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Focus on the CEMR agenda for the European Week of Regions and Cities.

Organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the European Committee of the Regions, the European Week of Regions and Cities is the biggest annual Brussels-based event during which cities and regions showcase their capacity to create growth and jobs, implement European Union Cohesion policy, and prove the importance of the local and regional level for good European governance. 
 

The Charter turns 40: renewing democracy in the digital age 

Date and time: 13 October 2025, 14 – 16:30 CET 
Venue: ACE events, Avenue d’Auderghem 22, Brussels 
Organisers: CEMR and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe 

2025 marks 40 years since the European Charter on Local Self-Government (the Charter) was opened for signature, a milestone document that anchors local democratic governance. In today’s digital age, local democracy is facing unprecedented challenges from disinformation, misinformation, and deliberate efforts to erode trust in public institutions. That’s why CEMR and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe are bringing together policymakers, local leaders, academics, and civil society for a vital discussion on how to build democratic resilience.  

This event will spotlight innovative local actions, feature the launch of CEMR’s new report on how local and regional governments are confronting the threats of mis/disinformation, and introduce the New Democratic Pact for Europe, a bold initiative to strengthen democracy for the future.  

‘Ukraine’s path to the EU: municipalities and partnerships for cohesion and growth’ 

Date and time: 15 October 2025, 16:30 – 18:00 CET 
Venue: VMA building – Rue Van Maerlant / Van Meerlantstraat 2, Brussels, VMA23 
Organisers: EasyBusiness, CEMR and the Agency for Recovery and Development, with U-LEAD’s support

This session will focus on Ukraine’s EU accession progress under Chapter 22, municipalities’ pivotal role as ultimate beneficiaries and the power of international municipal partnerships. Acknowledging municipalities’ limited direct experience, the session will highlight how knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives facilitate vital learning, accelerate EU alignment and crucially contribute to Ukraine’s broader integration and cohesion with the EU, fostering sustainable reconstruction and future growth.

EU Covenant of Mayors ceremony 2025 

Date and time: 16 October 2025, 8:00 – 13:30 CET 
Venue: European Parliament 
Organiser: EU Covenant of Mayors 

At a time of mounting geopolitical challenges and accelerating climate risks, the role of Europe’s towns, cities, and regions has never been more vital. This year’s Ceremony will bring together mayors, regional leaders, and top EU decision-makers to discuss how cities and towns are helping secure Europe’s future by providing citizens with clean and affordable energy while strengthening local resilience.  

For over 15 years, the EU Covenant of Mayors has mobilised local leadership across Europe to plan, act and work with communities towards a more resilient, prosperous, and climate-neutral future – making them indispensable allies in shaping Europe’s vision.  

This year’s Ceremony comes at a critical moment for Europe, as new priorities and strategies take shape and gather momentum under the freshly launched EU mandate. The event will shine a spotlight on the essential role of local governments in delivering on these priorities – highlighting how Europe’s security, resilience, and prosperity can only be achieved through close cooperation with its towns, cities, and regions.  

The event will feature high-level speakers, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament; Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions; Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, European Commission, along with mayors and regional leaders from across Europe.  

The Ceremony will also honour the winners of the 2025 EU Covenant of Mayors Award, celebrated for their outstanding leadership and achievements in decarbonising heating and cooling at the local level. 

Bridges of Trust – Annual gathering 

Date and time: 16 October 2025, 13:30 – 19:00 CET 
Venue: CEMR, 1 square Meeûs, 1st floor, Brussels 
Organisers CEMR, U-LEAD with Europe  

Bridges of Trust’s annual gathering brings together European and Ukrainian municipalities to strengthen cooperation and support Ukraine’s recovery. With local leaders, EU institutions, and partner organisations, the event fosters trust-based partnerships, knowledge exchange, and concrete actions for rebuilding communities and advancing EU integration.  

More info