a) European Union Enlargement
Establishing links between national legal systems and EU law is a requirement for candidate countries. Local governments must also undergo various reform processes and become organizations capable of aligning with EU legislation. In Türkiye, these reforms were carried out between 2004 and 2006 as part of the EU harmonization process. CEMR provides support documents on how local governments in negotiating countries can contribute to the EU accession process. It also prepares recommendation reports on the types of programs and projects that EU member local governments can develop within enlargement policies. By its structure, CEMR fosters partnerships among member states, new members, and candidate countries. To best support local governments in EU candidate countries, CEMR has developed a platform for joint projects with other stakeholders. This platform includes institutions such as the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS) and the Committee of the Regions.
b) Twinning (Sister Cities)
Twinning relations began after World War II as a local peace initiative aimed at European integration and preventing cities from being destroyed by war again. Bringing together people from different countries, cities, and cultures has always been central to CEMR’s activities. CEMR continues to support and develop these relationships with a belief in a livable Europe. Over time, twinning relations have evolved into various projects and activities. These partnerships allow two or more municipalities to collaborate on specific themes such as wastewater, economic development, or social services. As Europe continues to renew itself, CEMR’s twinning efforts aim to develop local governments that can adapt to these changes. Partnerships are encouraged to focus on clear outcomes and defined activities. CEMR has formed a dedicated working group in this area, composed of twinning coordinators from member municipal associations. This expert network promotes, monitors, and develops new models for twinning relations. It also provides briefing notes to the European Commission on which programs should be funded. To ensure all partners can easily follow the work, CEMR developed the website twinning.org, available in over 20 languages. It allows local governments to search for sister cities by filling out simple forms and provides resources for sustaining twinning relationships. As of June 3, 2016, 392 Turkish municipalities had established 1,547 twinning relationships with cities from 127 countries.
c) Gender Equality in Local Life
CEMR promotes equal opportunities for women and men in local governance, supporting inclusive policies and practices across Europe.
d) Resource Efficiency and Environment
The increasing use of natural resources such as fossil fuels, water, soil, air, metals, and minerals poses serious risks to climate and health. These issues are widely debated on international platforms. Local and regional governments are authorized bodies in the efficient use of natural resources. Issues like water pollution, air pollution, waste services, and waste disposal fall under their daily responsibilities. EU environmental programs and policies are becoming increasingly stringent. Compared to global averages, EU member states apply the strictest environmental regulations, which directly affect local governments. CEMR places great importance on lobbying to ensure that European policies are shaped according to the needs and demands of local governments. All these efforts are carried out under CEMR’s “Resource Efficiency and Environment Thematic Platform.”
e) Air Quality
Despite recent reforms and legal restrictions, Europe’s air quality remains at levels that pose risks to public health and ecosystems. These effects are clearly visible at the local level and felt by communities. The European Commission aims to revise its air quality regulations. The lack of flexibility for local governments in EU legislation delays the achievement of intended goals. CEMR, as the voice of local governments, maintains close contact with the European Commission and other relevant bodies to conduct lobbying activities in this area.
f) Waste
Local governments are responsible for managing and disposing of waste at the local level. This includes recycling, collection, transfer, and incineration. Waste management varies depending on local conditions, but successful models rely on full citizen participation, starting with household-level sorting. EU waste laws are complex and directly target local governments. They define priorities and set specific targets for waste-related operations. CEMR aims to convey local governments’ views on waste management to European institutions during the legislative process. These efforts are coordinated under the “Waste Focus Group.”
g) Migration and Refugees Task Force
This task force was formed by experts from CEMR member organizations working on migration, integration, and refugee issues. It monitors refugee and migration crises daily and builds a knowledge base on evolving policies. The group seeks to add regional and local perspectives to these policies. Experts produce position papers, briefing notes, and organize conferences. They do not make political decisions but report developments to political bodies.
h) Crisis and Localisation
Following the 2008 financial crisis, many national governments in Europe began developing strategies to use resources efficiently and mitigate the crisis’s effects. Shrinking budgets, rising costs, and increasing demands from citizens negatively impacted local government finances. Efforts to consolidate public budgets led to a resurgence of centralization, with many powers being transferred back to central governments. CEMR closely monitored local governments and national financial policies after the 2008 crisis. It worked to prevent the weakening of local financial autonomy under the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Between 2009 and 2013, CEMR conducted numerous studies on the financial status of municipalities across Europe. These efforts, in collaboration with institutions like the Council of Europe, aimed to protect the financial interests of local governments. To carry out these activities, CEMR established the “Crisis and Localisation Observatory.”
i) Intergenerational Dialogue
Demographic changes bring new needs, including in policies and services. Local governments are responsible for providing public services such as education, healthcare, public transport, and housing to both young and elderly citizens. The EU has adopted a set of guiding principles on active aging and intergenerational solidarity. These principles serve as a foundation for cooperation between central governments and stakeholders at various levels. In this context, CEMR coordinates the views of municipalities and regions and engages in activities to influence decision-making processes.
j) Multiculturalism and Integration
Europe has a long history of migrant cultures. Migrants have significantly contributed to the cultural and social values of the societies they live in. Local policies are essential to integrate migrants into local life and adapt public services to diverse cultures. In today’s Europe, issues such as migration, integration, poverty, and social exclusion require shared understanding and joint action across all levels of governance, including municipalities and regions. CEMR aims to bring together local knowledge and experience in multiculturalism and integration and conducts lobbying to ensure consistency in European policies in this area.
k) Local Governments as Employers
Local and regional governments in Europe employ over 17 million people. As employers, they face various challenges related to employment access, job organization, and working conditions. Social dialogue, public service efficiency, effective use of financial resources, and worker safety are among the key issues supported by the European Commission. CEMR is recognized as the leading organization defending the interests of local and regional governments as employers in Europe. It has become an indispensable consultation partner for European institutions on working conditions, job organization, and related matters. CEMR’s expert group in this area works in partnership with the European Federation of Public Service Unions, which represents public sector employees.
l) Employment
In Europe, social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations, and joint actions conducted between organizations representing both sides of industry—workers and employers—and can take place at regional, national, or European levels. The European Commission is responsible for promoting social dialogue at the European level. As a representative of local governments, CEMR works to influence European employment-related proposals and encourages the development of social dialogue in EU member states.
The working group established by CEMR aims to ensure suitable working conditions in the public sector at local and regional levels. Specifically, it represents the employer side in consultations with the European Federation of Public Service Unions.
m) Local Governments as Service Providers
Local and regional governments have the mission of providing a wide range of public services to their citizens. However, the regulations governing these services are decided at the EU level. Legislation related to public procurement, concessions, subsidies, or international trade agreements directly affects local governments.
Additionally, the provision of local and regional public services is influenced by the flow of information technologies. Technological advancements are used as tools to deliver public services more efficiently, affordably, and with higher quality.
In this context, CEMR collaborates with the European Commission by considering local expectations and regional needs. The expert group established in this area monitors legal developments related to the provision of local and regional public services and actively influences legislation.