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GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor - Environment and mobility

GRIFFON Axelle
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications, Water, Water

EU water resilience strategy

Recommendations for the EU water resilience strategy

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As Europe faces increasing water challenges—ranging from severe droughts to devastating floods—CEMR is calling for action. In its recommendations for the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, CEMR outlines how local governments can lead the way in protecting water as a public good, addressing regional needs, and strengthening collaboration across all levels of governance. 

Access to water is a fundamental right, yet climate change and urbanisation pose increasing challenges to this vital resource. The drought that hit Europe in 2022, one of the worst in 500 years, left rivers like the Rhine and Po at record-low levels, disrupting ecosystems, agriculture, and transport. Meanwhile, frequent and severe flooding in Northern Europe has highlighted the urgent need for better water management systems. CEMR is taking a stand with its recommendations for the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy.  

A bridge over the Po River completely dry due to the drought that has been affecting Piedmont for more than a year. Revello, Italy – April 2023 – MikeDotta/Shutterstock

In fact, the European Commission has announced its plan to develop a comprehensive Water Resilience Strategy as part of the 2024–2029 guidelines. This initiative aims to map risks, identify preparedness needs, and align with the ongoing revision of EU water directives. These discussions highlight the urgency of ensuring sustainable water management across urban and rural areas, addressing both immediate climate risks and long-term infrastructure needs. 

But water is not just a resource—it is a public good. This is why CEMR and its member associations emphasize the need for robust legal frameworks to ensure it is not treated as a commercial product and to guarantee universal access, calling for public sector-led water management to provide transparency and prioritize community welfare. 

But a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. Across Europe, water challenges range from droughts in the south to flooding in the north. That is why CEMR advocates for place-based solutions tailored to local realities, underpinned by nature-based strategies like wetland restoration and innovative urban planning. 

Achieving water resilience also requires financial investment. CEMR urges the EU to increase funding for ageing water infrastructure, climate adaptation measures, and innovative technologies, while streamlining access to emergency funds for regions affected by water-related crises. 

Finally, achieving water resilience requires stronger involvement from local and regional governments. As the level of governance closest to citizens, they are best positioned to design and implement water management strategies tailored to local realities. Whether it’s cities like Paris and Berlin successfully remunicipalising their water services to improve quality and affordability, or regions in the Netherlands pioneering flood prevention through integrated urban planning, local governments have proven their ability to manage water efficiently when given the right tools and resources. 

Ensuring that municipalities and regions have the necessary funding, decision-making power, and support to lead on water resilience is crucial for tackling interconnected challenges across urban and rural areas. CEMR calls for a governance framework that empowers local authorities to take proactive action, secure long-term investments, and foster cooperation with civil society and the private sector. Strengthening their role will be key to building a Europe where water systems are robust, adaptive, and sustainable. 

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the full CEMR policy paper for detailed insights and actionable recommendations. 

CEMR Policy paper – Water Resilience 2024 (EN) _Download_

For more information, contact:

GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Impact community Climate, Local Insights

Green Lungs project 

Head Banner - Green Study 2024

Green Lungs for a Greener Future 

The “Green Lungs for our Cities” project showcases the power of local action. Through its implementation, Tirana and its partners built an alternative platform to monitor air quality, noise pollution, and urban greenery ecosystems. This approach not only influenced governance at the local level but also aligned with the EU accession process, underscoring the importance of working with partners across borders. 

This best practice emphasises the value of evidence-based decision-making, creating a qualitative urban environment for all. The project’s success highlights local governments’ critical role in implementing environmental policies, even in non-EU contexts. 

Municipalities like Tirana are demonstrating how local innovation can tackle global challenges. With clean air, vibrant green spaces, and healthier communities as the ultimate goals, the project reminds us that bold, inclusive action leads to meaningful change. 

Paving the Path Ahead 

As we celebrated the International Day of Clean Energy yesterday, the “Green Lungs” project reminds us that the transition to a green future begins at the local level. From renewable energy to air quality improvements, cities and regions are proving that collaboration, resilience, and innovative thinking can shape a sustainable tomorrow. 

The message is clear: investing in clean energy and local green policies is not just a necessity but an opportunity to create healthier, more vibrant communities, one step closer to climate neutrality by 2050. 

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GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Impact community Climate, Local Insights

Urban Green Ghent

Ghent Green City - 2024

Urban Green Ghent: A Best Practice in Climate Resilience 

As cities around the world grapple with the mounting challenges of climate change, Ghent, Belgium, stands out as a shining example of innovation and determination. Through its transformative “Urban Green Ghent” initiative, the city demonstrates how urban areas can adapt to increasing climate risks while enhancing liveability and biodiversity. 

