Energy54

CEMR’s Joint Response to the EU Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directive Reviews

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) submitted a joint response to the European Commission’s consultations on the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) in early 2021. This contribution reflects CEMR’s deep commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 while safeguarding the role and autonomy of local and regional governments (LRGs).

CEMR supports ambitious climate targets at the EU level, with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. However, it argues that targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy should remain indicative at the national level, respecting the subsidiarity principle and local conditions. The organisation firmly opposes EU obligations that impose rigid requirements on LRGs, particularly concerning building renovations, public procurement, and energy planning.

A key concern is the extension of renovation obligations for public buildings to LRGs. CEMR highlights that such mandates overlook the economic realities, building uses, and planning capacities at the local level, and may burden communities with higher costs and social impacts. Instead, it advocates for flexible, cost-effective approaches tailored to local and regional contexts, supported by adequate funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building.

CEMR also calls for a technology-neutral approach to energy policy, where different forms of renewable and low-carbon energy, whether on-site, from the grid, or district heating, are treated equally. It stresses that regulations should reflect GHG savings and sustainability from a life-cycle perspective, not just the type or source of energy.

The response urges the Commission to recognise the central role of LRGs in the energy transition. This means involving them directly in National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), ensuring multi-level governance, and avoiding overregulation that could stifle local innovation and initiative.

In short, CEMR’s response is a strong call for an EU climate framework that is ambitious, but also realistic, inclusive, and enabling, one that empowers cities and regions to lead in achieving a just and effective energy transition.

Full the joint response here

For more information, contact:

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

CEMR outlines the crucial role of municipalities and regions in making Europe climate neutral by 2050 

The European Green Deal, launched in December 2019, sets out the EU’s ambition to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. While the framework is driven at the European level, its implementation will rely heavily on municipalities and regions. Local and regional governments (LRGs) are already responsible for delivering 70% of climate mitigation measures, 90% of adaptation policies, and 65% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights that empowering these actors is essential to achieving the Green Deal’s goals. 

CEMR stresses that LRGs are not only implementers but also innovators, mobilising citizens and setting ambitious targets beyond EU requirements. For example, the 10,000 signatories of the Covenant of Mayors have pledged to reduce CO₂ emissions by 47% by 2030, well above the EU’s current 40% target. 

CEMR puts forward several recommendations to strengthen the Green Deal’s delivery: 

• Recognition and resources: LRGs must be recognised as full partners, equipped with sufficient financial capacity and flexibility to adapt implementation to diverse local realities. 
• Better regulation and coordination: The EU should enforce existing legislation, improve policy coherence between sectors, and avoid additional administrative burdens for local governments. 
• Climate and energy: Ambitious targets are welcome but must be matched with adequate resources. Local authorities should be included in decision-making on National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). Renewable energy should be treated equally, whether produced onsite or via networks such as district heating. 
• Circular economy: Municipalities manage nearly 500 kg of waste per capita annually and are central to recycling, waste reduction, and energy recovery. Their role must be reinforced in shaping circular consumption and production patterns. 
• Clean mobility: LRGs are at the forefront of decarbonising transport and public mobility, but need financial and regulatory support to modernise infrastructure and introduce innovative solutions. 
• Financing the transition: Investment is critical. Tools like the Just Transition Fund are welcome but insufficient. Sustainable local investments should be exempt from EU debt rules to unleash their full potential. Innovative funding mechanisms tailored to municipalities of all sizes are also needed. 
• Global leadership: LRGs can act as ambassadors of the Green Deal through international cooperation, capacity building, and partnerships with local authorities abroad, reinforcing Europe’s climate leadership on the global stage. 

Europe’s success in delivering the Green Deal will be determined locally. Municipalities and regions are already leading in climate action, but they need recognition, resources, and flexibility to scale up their efforts. By ensuring LRGs are fully integrated into EU policies and financing, the Green Deal can drive not only a carbon-neutral Europe but also a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

Why Local Governments Must Be Central to the EU’s Climate Resilience Strategy

As the EU evaluates its 2013 Adaptation Strategy, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights a critical gap: climate resilience cannot succeed without fully involving local and regional governments. In its response to the Commission’s consultation, CEMR stresses that municipalities are already adapting to the effects of climate change, but current EU and national frameworks fail to empower them with the resources, recognition, and flexibility they need.

