Brussels Representation Office of Union of Municipalities of Türkiye

EU Legislative Interests

European Green Deal, with a focus on the role of local and regional authorities in climate adaptation, mitigation and just transition Cohesion Policy 2021–2027, including the Common Provisions Regulation and partnership principle governing the involvement of municipalities New European Bauhaus initiative as a policy framework linking green transition, social inclusion and quality of the built environment Urban Agenda for the European Union and the Pact of Amsterdam, particularly thematic partnerships involving cities European Climate Law and related legislative initiatives affecting local climate governance Circular Economy Action Plan, especially measures impacting municipal services, waste management and local public utilities European Pillar of Social Rights and its territorial implementation at local level Reform of European Union State Aid rules concerning local public services and municipal companies European Union enlargement and neighbourhood policies, with emphasis on local democracy, decentralisation and city-to-city cooperation

Communication Activities

The Union of Municipalities of Türkiye – Brussels Office carries out communication, representation and outreach activities related to European Union legislative proposals, policy frameworks and programmes that are relevant to local and regional governments. Acting as the EU-level representation of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT), the Brussels Office focuses on policy dialogue, institutional representation, capacity building and knowledge exchange at European level. The Brussels Office regularly engages with EU institutions through participation in policy dialogues, consultations, hearings and meetings organised by the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU-level stakeholder platforms. These engagements primarily address policy areas such as cohesion policy, urban governance, climate action, sustainable development, social inclusion and the role of local authorities in EU policymaking. Through these activities, the Brussels Office conveys the perspectives, priorities and experiences of Turkish municipalities and contributes to discussions on the territorial and local implementation of EU policies. The Brussels Office actively participates in European and international local and regional government networks, platforms and cooperation frameworks. This includes involvement in thematic working groups, structured dialogues, peer-learning processes and joint initiatives. In this context, the Office contributes to joint position papers, policy statements, consultation responses and advocacy documents addressing EU-level policy developments, including topics such as the European Green Deal, sustainable urban development, climate adaptation, circular economy, digital transformation and social cohesion from a local governance perspective. In addition, the Brussels Office organises and contributes to conferences, workshops, study visits and thematic events that facilitate dialogue and cooperation between municipalities, EU institutions and international partners. These activities support mutual learning, the exchange of best practices and informed discussion of EU legislative and policy developments affecting local governments. The Brussels Office also supports the dissemination of EU policy and funding information to Turkish municipalities through briefings, reports, guidance documents and targeted communication activities, with the aim of strengthening awareness, capacity and engagement with EU-level processes. Furthermore, it engages in project-based communication and dissemination activities under EU programmes, contributing to policy-oriented events, dissemination meetings and publications linked to project results. Through these activities, the Brussels Office promotes multi-level governance, reinforces the voice of local authorities in EU policy discussions, supports alignment between EU priorities and local needs, and fosters long-term cooperation between Turkish municipalities and European institutions and partners.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) – UMT is a member of CEMR and contributes to European-level policy dialogue, advocacy and cooperation among national associations of local and regional authorities. United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) – UMT participates in global cooperation platforms and policy discussions representing local governments worldwide. Metropolis – UMT is a member of Metropolis, engaging in metropolitan governance, urban policy exchange and international cooperation. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – UMT engages in sustainability-focused policy exchange and cooperation frameworks. United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia – UMT contributes to regional cooperation and capacity-building activities. Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe – UMT takes part in regional dialogue and experience-sharing among local authority associations. MedCities – UMT engages in Mediterranean cooperation initiatives focusing on sustainable urban development.

Organisation Members

The members of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey (UMT) are all municipalities in Türkiye. Membership is natural and mandatory, covering more than 1,400 municipalities, including metropolitan, provincial, district and town municipalities. This structure ensures comprehensive representation of local governments across the country. UMT does not operate through individual corporate affiliates; however, it works closely with its member municipalities through coordination mechanisms, thematic committees, project partnerships and capacity-building activities. Information on member municipalities and the institutional framework of UMT is publicly available at: https://www.tbb.gov.tr