table for municipalities, regions, and their associations. 
  • Stronger support for networks, enabling them to deliver unified positions and assist EU institutions. 
  • Mainstreaming climate across all EU and national policies, ensuring local perspectives are embedded from the outset. 
  • Recognition of green public procurement as a driver for innovation and CO₂ reduction. 
  • Links between COP outcomes, the SDGs, and Habitat III, ensuring consistency across global agendas. 
  • Adequate financing and research tools, including access to EU Structural and Investment Funds and international climate funds. 
  • Better EU regulation, with early recognition of local authorities in decision-making. 
  • Support for knowledge exchange at the subnational level in Europe and globally. 

Underlying these demands are shared values: confidence in local governments’ ability to deliver, support for the EU’s climate objectives, and the conviction that climate action is also an opportunity for green jobs and sustainable growth. 

Actions on the Ground 

Municipalities and regions also highlighted how they are already leading by example: 

  • Multi-actor governance: championing bottom-up approaches, engaging with all levels of government and stakeholders to tackle climate change collectively. 
  • Local leadership: through initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors and Mayors Adapt, thousands of cities have set ambitious emission-reduction goals. 
  • Networking for impact: collaborating across European and global networks to amplify messages and coordinate strategies. 
  • Tools for sustainable planning: promoting the Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities (RFSC) to benchmark and guide local sustainable development. 
  • Decentralised cooperation: supporting international partnerships where European municipalities work hand in hand with peers worldwide to advance sustainable urban development. 

At COP21, local and regional governments made clear that the Paris Agreement could only succeed with their full participation. Their message was simple but powerful: municipalities and regions are closest to citizens, already delivering results, and ready to scale up climate ambition. Recognising and empowering them is not optional, it is essential to building a sustainable, low-carbon future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

Close Menu

About CCRE CEMR

1 Square de Meeûs
B – 1000 Bruxelles

T: + 32 2 511 74 77   Fax : + 32 2 511 09 49
E: info@ccre-cemr.org