Prague, 6th and 7th December — The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) will gather in Prague for its Policy Committee meeting on the 6th and 7th of December 2023. Hosted by the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic (SMO ČR), the event will take place at the New Town Hall of Prague.

The Policy Committee meetings stand as a cornerstone of CEMR's annual calendar, offering a platform for constructive dialogue, collaborative decision-making, and strategic planning among local and regional elected representatives. The Committee's proceedings will commence with opening addresses from Mrs. Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of CEMR; Richard Vereš, CEMR Vice-President and Executive member of SMO ČR and Mayor of Slezská Ostrava; and Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague and Honorary President of SMO ČR.

Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary-General of CEMR, emphasises the importance of the event: "The Prague Policy Committee meeting holds special significance as it precedes the upcoming European Elections, adding an extra layer of importance to our discussions and resolutions. Our sincere gratitude goes to the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic for hosting this event."

At the core of the gathering will be the two debates of December 7th: 

Political Debate: "Pairing European Green Deal & Democracy: What Path for the Local Level?" - The first debate will address the democratic and inclusive transition towards a green future. Opened by the study findings of Italo Colantone, Associate Professor at Bocconi University, it will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Federica Bordelot, CEMR's newly appointed Director of Policy and Impact, on how to deliver the green transition while taking into consideration the specific needs of different territories.

Powering the Future: Driving Europe's Climate and Energy Policies through Multi-Level Governance - The second debate of the day will showcase critical findings from the CEMR and E40 Communications report: “Powering the Future: Driving Europe's Climate and Energy Policies through Regions and Municipalities – Multilevel Governance, Exemplary Policies, and Financial Dynamics”. Marlon Hilden, CEMR Energy, Climate, Sustainable Finance Officer, will set the scene for a dynamic panel discussion on the decentralisation of green policies, and open debate featuring prominent figures from the European Commission, local and regional governments, energy policy research and stakeholders.

Fabrizio Rossi states: “The Prague Policy Committee is instrumental in dismantling urban-rural silos, fostering a transition that truly improves the lives of everyone. Our debates on the role of local and regional governments in harmonising the green transition with democracy and preserving social cohesion have the potential to shape our collective future.”

The event will culminate in the Signature Ceremony of the Prague Declaration at the Residence of the Mayor of Prague, underlining the commitment of local and regional governments to drive positive change in Europe.

CEMR welcomes media coverage and inquiries related to the Policy Committee meeting in Prague. For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Lina Aburous

CEMR Head of Communications

lina.aburous@ccre-cemr.org

Martina Lehmannová

SMO ČR

lehmannova@smocr.cz

CEMR is the broadest European association of local and regional governments that brings together one million democratically elected European politicians, in 60 member associations from 40 countries since 1951.

SMO ČR: The Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic is a voluntary, apolitical, and nongovernmental organisation. The Union's activity is primarily based on the efforts of mayors, lord mayors, and representatives who, beyond their duties, dedicate themselves to general self-government issues.