210 European Mayors Demand EU Emissions Peak by 2020, Halve by 2030 and Reach Net-Zero by 2050

Mayors and leaders of 210 cities across Europe, representing 62 million citizens, have today urged the European Council and the Member States to step up the EU’s climate commitments, to show global leadership and drive ambition to make rapid progress in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Their demands include:

• Develop a just and inclusive European long-term climate strategy that enhances resilience and ensures emissions in the EU peak by 2020, more than half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050;
• Enhance the 2030 EU climate and energy targets and Nationally Determined Contribution to ensure a resilient, rapid and just energy transition in line with the above goals;
• Align the next EU long-term budget with this strategy, remove fossil fuel subsidies and mainstream climate action as a priority across all funding programmes; and
• Commit all member states to binding net-zero emission reduction targets and the above goals.

The open letter, signed by leaders of cities in 21 EU member states and 7 neighbouring countries was published ahead of the Future of Europe conference to take place in Sibiu, Romania on 9th May 2019.

“Climate change is a threat to all Europeans, regardless of their social background or political beliefs. Mayors from large and small cities, right across Europe, recognise the urgency of the challenge ahead and are implementing bold climate action on their streets. EU decision-makers must set aside their differences to take the ambitious and courageous decisions needed on climate action. The future of Europe must be as a global climate leader. Future generations will not forgive us if we fail to act while there is still time.” – Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris and Chair of C40 Cities

“I am very proud that many cities have already taken ambitious steps towards a net-zero economy, but limiting warming to 1.5C requires the involvement of all political levels. It is time that European and national leaders fully commit to and start working for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, together with our cities.” – Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor of Stockholm & President of EUROCITIES

“Our citizens are taking to the streets, demanding more to be done. Our scientists in universities are telling us that the time for action is short. The target of a net-zero EU by 2050 is achievable if we act now. There is no time for further debate. The goal is clear and the time for implementation is now – we need EU leaders to recognise this and join with cities in driving a shared energy transition.” – Dr Eckart Würzner, Lord Mayor of Heidelberg

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we currently face, and the Paris Agreement demands we confront it now. Cities, including Seville, are clearly determined to promote joint projects requiring funding and coordinated strategies in areas such as public transport, energy efficiency or waste reduction and enhancement through a circular economy. Cities are at the centre of climate change, but they are also the solution. Cities are committed, but we need the support of the European Union and all its member states for more collaboration and more funding to research, innovate and share successful experiences.” – Juan Espadas, CEMR spokesperson and Mayor of Seville

“Now is the time to act to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. We have to listen to science and take the IPCC report seriously – it is very likely that we only have until 2030 to limit climate change effects. We need a rapid and deep transformation to a more sustainable and just society for the benefit of our citizens and should commit to a net-zero emissions target by 2050. Freiburg will continue to implement ambitious climate measures to safeguard the well-being of our and future generations.” – Martin Horn, Mayor of Freiburg and Chair of ICLEI Europe

“Bold action on climate change is vital to protect the planet for future generations. It also has the potential to improve the lives of citizens by creating jobs, cleaning the air and making our cities more inclusive. The #FridaysForFuture demonstrations have shown that young people across Europe want radical change to prevent climate catastrophe. The policies that we, as European mayors, are calling for today can deliver the sustainable, prosperous and inclusive communities that our children and grandchildren deserve to inherit. The City of Milan is committed to climate action, and I call on European leaders to match our ambition.” – Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan & Vice-Chair of C40 Cities

“European Cities, through their ambitious climate plans and projects being implemented every day, have proven to be effective delivery agents for EU’s clean energy legislation. Now is time for the European Union to prove they are equally determined to stop global warming by adopting a long-term climate strategy aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.” – Julije Domac, CEO of North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency & President of FEDARENE

About the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

Around the world, C40 Cities connects 94 of the world’s greatest cities to take bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Representing 700+ million citizens and one-quarter of the global economy, mayors of the C40 cities are committed to delivering on the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level, as well as to cleaning the air we breathe. www.c40.org

About CEMR

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the united voice of 130,000 towns, cities and regions federated through 61 associations across 41 countries. www.ccre.eu

About EUROCITIES

EUROCITIES is the political platform for major European cities. We network the local governments of over 140 of Europe’s largest cities and more than 40 partner cities that between them govern some 130 million citizens across 39 countries. www.eurocities.eu

About Energy Cities

Energy Cities is a network of 1,000 local authorities located in 30 countries. We are the link between city leaders and EU & national institutions to accelerate the energy transition in Europe. www.energy-cities.eu/

About ICLEI

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 100+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. www.iclei-europe.org

About FEDARENE

FEDARENE is the premier European network of local and regional energy agencies and regions. FEDARENE organises exchanges of experience and partnerships between its members and promotes the local and regional dimension to EU institutions. It now has 80 members in 21 countries in the European Union. www.fedarene.org