I wish a longlasting and successfull life to this unique Organisation which I consider as my European family!

Having joined CEMR in 1992 and worked at the Secretariat General for 22 years I remember very well the feelings of the 50th and 60th Anniversaries of CEMR!

It is therefore with a particular emotion that I wish to congratulate CEMR for this 75th Birthday !

I am most grateful to CEMR for the marvellous years spent in a wonderful team, with three different Secretaries General , working with colleagues and national associations from so many different countries who have all brought so much to me! Colleagues and leaders from all over Europe but also from the rest of the world, in a common global house which is UCLG!

During this years I have learnt and lived the real meaning of this unique project which is the European Union - its content, its values, its challenges; but also the essence of international cooperation and the crucial role that local governments have in their capacity to respond to the daily needs of the population -women and men - and to the urgencies of the planet.

We shall always be rewarding to the founding fathers of CEMR who had this incredible idea of creating such an association in 1951!

Since then CEMR has been participating, contributing and shaping the European and international cooperation process by bringing the voice of local governments!

All my best wishes to CEMR for a most successfull future, at a time when we need Europe and international cooperation more than ever,..until the 100 years Anniversary!!

At a time when democratic values and peace must remain at the core of our collective commitments, CEMR’s founding principles feel as relevant today as when European mayors created it in 1951, believing that lasting peace and a prosperous Europe would grow through solidarity between municipalities and regions.

Being part of this journey — together with committed colleagues, members, and partners — reinforces how meaningful this collective effort truly is.

Looking forward to continuing this important journey together! ✨

For 75 years, CEMR has been the voice and network for local authorities in Europe. Congratulations on this long-standing existence! The idea that counties, cities, and municipalities are stronger together has lost none of its relevance today. The european idea begins here! CEMR has built, promoted and brought together a large and strong network. The value of this alliance is evident in many areas: in discussions on legal regulations, in the orientation of policy in Brussels, in the exchange of experiences, in international partnerships, and in the peaceful coexistence of different cultures. I am delighted to be able to contribute to this as co-president! I wish the organization continued success and congratulate it on its achievements over the last 75 years!

Over the past seventy-five years, CEMR has built a strong and respected network of collaboration, bringing together local and regional governments across Europe to address shared challenges and to promote the fundamental role of local democracy. Through dialogue, cooperation, and advocacy, CEMR has continuously strengthened the voice of local authorities at European level and beyond.

We are proud to be part of this network and to contribute to its mission of promoting resilient, inclusive, and well-governed local communities. As we reflect on this important milestone, we also look forward to continuing our joint efforts in responding to current and future challenges while further advancing the role of local government in Europe.

We wish CEMR every success for the years ahead and reaffirm our commitment to this valuable partnership.

Kind regards,

Mario Fava - President

Lianne Cassar - Executive Secretary
Local Councils’ Association (Malta)

Happy Birthday to a community that continues to shape the future of Europe from the ground up!

Honneur aux Pères fondateurs 

- qui ont gravé dans son acte de naissance l'engagement du CCRE en faveur de l'unification de l'Europe, jamais remis en cause depuis

- qui ont inscrit les principes du fédéralisme dans la constitution de l'organisation

Honneur à ce nombre incroyable de maires d'Europe qui , dès après la guerre, et malgré la guerre, ont multiplié les jumelages de villes européennes, entraînant des milliers et des milliers d'échanges de jeunes, et moins jeunes, européens. Ils se sont ainsi connus et compris. Ils ont sans aucun doute contribué aux 75 ans de paix jamais connus auparavant sur notre continent.

Honneur à ces maires de toute l'Europe qui se sont battus pour l'élection au suffrage universel du Parlement européen. Avec raison, Ils avaient la conviction qu'à côté du Conseil européen, l'assemblée des Etats, et de la Commission, l'Exécutif, il fallait une Assemblée directement élue par les citoyens d'Europe, légitime à les représenter démocratiquement.

Honneur à tous ces maires qui ont se sont engagés pour la création du Comité des Régions, puis ont obtenu la reconnaissance dans le Traité UE des collectivités locales comme partenaires de l'Union

Honneur à ces maires qui, au fur et à mesure de la chute des dictatures et du totalitarisme en Europe, ont tendu la main à leurs collègues nouvellement élus, et continuent de le faire, pour les aider à asseoir leurs jeunes démocraties sur la base solide des collectivités locales, qui comme le disait Tocqueville "sont à la démocratie ce que les écoles sont à la connaissance, et la mettent à la portée de tous"

Honneur à l'action du CCRE et de ses membres pour la création de l'organisation mondiale de villes : CGLU, désormais établie et prodigieusement active sur tous les continents, rassemblant désormais à travers les villes membres plus de la moitié de la population mondiale.

Honneur et gratitude à tous ceux qui ont fait qu'une utopie devienne réalité.

Merci et espoir en tous ceux qui poursuivent au sein du CCRE la construction d'un socle solide pour l'unité de notre continent, et le feront encore demain !

Elisabeth Gateau

Ancienne Secrétaire Générale du CCRE

This historic milestone has demonstrated to the entire world the indispensable role of local and regional governments in Europe’s project for peace, democracy, and solidarity.   

The common vision that healed the wounds of the Second World War has endured through turbulent times to reach the present day.     

In the face of today’s global and regional crises, the work of the CEMR, strengthening cooperation among municipalities while keeping local communities at the center, carries great importance.    

At a time when democracy is put to the test, the visionary roadmap that has been shaping our future for 75 years remains our foremost guide, from the local to the global level.

On this meaningful anniversary, in support of a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient Europe, I convey my solidarity greetings to all local elected officials and stakeholders who have contributed thus far, and with our firm commitment to the European ideal, I congratulate the CEMR on its 75th anniversary!

Ayşe Ünlüce

Mayor of Eskişehir

Metropolitan Municipality

CEMR has a powerful legacy to be celebrated. Over the years, it has been fundamental in promoting local leadership as key to advancing the values of democracy, human rights and rule of law. Paving the way for real recognition for Local Government at European and International level.

The world over, local authorities and their associations make an important contribution to international relations and to peace and security for all people. CEMR as an organisation embodies the true spirit of internationalism and we must continue to be united to best serve our local communities both in the EU and beyond.

COSLA is proud to be part of the collective that CEMR represents and remains committed to working with you to champion localism, subsidiarity and respect for inclusivity, fairness and diversity.

Thank you to our colleagues from across all the associations and to the dedicated CEMR staff for their fantastic work.

Congrats on the big 75! Happy Birthday to CEMR!

COSLA President Councillor Shona Morrison

COSLA CEMR Policy Committee Member Councillor Gary Robinson

Felicitacions al CCME i que per molts anys!

Local power connecting people and places, for cooperation and peace: all what we need ☺️