Turning Pavement into Opportunity 

A cornerstone of Ghent’s strategy is its ambitious plan to replace 15% of the city’s pavement with green spaces. This bold move addresses pressing climate challenges such as heatwaves, droughts, and recurrent flooding. By removing hard surfaces in public squares, parks, gardens, and streets, the city enables rainwater to naturally infiltrate the soil. This sponge-like effect mitigates the impact of heavy rainfall, helping to protect the city from flash floods. 

Watercourses and Façade Gardens 

Ghent’s commitment to a greener, more climate-resilient urban environment extends beyond de-paving. The city has reopened its watercourses, allowing natural waterways to flow freely once again. This not only improves water management but also enhances the aesthetic and ecological value of the city. 

Moreover, the promotion of façade gardens encourages residents to transform walls and small spaces into vibrant pockets of greenery. This community-driven approach fosters engagement and underscores the vital role citizens play in creating a sustainable city. 

Adapting to Climate Risks 

The initiatives under “Urban Green Ghent” are designed to tackle the growing risks of climate change. Heatwaves are mitigated through the cooling effect of increased vegetation, while green spaces enhance air quality and provide shaded areas, making the city more comfortable for residents and visitors. During periods of heavy rain, green infrastructure helps absorb excess water, reducing the strain on urban drainage systems. 

Enhancing Liveability and Biodiversity 

Beyond its climate benefits, Ghent’s green transition transforms the city into a more enjoyable and healthier place to live. Greening efforts create attractive outdoor spaces, improve biodiversity, and foster a stronger connection between residents and their natural environment. 

A Model for Other Municipalities 

Ghent’s comprehensive approach to urban greening offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide. Its success demonstrates the power of local government to lead in climate adaptation and resilience. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and engaging the community, Ghent is charting a path toward a future where urban areas are better equipped to face the realities of climate change. 

  • Explore more about Ghent’s green initiatives and their impact here. 
GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Impact community Climate, Press

Meet Local Leaders Event

Meet Local Leaders - News

CEMR’s ‘MEPs Meet Local Leaders’ Event: Bridging Local and European Governance

On 2 October, CEMR hosted the networking event “MEPs Meet Local Leaders,” which united over 80 participants, including 15 newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and local elected officials from across Europe.

This gathering served as a crucial platform for discussing the current needs and opportunities in both urban and rural areas. Participants delved into insights from CEMR’s recent study on the future of the green transition, emphasising the necessity of ensuring that local voices are heard in shaping European policy.

The urgency of the moment was palpable, as discussions focused on how local governments—often the true experts of their territories—can effectively leverage EU resources to benefit citizens. The role of local leaders is irreplaceable in this context, and the event powerfully underscored their unique position in fostering meaningful change.

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “We face unprecedented challenges that highlight the need to unite efforts across all levels of governance—local, regional, national, and European—to ensure the well-being of Europe’s citizens remains central to our collective mission.”

Jean-Paul Judson expertly moderated the proceedings, guiding discussions that illuminated the perspectives and expectations of local and regional elected officials regarding the work of the European Parliament. The event underscored the necessity of unity across all governance levels as we collectively strive to place citizens’ well-being at the heart of the European project.

Since its founding in 1951, CEMR has been at the forefront of promoting collaboration among local and regional leaders, advocating for a united, peaceful, sustainable, and democratic Europe. As we face increasingly complex challenges, the dialogue fostered at this event is essential for shaping the future of Europe’s governance.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants for making the evening a success. Together, we can bring EU resources closer to the people, paving the way for an economy that truly works for future generations of Europeans. This memorable evening highlighted the power of partnership and dialogue, reaffirming our commitment to building a better future for all.

Explore the event’s gallery here.

GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Energy, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

An incluve local green transition deal

Renewable Energy - News Section

CEMR launches groundbreaking report on the local green transition

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CEMR is excited to announce the launch of its new report, “Local Green Transition: Prospects for an Inclusive and Competitive Deal”. This study examines how Local and Regional Governments adapt to and implement the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.  It provides a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges LRGs face in executing green policies, highlighting their critical role in achieving Europe’s climate goals. With over 300 LRGs participating in extensive surveys, the study presents sector-cross-cutting and specific recommendations to enhance local-level implementation of green strategies.

Key Insights:

  • High Awareness: An impressive 92% of LRGs are familiar with the decarbonisation legislation affecting their regions.
  • Impact of Climate Change and Preparedness: Many LRGs report feeling the effects of climate change acutely, with only a third feeling adequately prepared to implement necessary legislation.
  • Positive Outcomes: More than half of the surveyed LRGs have experienced benefits from green policies, including job creation and improved air quality, although challenges like funding access and regulatory complexity remain significant.
  • Social Equity: The report emphasises the need for equitable and responsive policies to the diverse needs of urban and rural areas.

