Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2025: Local Leadership for a Climate-Neutral Europe

This autumn, Brussels will host the Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2025, a key moment for local climate leadership in Europe. Taking place on 16 October, the event will gather mayors, local authorities, EU officials, and energy stakeholders to reaffirm their shared commitment to a climate-neutral, resilient, and fair Europe.

Held under the banner “The Time for Cities,” the ceremony highlights the essential role of municipalities in achieving Europe’s climate and energy goals. With over 10,000 signatories, the Covenant of Mayors is the largest European initiative of its kind—uniting local governments committed to cutting emissions, boosting energy efficiency, and building resilience to climate risks.

What to Expect

The 2025 edition will offer a mix of high-level dialogue, inspiring case studies, and strategic networking. Attendees will explore how cities are delivering on EU climate targets and shaping inclusive energy transitions on the ground. From clean mobility and renewable heating to citizen engagement and multilevel governance, the agenda reflects the breadth of local climate action today.

One of the ceremony’s core messages will be clear: local governments are leading the way—but they need enabling policies, funding, and partnerships to go further, faster. EU representatives, including from the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions, will join discussions to align EU-level ambition with local realities.

Spotlight on Decarbonised Heating

This year, the Covenant of Mayors Award will shine a light on decarbonising heating and cooling, in line with the campaign Cities Heat Detox. The award will honour local projects that are phasing out fossil heating systems in favour of clean, efficient alternatives—such as district heating upgrades, geothermal energy, and heat pumps. Winners will present their success stories as models for others to follow.

Reaffirming Commitments

The event is also a moment for cities to renew their pledges to climate neutrality by 2050, and to push for stronger support at national and EU level. A shared declaration is expected, reinforcing the need for multilevel governance and greater investment in local energy transition.

For local and regional energy agencies, the Covenant Ceremony offers a valuable platform to connect with peers, find inspiration, and reinforce their vital role in implementing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs).

Why It Matters

As Europe navigates complex challenges—energy security, climate adaptation, and social equity—local authorities remain on the frontlines. The Covenant of Mayors Ceremony is a powerful reminder that achieving the Green Deal starts in our cities and regions.

📅 Save the date: 16 October 2025
📍 Location: Brussels