The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the European regional section of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Organization and represents the most extensive community in Europe in terms of local and regional representation.
Municipalities cannot become direct members of CEMR. Instead, national associations of local governments represent their countries within CEMR, typically through delegations composed of local politicians serving in their assemblies. In Türkiye, the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye is the focal point and member of CEMR. Our union holds representation rights in the CEMR Political Committee with 8 full and 8 substitute members.
CEMR has a long-standing history, having been founded in 1951 by a group of European mayors. Today, it represents 150,000 municipalities and regional governments through 60 national associations from 41 countries, including 27 EU member states.
CEMR structures its work around thematic areas to contribute to the development of local autonomy, decentralization, and citizen participation in Europe. These themes include;
- democracy,
- citizenship and enlargement,
- resource efficiency and environment,
- partnerships,
- cooperation and global issues,
- economic, social and territorial cohesion,
- and the role of local and regional governments as service providers and employers.
Through committees and working groups focused on sustainable local development, environment, transport, international cooperation and partnerships, gender equality at the local level, governance, and social solidarity, CEMR actively defends the rights and interests of local and regional governments and conducts effective lobbying within the EU legislative process, enhancing the political influence of its members.
Click here to access the official CEMR website.