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Refugee migration - 22.12.2015

What is the impact on local governments?
What are the implications of the ongoing refugee migration for European regions and cities? Find the answers in ESPON policy brief "Territorial and urban aspects of migration and refugee inflow", and to which CEMR contributed.

Along the same line, ESPON held a two-day seminar early December on “A world without borders – Refugees, cooperation and territories”.
Portugal - 25.11.2015

CEMR former executive president takes office as prime minister
Following general elections on 4 October, CEMR former executive president, António Costa, was appointed prime minister of Portugal.

Mr Costa was mayor of Lisbon for three terms since 2007. He is now tasked with forming a government.

More information: Euronews
Entrepreneurial region award - 24.11.2015

Win the label "Entrepreneurial region of the year"

The European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) rewards EU regions which show an innovative entrepreneurial policy strategy, irrespective of their size, wealth and competences. The awarded regions will be granted the label "European Entrepreneurial Region" for a specific year.

You can send your application until 18 March 2016.
Citizenship - 12.11.2015

EU Commission launches a public consultation on EU citizenship
The Commission wants to know about any obstacles that citizens might be facing in their daily lives as European citizens living, studying, working, shopping or simply travelling within the EU. The Commission wants to hear about potential solutions to remove these obstacles.

Local and regional governments are invited to take part in this public consultation. The deadline to participate is 7 December 2015.
Migration - 03.11.2015

A report about cities and migration
We live in a world which is becoming increasingly urban, where more and more people are moving to cities: nearly one in five of the world foreign-born population resides in established global gateway cities. Such fast rate of rising migration to cities brings with it both risks and opportunities for the migrants, local communities and governments concerned.

The International Organisation for Migrations (IOM) publishes a report highlighting the role of towns when dealing with migration, as well as the urban dimension of mobility.
European Commission - 28.10.2015
Juncker's Commission adopts its annual work programme
On 27 October, the European Commission adopted a work programme for 2016. Among their objectives, there will be set of priorities in which CEMR is actively involved:
- Migration;
- Implementation of the Digital Single Market;
- Circular Economy;
- Action plan on value-added tax (VAT)
Further information is available on the Commission’s website.
Refugee crisis - 20.10.2015

How South East Europe towns and regions are facing the arrivals of refugees?
Towns and regions in the south east Europe represent “a transit zone for the refugees aiming for the Western EU countries. Consequently, the situation on the field is changing rapidly, making planning and coordination exceptionally difficult. The local centres designated to receive refugees are insufficient in one moment, and deserted in another,” declares the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS) in a statement.

You can read the full statement in English.
Austria - 12.10.2015

Congratulations to CEMR honorary president for his reelection as mayor of Vienna
Michael Häupl, whose party secured 39.5 percent of Sunday's vote, was reelected mayor of Vienna on 11 October, despite tight competition with the far-right Freedom Party (32,3% of votes). Voter turnout is estimated about 72,4%.

Mr Haupl, who is member of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), was CEMR President from 2004 to 2007.
Austria - 29.09.2015

Summary of regional election results
The northern Upper Austria region held its regional elections on 27 September. The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) recorded 30% of the vote securing 18 seats, whereas in 2009’s elections the figures were 15% and nine seats. Voter turnout is estimated about 80%.

The next local elections will be held in Vienna on 11 October 2015.