On June 23–24, 2025, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) Leaders’ Summit was held in Oslo, Norway, with participation from representatives of the Georgian delegation: Neriman Tsintsadze, Chairperson of the Health and Social Issues Committee of the Batumi Municipality Assembly, and Ketevan Khomeriki, Chairperson of the Education, Culture, Sports, Youth Affairs, Health, and Social Issues Committee of the Ozurgeti Municipality Assembly.
The event focused on key themes, including strengthening democracy, protecting human rights, increasing citizen engagement, and reinforcing the role of local self-governments.
During the summit, Ketevan Khomeriki delivered a speech, sharing Georgia’s experiences with the international audience. She addressed the aggression carried out by Russia in 2008 and the occupation of part of Georgia’s territory. She also highlighted the country’s progress in areas such as education, infrastructure, environmental protection, and youth support, noting that local authorities closely collaborate with the national government to ensure no region or citizen is overlooked.
In her speech, Ketevan Khomeriki also emphasized Georgia’s European course and its core values.
“We choose and steadfastly uphold European values—freedom, democracy, human rights, and peace,” Ketevan Khomeriki declared, expressing special gratitude to the organizers for their support in fostering close cooperation with regional and local authorities, which significantly contributes to the European integration process.
The summit included a session of the CEMR Policy Committee and high-level discussions, attended by representatives and experts from local authorities across various European countries alongside the Georgian delegates.
Particular attention was given to discussions on the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Participants underscored the need for close collaboration between the EU, national institutions, and local and regional levels. They emphasized that such cooperation is essential for fostering a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically robust Europe.
The summit’s agenda also covered environmental issues, addressing strategic priorities such as the efficient use of energy resources, sustainable water resource management, and the development of a circular economy. Participants noted that these areas are critical for ensuring the ecological and economic sustainability of Europe’s future.
As part of the summit, delegates visited VEAS, Scandinavia’s largest water treatment facility, where they explored eco-innovative projects and successful practices implemented in Norway.
In summarizing the summit, participants reiterated the pivotal role of local self-governments in both strengthening democracy and promoting sustainable development, expressing their readiness to deepen cooperation with the EU and national institutions.
The event was organized by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS).