Policy pathways to Climate Neutrality: Strengthening local leadership across Europe

The REMARKABLE Climate Leaders project has developed a pioneering framework to strengthen local climate leadership across Europe. Through a focus on capacity building, engagement, and resource allocation, REMARKABLE demonstrates how strategic support for local leaders can amplify climate action across regions.

Key Strategies for Local Climate Policy Empowerment

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
REMARKABLE’s approach centers on capacity-building for local leaders, offering training in critical areas like energy pathways and climate communication. For instance, workshops in Ireland and Sweden have provided local leaders with technical knowledge on biomethane, solar energy, and developing climate action roadmaps. By sharing EU-wide best practices, local leaders gain the expertise needed to implement effective climate strategies at the community level, backed by practical examples that resonate with regional needs.

Engagement through Collaboration Networks
Engagement and collaboration are crucial for scaling local climate action. REMARKABLE has established networks like “Elus pour Agir” in France, which connects thousands of representatives across regions, promoting cross-regional cooperation and best practices exchange. In Croatia, workshops have successfully integrated citizens into climate action planning, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and amplifying community-level initiatives. These collaborative efforts help municipalities align local actions with broader EU policies, strengthening the regional impact of climate strategies.

Streamlining Resource Access and Financial Support
Access to financial and technical resources is often a limiting factor for local climate initiatives. REMARKABLE addresses this with a one-stop-shop model, providing municipalities with guidance on regulations, financial planning, and funding access. In Slovenia, for example, the Energy and Climate Agency of Podravje (ENERGAP) offers municipalities support in navigating public and private funding mechanisms, ensuring that resource constraints don’t stall climate action. Moreover, REMARKABLE’s emphasis on developing local funding models encourages sustainable investment strategies.

Recommendations for Policy Enhancements
REMARKABLE’s success has led to key policy recommendations aimed at enhancing local climate leadership:

• Expand Training and Capacity-Building Programs: Additional EU funding can sustain training programs that equip local leaders with necessary climate policy skills.
• Enhance Support for Cross-Border Collaboration: Facilitating cooperation between municipalities across borders enables the sharing of climate solutions, creating a unified approach.
• Designate Climate Facilitators: Specialized facilitators can support local leaders by providing technical guidance, coordinating stakeholder efforts, and ensuring community engagement in climate policy discussions.

Conclusion

The REMARKABLE Climate Leaders project illustrates the power of supporting local leadership within the EU’s climate policy framework. By investing in capacity building, engagement, and streamlined resource access, REMARKABLE strengthens local leadership and fosters resilience, essential for meeting climate neutrality targets. This framework showcases how tailored support for local leaders, when aligned with EU goals, can transform climate ambitions into concrete, impactful policies.