Policy Committee

Have you ever wondered what Europe will look like in 10, 20 or even 30 years? Will we all be permanently scotched to our screens or personal virtual reality, each living in our own bubble? Will automation and universal basic income make work as we know it a thing of the past? Will cities and regions be green and fossil-fuel cars something children know about only from pictures?

One thing is for sure: Europe’s municipalities and regions will be managing the new day-to-day realities and proactively working to put people first. In the words of CEMR’s founders in 1951, local and regional leaders will continue to be “the builders of a Europe that is free, united and respectful of diversity.” A century later, these words will still ring true!

That’s why, for CEMR’s 70th anniversary celebration on 28 January 2021, we invite you to join us to take stock of our past and envision the future(s). This fully-fledged online event will bring together 250 participants from across Europe: mayors, local and regional leaders, opinion-makers, young activists, academics and European officials for interactive and dynamic discussions.

Through interactive exchanges, animated games and TED-style talks, we will look back on the high points and achievements of CEMR’s history in promoting the cause of local and regional Europe. Even before the founding of the European Communities, local leaders got to work bringing Europeans together through town twinning and the defence of local democracy. We have since steadily grown our membership to embrace almost the entire continent and expanded our field of action with initiatives on territorial development, gender equality and climate change.

Then we will turn to the future with a deep dive session imagining the scenarios for 2051 and what we will do to fulfill... or prevent them! As much as ever, the future remains to be written. Let’s think outside the box!

So come celebrate with us and get inspired by this European odyssey!

Programme: link
Registration link: https://forms.gle/DRqhDB7iN4Tu4pr19
Date: 28 January 2021
Time: 14:30-17:00
Platform: Zoom