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Equality - 14.12.2016

Bilbao to host our conference on equality in 2018
Under the theme “Equality, diversity & inclusion”, the city of Bilbao and the Basque association of municipalities (EUDEL) will bring together local elected representatives, civil society, academia and CEMR associations to discuss the transformation of the social landscape in Europe.

During the CEMR Policy Committee (in Maastricht, 12-13 December), the mayor of Bilbao, Juan Maria Aburto, presented the goals of the conference that will take place in June 2018:

• to prepare our towns and regions to take the lead in tackling discrimination and inequalities,
• to promote social inclusion and diversity.

On the occasion of the CEMR Policy Committee, CEMR members also held a debate on the 10th anniversary of the Charter on gender equality.
Social Dialogue - 08.12.2016

New guidelines for fair integration of migrants in the labour market
Integrating migrants in the labour market can be a real challenge for local governments. CEMR and the European Public Service Union (EPSU) have just approved and adopted joint guidelines that support strengthening anti-discrimination measures in local and regional governments.

These guidelines recognise how important the inclusion of migrants in the labour market is as part of inclusion in society as a whole. Towns and regions in all of Europe will be able to benefit from these guidelines.

The guidelines were adopted during the plenary meeting of the European Social Dialogue Committee on Monday 5 December 2016. Representing CEMR, the co-chair of the Social Dialogue Committee, Malin Looberger, was present; alongside the representative from EPSU and other Social Dialogue Committee co-chair, Mads Samsing.

The joint guidelines are available in seven languages.
Recruitment - 07.12.2016

The Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa is recruiting
- Project officer on energy and climate

Application package
Deadline for applications: 3 January 2017.
Recruitment - 01.12.2016

PLATFORMA is recruiting
- Policy officer
Application package
Deadline for applications: 3 January 2017.

- Press and communication internship
Application package
Deadline for applications: 12 December.

- Policy internship
Application package
Deadline for applications: 12 December.
Cohesion policy - 30.11.2016

Expert group meeting: all territories need simplified access to EU funding
How can we find solutions to simplify access and management of EU funding for all towns and regions after 2020? This important issue was addressed during the meeting of CEMR’s expert group on territorial cohesion on 29 November, where they discussed the future of cohesion policy after 2020. Among others, the director general of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), Marc Lemaître, and DG REGIO head of unit, Peter Berkowitz, were present.

For CEMR, the main issue is that all territories need to have simplified access to European structural and investment funds – whether they are urban or rural. EU funds do exist. The problem is that the current application procedures are so complicated that many towns and regions end up not having access – even though they would be entitled to these funds. The next expert group meeting will take place in February, and we are confident we will find a common position.
EU affairs - 29.11.2016

President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing discusses Europe with CEMR
Former president Valéry Giscard d’Estaing met CEMR secretary general Frédéric Vallier in Paris today. In the agenda was a discussion on the future of Europe, as well as his vision for Europe’s towns and regions in this future.

President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing wished to send a message to young generations concerning the European project: “take the power!”

Valéry Giscard d’Estaing held the position of CEMR president from 1997 to 2004.
Executive Bureau - 25.11.2016

Paris hosts CEMR Executive Bureau
CEMR’s Executive Bureau met in Paris from 21 to 22 November. Its members prepared the Policy Committee meeting that will take place in Maastricht from 12 to 13 December.

Two key debates will be taking place in Maastricht: one on gender equality and one on the future of Europe, at the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Maastricht treaty.
Smart Cities - 22.11.2016

Citizen Engagement for Inclusive Smart Cities – keynote speech by CEMR secretary general
Is the engagement of citizens the key to achieving inclusive and smart cities? A conference on the matter is taking place on 23 November in Brussels, where CEMR secretary general, Frédéric Vallier, will be a keynote speaker. He will be speaking at the panel discussion on “Involving citizens from consultation to empowerment”.

Organised by EIP-SCC, ICLEI and ERRIN, this conference will take place at the Dutch Permanent Representation in Brussels.
Circular economy - 22.11.2016

European Week for Waste Reduction: local governments' 6 proposals
This week is a very important week for our towns and regions’ environment: it is the European Week for Waste Reduction (#EWWR2016).

Back in June, CEMR, EUROCITIES and Municipal Waste Europe addressed the European Parliament so that they would take towns and regions’ needs into account for the future directive on waste and landfill. We put forth 6 proposals for better local waste management in Europe. Now, we are using this week as an opportunity to share our messages once more.

1. Broaden the definition of municipal waste to make the implementation of waste policies easier
2. Partnerships between waste producers and local governments need to make clear that all waste costs are covered (and not just “optimised costs”, like the current directives says)
3. To target other sectors than municipal waste in EU waste legislation, since 90% of waste in Europe is not municipal!
4. Increase funding availability for towns and cities
5. Create knowledge platforms to enable the exchange of best practices for a transition towards a circular economy
6. Set up waste prevention measures