On 24 May, Members of the European Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Committee (AFCO) voted on a report on the “Role of cities in the institutional framework of the Union”, initiated by MEP Michal Ujazdowski. The report aims to establish a legal basis upon which cities and their representative associations are allowed to be formally and systematically involved in EU decision-making. Reacting to the result of the vote, Michal Ujazdowski declared: “The adoption of this report opens the perspective for cities to have a more active role in Europe’s future policy-making”.

While discussions are moving forward at the Parliament, CEMR have shared why they believe that local government associations, such as the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, should be fully recognised as contributors to European Governance. CEMR have also stated that the report is a key step towards a formal recognition of local governments and their representative associations in the EU decision-making process and we welcome this advancement. The report will be voted during a plenary session in July.

To read the CEMR statement on the report in full, click here.