Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

Yesterday, we saw something truly special at our 'MEPs Meet Local Leaders' event. With 80 participants, including 15 Members of the European Parliament and local elected leaders from across Europe, the atmosphere was electric. Together, we confronted some of the most critical challenges for the upcoming European mandate—focusing on the green transition and finding a way to keep cohesion strong while driving competitiveness forward. ⚠️ Right now, there is an urgent need to ensure that local voices are heard. This event was a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable role of local governments—the true experts of their territories, uniquely positioned to make EU resources impactful for citizens. A huge thank you to all our incredible participants for making this event a success—and to Jean-Paul Judson for his masterful moderation. Thank you to all our local leaders who, together with the newly elected MEPs, came to CEMR to discuss the findings from our latest study on the green transition at the local level and addressed the concerns of both MEPs and local leaders about the future of European Cohesion Policy.   It was a memorable evening, showing the power of dialogue and partnership. Together, we can bring EU resources closer to the people and build an economy that truly works for the next generation of Europeans. Read our study: https://lnkd.in/edgTZXFt #EU #LocalGov #GreenDeal #cohesionpolicy #greentransition #environment #climate #sustainability

During #EURegionsWeek, CEMR showcased the Bridges of Trust project.   Jointly with the Association of Ukrainian Cities and supported by U-LEAD with Europe , this initiative has strengthened cooperation between EU and Ukrainian municipalities, particularly since the full-scale war began in 2022.   From October 8 to 10, our stand focused on "Municipal Resilience: Bridges of Trust in Ukraine's Recovery." Visitors explored real-world examples of inter-municipal cooperation, with best practices and insights shared on how municipalities can work together, even in challenging circumstances. These stories—highlighting both successes and obstacles—provided inspiration for others interested in similar partnerships.   As we continue to support Ukraine's recovery, the human connections behind the projects remain crucial. By uniting municipal leaders, we highlight the importance of solidarity and shared knowledge, contributing to Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU. Be part of the recovery with us by joining the community: https://lnkd.in/dktra4n9 #BridgesofTrust #Ukraine #EWRC #Resilience #Twinning #Partnerships Many thanks to all the exhibitors and speakers, Stanislav T., Léa Hetz, Katarzyna Łaziuk, Ljubica Kosheliuk, Agita Kaupuza, Durmish Guri.

Highlights from CEMR's Workshop at the Week of Regions and Cities! 🌍 How can local and regional administrations effectively navigate their challenges in today's complex landscape? To address this matter, CEMR was pleased to contribute to the discussion "Quality Local and Regional Administrations for Resilience and Growth" at the Albert Borschette Conference Centre in Brussels.   Our speakers: Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner (via video message) Karen van Dantzig, Representative of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands André Sobczak , Secretary General, Eurocities Durmish Guri, Director, Projects and Programmes, CEMR Our discussions centred on the critical challenges faced by local and regional governments (LRGs), facing growing responsibilities and reduced resources. We emphasised the need for place-based leadership, effective multi-level governance, collaboration, and capacity building for resilient public services capable of adapting to the diverse needs of communities. The Commission TSI and Compact programmes are valuable tools to support subnational governments but it’s also important that they are adapted to different types of municipalities and political contexts. Some food for thought for the next European Commission. Thank you to all participants for their invaluable insights and commitment to strengthening local governance. We look forward to continuing this important dialogue. #EWRC2024 #Localgov #LRGs

🌍✨ Congratulations to Mayor Jan van Zanen   We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, as the new President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the international action of local governments. As the Mayor of the City of Peace, President van Zanen is committed to advancing the Peace Agenda and fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders! As we move forward together, we are committed to upholding the values of peace, multiculturalism, and unity that are at the heart of European and global collaboration. Let's work together to build a stronger, more connected future. Fabrizio Rossi

🌍 Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year, the focus is on the vital connection between mental health and work. 🧠💼 With 60% of the global population in work, we must create safe, healthy working environments that protect mental health and support productivity. Unfortunately, stigma, discrimination, harassment, and poor working conditions can negatively impact mental health, reducing both quality of life and workplace engagement. Governments, employers, workers' organisations, and stakeholders must unite to foster environments that promote well-being at work. Meaningful action involving workers and those with lived mental health experiences is key to developing strategies that make workplaces safe, inclusive, and supportive. By investing in evidence-based interventions, we can ensure that everyone thrives at work and beyond. Let's make the workplace a cornerstone of good mental health! 💪   Read more about our impact on the workplace: https://lnkd.in/en3ccK2f #WorldMentalHealthDay #labour #health #mentalhealth

