Eastern Partnership & South-East Europe | Translating EU reforms into real improvements for citizens
“Local Governments in a Rapidly Changing Europe” was the theme of NALAS 21st General Assembly organised in Sibiu (Romania) from 20 to 22 April 2026. The event provided an important platform for dialogue on the future of local governance in a rapidly evolving Europe, regional cooperation, and the role of local governments in delivering tangible results for citizens.
CEMR-PLATFORMA representative Bella Tskhelishvili moderated the session EU–Eastern Partnership (EaP)-South-East Europe (SEE) Local Leaders Forum “From EU Reforms to Local Results – Delivering Change Where It Matters”, which was organised in collaboration with CEMR.
It focused on how local governments in SEE and EaP countries translate EU reforms into real improvements for citizens. Speakers highlighted the importance of EU funds, territorial development, revitalisation of industrial zones, and equal access to opportunities for all municipalities.
Mayors from Romania, Slovenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Montenegro shared concrete examples and strong messages, stressing the following key messages:
- cooperation at the country level and the transfer of good practices are primordial for the sustainable development of the local services
- a clear focus on targeted needs of rural municipalities is important to address existing gaps between big urban communities and small municipalities
- transparent and clear multilevel dialogue, especially between local, regional and European levels, is one of the essential preconditions to develop local infrastructure and businesses
- local governments’ involvement in the current Reform agendas and Growth Facility plans is needed to ensure the full implementation of the reforms, as 70% of them cover local and regional governments’ competencies.
Moreover, the fight against Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) was identified as an important issue to be tackled at the local, national and international levels.
Furthermore, Ukrainian representatives shared the challenges of decentralisation during wartime, stressing the need for stronger support mechanisms, co-financing, and pre-financing for municipalities participating in EU programmes.
The evolving role of local government associations
Participants also gathered for a roundtable discussion on how local government associations (LGAs) are adapting to growing demands on local governments and strengthening their role in EU integration, reform processes, and multilevel governance.
Participants discussed the evolving role of associations, which is no longer limited to representation and advocacy but increasingly includes direct support and service delivery to municipalities.
Representatives from Ukraine and Moldova also shared their experiences. The Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) continues to play a key role in advocating for the interests of Ukrainian municipalities and building stronger links with the EU accession process.
In Moldova, where territorial and administrative reforms are ongoing, associations face increasing expectations while also dealing with challenges related to capacity and financial sustainability.