Recommendations for EU Decision-Makers: CEMR identifies crucial priorities for European and national governments to support LRGs in their green transition efforts, including:

  1. Addressing local needs during EGD implementation.
  2. Fostering collaborative dialogue and partnerships with LRGs.
  3. Simplifying and increasing funding for local initiatives.
  4. Ensuring equitable implementation across regions.
  5. Making the green transition a priority for cross-border cooperation.

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen emphasised the importance of local governments in facilitating real change, stating, “Municipalities and regions lay the groundwork for a more competitive Europe by implementing renewable energy projects and developing sustainable infrastructure.”

This report serves as a vital resource for local and regional governments, aiming to guide them in harnessing the green transition to foster economic growth while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change

Read study here

For more information, contact:

GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Impact community Climate, Press

Climate Neutrality at Stake

Climate neutrality - News 2024

Climate Neutrality at Stake: Why Local Governments Must Lead in Decarbonising Heating and Cooling

Decarbonising cooling and heating is a climate imperative. Heating represents 80% of European households’ final energy use, with more than half of heat generation still relying on fossil fuels. This significant dependency on non-renewable energy sources poses a substantial challenge in achieving climate neutrality.

As buildings account for around 40% of the EU’s energy use, there is a vast potential for enhancing energy efficiency and integrating renewables in the energy mix through local solutions. The recent European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) organised by the Covenant of Mayors, the European Energy Award, and the Smart Cities Marketplace, explored the role of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) can play in this sector by promoting decentralised cooperation and efficient heating and cooling plans.

Local and Regional Governments leading Europe’s heating transition
Subnational governments are responsible for two-thirds of climate and energy policies, accounting for 58% of public climate-significant expenditures in Europe*. When it comes to heating and cooling policies, LRGs hold 89% of both decision-making and implementation responsibilities. This makes LRGs crucial enablers of the cooling and heating transition schemes. The challenges they face is ensuring energy efficiency in buildings while providing renewable heating and cooling through various technologies.

The case of Karlsruhe County
Dr. Schnaudigel, who is also the President of the County of Karlsruhe presented the solution found by his region at the EUSEW Conference.  The 32 municipalities of Karlsruhe cooperated to map the needs – present and potential – of the county and put in common their knowledge to find the most cost-efficient solution for Karlsruhe cooling and heating plans.  This allowed even small municipalities to become energy independent, by leveraging geothermal energy. This scheme granted Karlsruhe recognition as Gold District by the Energy Award Prize.

Addressing Municipal Challenges and Financial Constraints
Still, significant challenges remain. There is a constrained fiscal capacity to mitigate systemic crises, whether they are related to climate change or not.  Additionally, even though renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, and the green heating and cooling districts have lower operational costs, they still require substantial upfront investments. For these reasons, Dr. Schnaudigel emphasised the need for national and European policymakers to support LRGs by providing financial resources through guarantee programs, direct funding lines, or investment-friendly fiscal rules. Without such support, individual solutions may prevail over sustainable, collective approaches, potentially exacerbating social and political inequalities.

Decarbonising Local Cooling and Heating under the Urban Agenda for the EU and the Covenant of Mayors
At the conclusion of the conference, the Covenant of Mayors launched the Cities Heat Detox initiative, which aims to detoxify urban heat sources to achieve climate benefits, cleaner air, and create new green jobs. This initiative emphasises the role of social policies in ensuring equitable transitions, with a particular focus on addressing the rural-urban divide. CEMR will participate in this initiative by promoting regional collaboration and advocating for supportive financial frameworks.

* ENG: https://ccre-cemr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NECP_Report_CEMR_2023.pd

* FR: https://ccre-cemr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NECP_Report_CEMR_FR_2023.pdf

GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications, Water, Water

Adoption of the nature restoration law

Green City - News Section

Cities and regions urge swift adoption of EU Nature Restoration Law to combat climate and biodiversity crises

Read the full letter

As Europe faces intensifying environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate-driven heatwaves and pollution, cities and regions are stepping up their call for action. Partners of the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, including many local and regional governments, have issued a joint letter urging EU Member States to swiftly adopt the long-delayed Nature Restoration Law. 

Local authorities are often at the frontline of environmental crises. With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, the need to restore green spaces is not only a climate priority but also a public health and quality-of-life imperative. The proposed law would provide a long-awaited framework to strengthen biodiversity, adapt cities to rising temperatures, and support sustainable land use. 

Delays in the law’s adoption not only undermine urgent environmental action but also threaten democratic trust in EU decision-making. A provisional agreement between the European Parliament and Council was reached months ago, and failure to finalise it now would send the wrong signal, both to EU citizens and the global community. 

CEMR and its partner’s stress: restoring nature is not optional. It is essential! Local governments stand ready to deliver, but they need the political will at the EU level to match their ambition. 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle
In Energy, Impact community Climate, Press

CEMR Green Day

Insights from CEMR Green Day 2024: What will the future green transition look like in European municipalities and regions?