📊 #LocalDataTuesday The European Week of Cities and Regions #EURegionsWeek is in full swing! During the opening, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions, presented the State of Regions and Cities in the European Union #SOTEULocal - an essential report to grasp the vital role that Local and Regional Governments play in shaping EU policies. 🔎 One Key Takeaway: 👉 #Enlargement: Regions and cities implement around 70% of the acquis Communautaire, half of the public investment, and a third of public expenditure. 👉 Nearly all EU sectoral policies impact or are implemented by local/regional governments. A centralised approach won’t work; funds and investments must be directed to the regional/local level for real impact. 🤝 For EU policies to deliver for people, we need local action and regional investments. Read the State of Regions and Cities Report here: https://lnkd.in/ev_SHG_v #SOTEULocal #EURegionsWeek #LocalGovernment #RegionalDevelopment

☕ Join Us for an Online Breakfast on the Future of Local & Regional Governments 📅 October 22, 9:00 - 9:45 AM 🎙️ Featuring CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi & Marta Galceran Vercher from CIDOB. 📺 Livestream on LinkedIn to explore the impact of the 2024 EU elections on local governance. Register now and start your day with valuable insights #LocalGovernance #FutureOfEurope #EUelections #Event #Online

📢 EUI Autumn Call for Peer Reviews is now open! The European Urban Initiative has launched its new call for Peer Reviews, and cities across the EU are invited to join! 🌍🏙️ The call is open until 13 November 2024, 12:00 CET. A Peer Review is a fantastic opportunity for cities to enhance their Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) strategies. During each review, a 'city under review' collaborates with 'peer reviewers' to tackle specific challenges in designing, implementing, or monitoring an effective SUD strategy. Why apply? ✅ Strengthen your city’s strategy ✅ Gain new insights and expand your skillset ✅ Build enduring partnerships with peers across Europe 🏙️ This call is open to all EU cities looking to discuss and refine their Sustainable Urban Development strategies. Whether focusing on multi-sectoral policy, multi-stakeholder governance, or promoting community-led processes, this platform is for you! Is your city ready to take the next step? Apply now and shape a more sustainable future for your community: https://lnkd.in/dVech-x2 #EUIPeerReview2024 #SustainableCities #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #Governance #EuropeanCities #CityCollaboration

Just wrapped up the 10th edition of the Université Européenne 'Connectons l’Europe à ses territoires'! Organised by the Association Française du Conseil des Communes et Régions d’Europe (AFCCRE), this national event brought together local and European representatives from over 40 French cities to discuss on Twinning and European cohesion. The first session, titled “Exchanges, Cooperation, Twinning: What Value for Europe?”, featured insights from CEMR’s Project Officer for Twinning and Partnerships Building, Maddalena Fontana. She highlighted the role, challenges, and opportunities of twinning, as well as its positive impact on the strengthening of European bonds in a context of growing instability. In subsequent plenary sessions, elected officials, local government representatives, and partners engaged in critical discussions about challenges to cohesion and resilience in Europe, how to rekindle "le goût de l'Europe" in the face of euroscepticism, and the role of exchanges between local authorities in promoting peace. Many thanks to AFCCRE for organising this successful and enriching event! This event was organised in partnership with the Département du Calvados and the Ville de Caen. It was supported by the Centre national de la fonction publique territoriale (CNFPT), PLATFORMA network and the  the Délégation pour les Collectivités Territoriales et la Société Civile du Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères. #EU #Twinning #Cohesion #Partnerships

📊 #LocalDataTuesday How local is the new European Commission? 🤔🏛️ It turns out local leadership is well-represented! More than 40% of the designated College of Commissioners have previously held a local or regional mandate in their careers. 🗳️ 11 out of 27 Commissioners have walked the corridors of city halls or regional councils before making their way to Brussels, bringing the insights of local governance into the heart of European decision-making. 🌍🔄 Here are the Commissioners with a previous local or regional mandate: 🔵 Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Greece): Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism 🔵 Dubravka Šuica (Croatia): Commissioner for Mediterranean 🔵 Henna Virkunnen (Finland): Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy 🔵 Jessika Roswall (Sweden): Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy 🔵 Magnus Brunner (Austria): Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration 🔵 Maria Luis Albuquerque (Portugal): Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union 🔵 Maroš Šefčovič (Slovakia): Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency 🔵 Michael McGrath (Ireland): Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law 🔵 Raffaele Fitto (Italy): Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms 🔵 Stéphane Séjourné (France): Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy 🔵 Ursula von der Leyen (President) These leaders have experienced the challenges and opportunities of local governance, making them uniquely positioned to understand the needs of cities, towns, and regions across Europe. 💡 This is a powerful step for the EU, recognising that local needs are crucial to addressing European and global challenges. #EUCommission #LocalGovernance #RegionalPolicy #LocalLeaders #Europe #LocalPolitics #EU #Cohesion #Leadership 🌍✨