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Public health - 29.07.2020

The WHO's tips for cities fighting COVID-19
Cities are central to modern life, hosting a majority of the world's population today as well as crucial economic sectors. As densely populated areas and transport hubs, cities face particular challenges in containing epidemics. They also have assets, often holding considerable medical infrastructure and resources.

With this in mind, the World Health Organization has issued a short publication providing practical information to city governments fighting against the coronavirus, entitled Strengthening Preparedness for COVID-19 in Cities and Urban Settings Interim Guidance for Local Authorities.

The WHO provides a checklist of measures for cities to take to be well prepared for COVID and other epidemics. These include identifying potentially vulnerable populations, adopting a holistic and evidence-based approach and organising effective communication channels with residents. The WHO also stresses the importance of “coordination and coherence in measures across all governance levels”.
Have your say - 27.07.2020

How can the EU better integrate migrants?
The European Commission is seeking advice on how to better promote the integration and social inclusion of migrants and their children.

Towns, regions and associations with experience in this area have until 21 September to send in their ideas and suggestions as part of the Commission’s consultation on the future of EU migrant integration policies. CEMR will be answering this consultation, but you may also send an individual response.

What’s more, the Commission is setting up a new expert group of migrant advisors. Migrants, or people with a migrant background, with experience in migrant integration issues are encouraged to apply, as are organisations representing migrants’ interests. Be sure to share this opportunity with qualified individuals and organisations you know of. They have until 21 October to apply.
PLATFORMA webinar - 12.06.2020

The future of the Eastern Partnership
The PLATFORMA webinar on the Future of the Eastern Partnership will be organised on Tuesday 16 June from 9.00 to 10.30 CEST. PLATFORMA will discuss the future Eastern Partnership with EU representatives, Partnership countries and players active in the initiative.

Please register via the following registration link. Access codes will be sent at an earlier stage upon registration.

Contact Bella Tskhelishvili for more information.
Virtual workshops - 08.06.2020

The City Science Initiative invites you to a wide range of policy workshops
How can public policies and services take advantage of the results of scientific research and studies? The European Union’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is organising a number of virtual workshops to answer this question as part of the City Science Initiative. These events bring together city representatives, researchers and policymakers to exchange on the latest science and practices.

The workshops cover a wide variety of topics from the circular economy and sustainable mobility, to information technology and mental health. Checkout the JRC’s website to find out more about the workshops and their dates.
Call for proposals - 08.06.2020

Research on equality and well-being across generations
Equality and Well Being Across Generations (EWG) is a joint call for proposals for research on demographic change and inequalities.

Take a look at EWG's website for more information. You have until 14 September 2020 to apply.
Recruitment - 08.06.2020

The Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is looking for a Project Officer!
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is recruiting a ‘Project Officer for the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy fixed term contract at the CEMR Secretariat in Brussels).

Find all the details in the Job description.

Please send your CV and application letter, telling about your motivation and interest to application@ccre-cemr.org before 28 June 2020 – 23h59 . Please put ‘Project Officer – COMO 5’ in the title of the email.
Survey - 04.06.2020

COVID-19's impact on local and regional governments
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the OECD are conducting a joint consultation to gather the views of local and regional government representatives on the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a particular focus on local and regional finances, governance and recovery plans.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is available in all official EU languages. It is open until 30 June 2020. Please click here for more information.
ESPON - 03.06.2020

Call: research on COVID-19's territorial impact
The European Union’s ESPON programme has issued a call for researchers to work on a short-term study on the territorial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and on regional policies in Europe during the first months of the outbreak.

For more information, check out ESPON’s website. You have until 7 June 2020 to apply.
Competition - 28.05.2020

Launch of the European green cities awards
The European Commission has launched the 2023 European Green Capital (EGCA 2023) and the 2022 European Green Leaf (EGLA 2022) Awards, recognising cities that are genuinely committed to becoming more sustainable. Winners will receive prizes worth €600,000 and €200,000 respectively, as well gain international visibility and acces to a network of previous finalist and winning cities.

To find out more and submit your candidacy, check out the green city awards' announcement press release and website. You have until 28 October 2020 to apply. Good luck!