CEMR Green Day 2024 provided a platform for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to delve into the future of the green transition within the EU and beyond. Held on April 10th, this event fostered a dynamic exchange of strategies, challenges, and opportunities for driving climate action at the local and regional levels.

Tadashi Matsumoto, Head of the National Urban Policy and Climate Resilience Unit at OECD, presented the report “A Territorial Approach to Climate Action and Resilience.” Matsumoto emphasised the need for a coherent territorial approach to enhance climate resilience and bridge regional disparities. He introduced the TACAR policy framework, aimed at prioritizing climate policies at the local level and enabling more effective climate action. The framework’s applicability was illustrated through examples from Bratislava and New York State.

The panel discussion featured insights from diverse stakeholders, including Michaël Quernez, Mayor of Quimperlé; Patrick Princen, First Alderman of Mechelen; Pedro Dias, Policy Director at Solar Heat Europe; and Lucian Pârvulescu from the European Commission’s European Green Deal Unit.

Quernez emphasized the importance of EU funds for supporting local transitions, while Princen shared Mechelen’s successful climate resilience initiatives. Dias stressed the need for empowering LRGs in energy policy, and Pârvulescu outlined the EC’s commitment to supporting local initiatives.

The discussion highlighted the importance of empowering LRGs, engaging citizens in climate action, adopting a territorial approach to address regional disparities, and enhancing dialogue between national and local levels.

“We need to ensure that local governments are actively involved in planning, decision-making, and implementation processes to guarantee the effectiveness of sustainability measures” concluded Marianne Overton, CEMR spokesperson for Climate.

In the second part of the meeting, CEMR experts discussed water resilience and 2040 climate targets. We also discussed CEMR’s forthcoming study on the challenges of the implementation of the green agenda to be published in autumn.

GRIFFON Axelle
In Climate, Energy, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

Local Alliance for the Green Deal

Local Alliance: city and regional networks urge EU to stay the course on Green Deal implementation

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Eight leading networks of European cities and regions – ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS – have come together to form the Local Alliance. 

In a joint letter, the Alliance calls on EU leaders to find new ways to effectively roll out the European Green Deal at the local level. The EU must “stay the course on the European Green Deal under this and the next mandate of the European Commission,” the networks have stated.

Recent challenges, such as the passage of the Nature Restoration Law, which still languishes with the European Council, or the last-minute setbacks suffered by the internal combustion engine phase out, are undermining the Green’s Deal objectives. As the European elections approach, the EU must ensure it remains a global beacon for climate leadership.  

Given the more complicated arena for climate legislation that lies ahead, local leaders are adamant that the EU’s commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 should remain a top priority, delivering a just transition that works for people and planet. 

Cities and regions are where at least 70% of the European Green Deal legislation must be implemented. European local and regional governments have already embarked on the journey to climate neutrality and started to transform European cities and regions, as well as ways of living, heating and cooling, housing, mobility, producing and consuming for millions of citizens. Today, the EU’s subnational governments mobilise around 58% of climate-significant public expenditures, surpassing their central governments. 

“Through this Local Alliance, we call on the EU institutions to listen to cities and regions that are already localising the Green Deal objectives by implementing 70% of the EU legislation. Putting the experience of local governments at the centre means prioritizing effective transition policies that will ensure fairness and acceptance of the Green Deal for all European citizens” – Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General, CEMR.

In the letter sent to EU leaders, the Local Alliance highlights that Europe’s pace of success in achieving the Green Deal objectives will depend on the following help for cities and regions:  

  • More joined up support for investments from the EU, national and regional funds across different funding programmes and actors, which are more responsive to locally developed integrated and holistic action and investment plans. This would also be a prerequisite for creating local jobs and markets for the European green industry.   

Local leaders highlight that partnership between all levels of government is key as “Financing the local transition to climate neutrality will require mobilising the EU and national budgets.” 

  • Cities and regions need adequate in-house skills and a workforce to successfully do their part of the climate neutrality transition and by doing so, to create demand for European businesses and industries.   

“These opportunities are the best way to create local investment potential for European industry, and to share the transition benefits for all EU citizens,” say the Local Alliance leaders.

  • Establishing structured dialogues with the local and regional levels at the EU and national level will be critical to achieving the necessary transformation and societal resilience at scale in Europe.  

It is only with cities, regional and local governments on board – the closest level of government to people and the one responsible for implementing most of the European Green Deal legislation – that we can fully meet the objective of a climate neutral Europe by 2050. 

The Local Alliance further repeats its commitment to work with national governments, the European Council, the Commission, and the Parliament to turn the European Green Deal into reality for every citizen across Europe. 

For more information, contact:

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