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Cohesion policy - 31.01.2018
Our Greek association joined the Cohesion Alliance
Greek towns and regions called for a strong cohesion policy beyond 2020. On their behalf, the Mayor of Mayor of Amaroussi and President of CEMR’s Greek association (KEDE), Giorgios Patoulis, joined the Cohesion Alliance in the presence of the President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Karl Heinz Lambertz.
The Cohesion Alliance (#CohesionAlliance) is a coalition of those who believe that EU cohesion policy must continue to be a pillar of the EU's future. The Alliance was created through cooperation between the leading European associations of towns, cities and regions, including CEMR, and the CoR. -
EU affairs - 17.01.2018
Irish Taoiseach speaks up for devolution at the European Parliament
In his official address to the European Parliament on 17 January, the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, spoke up for devolution. He stated: "The Europe of the future, I believe, must (...) where appopriate, devolve some powers back to member states, municipalities and regions". He then added: "I also support the Subsidiarity and Proportionality Taskforce. It is interesting that, on many matters, US states and Canadian provinces, even counties and municipalities, have greater autonomy and greater variation among them than EU member states currently have. Do we have the balance right? And does everything have to be harmonised and standardised?" -
Social dialogue - 21.12.2017
CEMR launches new project for a fairer social future
We are proud to be launching a new project: "Localising the European Semester”.
The European Semester is a 6-month period in which member states align their economic and social policies with the goals and rules agreed upon at EU level. Up until now, this process has only taken place between the EU and national governments, although towns and regions are directly impacted, particularly on the social level. We want this to change: local governments should have a seat at the table when their future is being discussed.
CEMR is launching this project in partnership with EPSU and with the support of the European Commission. -
Sustainability - 21.12.2017
CEMR members’ best practices for sustainable towns and regions
From renewable energy to cycling policy: draw inspiration from our members’ 15 best practices to make your town or region more sustainable. -
Air quality - 15.12.2017
Find eco-innovative solutions for air quality
Learn financing opportunities and innovative solutions to improve air quality. Join local and national governments, businesses, policy makers and associations at the European Forum on Eco-innovation in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 5 to 6 February 2018. -
Cohesion policy - 14.12.2017
Commission proposal puts Cohesion Policy at great risk
On 6 December, the European Commission unveiled a roadmap to deepen Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union, which includes a proposal to change the Common Provisions Regulation.
This is worrying for many reasons. Our Policy Adviser for Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, Marlène Siméon, shared her concerns with the press agency Agence Europe: “Cohesion policy seems to becoming just a carrot and a stick to put in place national reforms advocated within the European Semester.” On top of this, “Without necessarily any development and cohesion objectives for regions, there is no notion of partnership or dialogue mentioned for the reforms discussed in the European Semester.” -
Climate change - 13.12.2017
Listen to our Secretary General's interview on climate change
Ending climate change begins at local level. Want to know how? Listen to CEMR Secretary General Frédéric Vallier on RFI radio during the One Planet Summit in Paris. -
Energy transition - 12.12.2017
Launch of the Platform for Coal Regions in Transition
The EU Commission has launched an initiative to help coal-mining regions move away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable future. It will bring together EU, national, regional and local stakeholders involved in the transition to help them foster partnerships and learn from each other's experiences. -
EU Solidarity Corps - 11.12.2017
Become a host for the European Solidarity Corps
Become part of an EU-wide movement that supports solidarity as a shared value. Local and regional governments willing to host a Corps participant and offer an occupational placement can benefit from EU funding. The funding covers, among other expenses, travel costs of the young person and an Integration Programme to support parts of the costs (e.g. training, mentorship, etc.).
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