Cities on the frontline of the energy crisis

We are pleased to invite you to join this year’s Covenant of Mayors – Europe Conference, taking place in Brussels on March 30, 2023.

This year’s conference will focus on the local response to the energy crisis, discussing how it has shown (once again) that cities are frontrunners in Europe’s energy transition, and how these efforts can become long-term strategies to redefine lifestyles in the face of climate change.

When there is a crisis, local governments often find themselves on the frontline. Now faced with a drastic energy crisis, provoked by Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, cities have once again shown their competence in responding to such a crisis. They swiftly put into place immediate low-cost actions to reduce energy demand in public facilities, all the while increasing the share of renewables, as well as supporting the most vulnerable households and local businesses. 

In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, to strengthen and connect these local efforts to reduce energy consumption and dependency on Russian gas across Europe, the Cities Energy Saving Sprint campaign was launched last year as a joint initiative between the Covenant of Mayors – Europe, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions.

This event will be the opportunity for representatives of local and regional governments to present these measures, and exchange with high-level representatives from European Institutions, including Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans and EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, to discuss how the EU and national authorities can further support such efforts.   In addition, the event will open a discussion, involving youth ambassadors of the Climate Pact, on how to embed these measures into mid- to long-term solutions for deeper societal transformation. Read the details about the event here

When? 30 March 2023, from 9.30 am to 13.00 pm CEST.

Where? Brussels, in the Charlemagne building of the European Commission (Rue de la Loi 170) – room Alcide De Gasperi.

The Conference will be followed by a light networking lunch until 14.30 pm. Live streaming will be available during the Conference – the link will be sent out closer to the event date.

You can see the full agenda here.

We hope to see you there!