From floods and droughts to infrastructure strain, local authorities are on the frontlines of climate impacts. Yet too often, policies are shaped top-down, with insufficient consultation and support for those who must implement solutions on the ground. CEMR calls for a strengthened multi-level governance model, dedicated funding streams, and enhanced city-to-city cooperation to ensure the EU’s adaptation ambitions translate into effective, community-driven action.

Read the position paper here

For more information, contact:

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

Integrating local governments into national climate and energy planning through multilevel dialogue 

The transition towards a sustainable, decentralised and decarbonised energy system is a collective endeavour. Local and regional governments across Europe are already demonstrating leadership, delivering a significant share of the EU’s climate objectives. Yet, despite their strong track record and growing involvement, their role in shaping national climate and energy strategies remains fragmented. Ongoing negotiations on Energy Union Governance open the door to correcting this imbalance by establishing permanent Multilevel Climate and Energy Dialogue Platforms. 

Building on local experience 
Cities and regions have proven to be persistent drivers of Europe’s energy transition, with research showing they contribute to more than a third of the EU’s 2020 climate target. Initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors have showcased how local ambition can exceed European targets, but without a formal structure, their contributions risk being underutilised. The European Parliament’s proposal for dialogue platforms would ensure local authorities, alongside civil society and business stakeholders, are systematically involved in drafting, monitoring, and reviewing National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and Long-Term Strategies. 

Such platforms would offer multiple benefits: continuous political support, feedback loops between delivery agents and policymakers, shared responsibility across sectors, stronger policy implementation, and the spread of best practices across Member States. 

National examples to inspire Europe 

Several countries already provide valuable models. In the Netherlands, municipalities and provinces negotiate national energy strategies with the government and social partners, resulting in formal agreements and regional climate plans. France has institutionalised citizen and stakeholder involvement through its Public Debate Commission, engaging the public directly in shaping energy programmes. Sweden demonstrates the value of capacity-building, with national agencies supporting local governments in setting and implementing climate objectives aligned with national goals. 

These examples show that permanent platforms for dialogue are both feasible and effective. Institutionalising multilevel dialogue under the Energy Union Governance would not only ensure that the EU benefits from the proven ambition of local authorities but also strengthen the democratic legitimacy and efficiency of Europe’s energy transition. Local governments are ready to contribute, what is needed now is a framework that guarantees their voice is heard at every stage. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle

Advisor – Environment and mobility

Driving decarbonisation through cooperation, finance and multilevel governance

At COP23, European towns and regions reaffirm their commitment to building decarbonised and sustainable societies. Local and regional governments are already on the frontlines of the climate transition, implementing concrete measures that bring global climate goals to life at the community level. As Mayor Juan Espadas of Seville and Mayor Furio Honsell of Udine underline: 

Towns, regions and countries should all stand side by side to reach a sustainable planet. At COP23, let’s work together to achieve a decarbonised and sustainable future for everyone.

Key Messages from Local and Regional Governments 

1. Global climate agendas are only achieved with local action 
   Cities and regions are essential for turning international commitments into reality. Localising the Agenda 2030 and strengthening multilevel alliances ensures that national and international targets translate into measurable change on the ground. 

2. Appropriate financial and political frameworks are crucial 
   Ambitious local climate action depends on strong frameworks that provide resources and recognition. National governments must formally acknowledge local authorities as legitimate partners and equip them with the means to lead mitigation and adaptation efforts. 

3. Governing together for a stronger impact 
   Tackling climate change requires collaboration at all levels. Early involvement of towns, cities and regions in national and international policymaking strengthens implementation and creates unity of purpose. Global initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors demonstrate the power of collective local action. 

4. Europe’s global responsibility 
   Europe must reinforce its role as a leader in protecting the planet by working hand in hand with local and regional governments. Their active participation in shaping climate policy will ensure effective, democratic and sustainable results at both the EU and global levels. 

5. Decentralised cooperation accelerates decarbonisation 
   Cities have already developed extensive expertise in sustainable planning and international partnerships. Through decentralised cooperation, European towns and regions support their peers worldwide to implement climate projects, strengthening the global movement towards decarbonised societies. 

The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement highlights the need for all other actors to step up. Local and regional governments across Europe are ready to intensify their cooperation, within Europe and globally, to keep the world on track towards a sustainable, decarbonised future. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva

Senior Advisor – Global Agendas, SDGs & Climate