European cities and regions act for a fairer, climate-neutral Europe

The Covenant of Mayors is the world’s largest movement for local climate and energy actions. Since 2008, the Covenant of Mayors – Europe (CoM-Europe) mobilises local and regional authorities and entities that have voluntarily committed to achieving the EU’s climate and energy objectives on their territories. Today, the movement has gathered more than 10,000 signatories from cities and towns, more than 200 territorial coordinators (ministries, regions, provinces, etc.) and more than 200 official supporters (energy agencies, associations of local authorities, etc.). Together, they have joined forces to bring a better future for their citizens.

The Covenant of Mayors is reaching a new milestone in 2021. Signatories are invited to step up their climate ambition and commit to a new common vision for achieving decarbonisation and resilience by 2050, with affordable, secure and sustainable energy. The new vision was endorsed by mayors and regional leaders from the Covenant – Europe Political Board during an online ceremony gathering of more than 350 participants on April 21st, 2021.

Building on a survey of 462 cities and regions on the climate neutrality target of the European Union, these renewed ambitions reflect local and regional leaders’ commitment to a climate and energy transition that is fair, inclusive and respectful of citizens and the planet’s resources. Beyond the objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050, signatories also commit to implement adaptation to climate change measures and alleviate energy poverty through a just transition. They also commit to engage citizens, businesses, agencies and other local stakeholders in participating in the transition. The Covenant – Europe’s new objectives align to the European Climate Pact, and other EU-wide initiatives inviting everyone to join efforts and build a greener Europe.

During the Covenant of Mayors-Europe launch event, participants had the opportunity to get inspired by local and regional leaders from the CoM Board. In the second part of the event, the CoM – Europe office provided more information on the new commitments and answered participants’ questions.

The event also celebrated the official nomination of the European Committee of the Regions ambassadors as part of the Covenant of Mayors – Europe Political Board. The Committee of the Regions has been supporting the initiative since its creation in 2008, and the cooperation with the European Commission on the Covenant – Europe has been recently intensified. The Committee of the Regions thus appointed 27 members – one per each EU Member State – to become the national representatives within the Covenant of Mayors – Europe, endorsing and reinforcing the initiative in the EU Member States. 

Whether you are a city, region or energy agency, signing the Covenant of Mayors is a public display of your community’s commitment to fight against climate change and to envision a more sustainable and resilient future. So join us and take action!

Julije Domac, FEDARENE President, Covenant of Mayors Board Member, Director of REGEA Croatia

Watch the event: recording, info session, message from EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.