AFCCRE Eastern Partnership seminar: local actions for an enlarged and united Europe

At a time when the European Union is reaffirming its commitment to enlargement, the role of local and regional governments in building a stronger, more cohesive Europe has never been more critical. This was the core message of the plenary session “An enlarged and united Europe: sharing our competences and values”, organised in the framework of AFFCRE Université à Lille on 10 October.

The session underscored that local and regional governmentsare indispensable actors in implementing EU-aligned reforms and ensuring that the European project takes root among citizens. While the path toward full EU membership remains long and demanding — involving the adoption of the EU’s legal framework and the strengthening of administrative capacities — local governments are already translating European standards into tangible action.

AFCCRE has long been committed to fostering these connections, building partnerships between French municipalities and their counterparts in Ukraine, Moldova, and other candidate countries. Such cooperation, often supported through PLATFORMA, provides practical tools for municipalities to strengthen governance, improve public service delivery, and adapt EU regulatory frameworks to local contexts.

EU enlargement cannot be sustainable without local ownership

Speakers during the session emphasised that EU enlargement cannot be sustainable without local ownership. The capacity of local governments to manage EU funds, strengthen citizens’ trust, and align local policies with European standards determines the success of integration in everyday life. Speakers included: Michel Pesch, Vice-President of the Dunkirk Urban Community and Mayor of Téteghem Coudekerque Village; Mélanie Lepoultier, President of the French Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, Mayor of Sommervieu, Vice-President of the Calvados Departmental Council, Deputy President of the AFCCRE; Romain Le Quiniou, Managing Director of Euro Créative; Nizar Yaiche, Director of Lianes cooperation.

PLATFORMA Director Boris Tonhauser, who also took part in the panel discussions, highlighted that through its active engagement in CEMR and PLATFORMA, AFCCRE promotes a vision of European integration rooted in decentralisation, local democracy, and good governance. PLATFORMA Eastern Partnership (EaP) projects link cities and regions to exchange expertise on youth policies, gender equality, energy transition, climate adaptation, and decentralisation reforms.

Moreover, by fostering peer learning and joint advocacy, PLATFORMA ensures that local voices are heard in Brussels and beyond — promoting an enlargement process that is not only political, but also democratic and participatory. These initiatives highlight that the European project grows stronger when shaped from the ground up, through genuine cooperation among local actors.

More information on AFCCRE website.