2021 Ceremony

Registration open: come celebrate cities’ commitment to achieve carbon neutrality

Time: 7 October 2021, 9.30 – 13.00
Place: online… and everywhere in Europe!
Event info | Programme | Registration

The big moment is coming: the 2021 Covenant of Mayors Ceremony “Towards a fairer and climate-neutral Europe for all” will take place next month. Municipalities and local government associations are invited to join us at great event to celebrate the Covenant Community’s achievements and cities’ ambition to decarbonise by 2050. We will also discuss how to commit, engage and take action for a fairer, climate-neutral Europe.

The event will be opened by David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament. Speakers include Frans Timmermans, Commission Vice President for the European Green Deal, and Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy, as well as many mayors and local government representatives. It will also include 4 side sessions addressing the following topics:

Climate Adaptation and the Policy Support Facility
The Fit for 55 package
The Covenant 2050 ambition and how to renew the commitment
The European Climate Pact

Von der Leyen backs the Covenant’s boosted 2050 goals

With over 10,000 signatories, the Covenant of Mayors is the world’s largest movement for local climate and energy action. By joining the Covenant, cities, towns and villages commit to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, secure access to affordable and sustainable energy and improve citizens’ quality of life.

In April 2021, the initiative entered a new phase, officially launching its renewed ambition for a fairer and climate-neutral Europe. Under this renewed ambition, Covenant signatories commit to seting a mid-target for 2030 at least as ambitious as their national targets and reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

This new phase of the Covenant has the direct support of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She invited cities to join in the effort: “Whether you are a long-standing member, a newcomer, or simply considering signing up to the Covenant of Mayors, I would like to invite you to join us to build an ever more ambitious and inclusive movement.”

“Every effort counts in implementing the European Green Deal”, she added. “Regardless of the size and capacity of your city, town or village, regardless of where in Europe you are located: you have a key role to play.”

Organise your own satellite event

We invite every member of the Covenant Community to organise a Satellite event of the 2021 Ceremony. Organising a Satellite event will give you the opportunity to promote the Covenant of Mayors’ 2050 vision, to discuss with your local / regional community what is needed to step up action and may include a moment to sign the new Political Commitment. Satellite events can take place from September to December 2021 and visibility will be provided the Covenant of Mayors website and social media.