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

Fit for 55 – local climate transitions

Climate neutrality - News 2024

The Fit for 55 package must empower municipalities and regions to drive Europe’s energy transition 

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The European Union has committed to reaching climate neutrality by 2050, with the interim goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. To deliver on this ambition, the European Commission presented the Fit for 55 package, a comprehensive set of legislative measures across key sectors such as energy, transport and housing. Among these, the proposed revisions of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will directly affect Europe’s municipalities and regions. 

Local and regional governments at the heart of the transition 
CEMR fully supports ambitious climate and energy targets in line with Europe’s Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Local and regional authorities are already leading the way in driving energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on the ground, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors. By planning, investing and engaging with citizens, they play a central role in delivering the EU’s objectives. 

However, success will depend on empowering local governments with the necessary resources and flexibility. While binding targets on greenhouse gas reduction are welcome, CEMR stresses that national contributions to renewable energy and efficiency should remain indicative. Overly prescriptive rules, such as mandatory renovation rates for public buildings or minimum energy performance standards, risk creating administrative burdens without recognising the diversity of contexts across Europe. Instead, the EU should provide technical, financial and policy support, allowing municipalities and regions to pursue tailored solutions. 

Enabling a fair transition 
CEMR highlights three priorities to strengthen the Fit for 55 framework: 

  • Financial support and flexibility: Adequate funding and capacity-building must accompany implementation, avoiding rigid one-size-fits-all obligations.
  • Integrated approaches: Local governments should be empowered to design neighbourhood- and district-level solutions, reflecting the full life cycle of buildings and energy systems. 
  • Collaboration across levels: Stronger cooperation between EU, national, regional and local levels is essential to ensure effective delivery, knowledge sharing and citizen engagement. 

Local and regional governments are indispensable partners in Europe’s journey to climate neutrality. By recognising their central role and ensuring adequate resources, the EU can enable municipalities and regions to lead fair and sustainable energy transitions, making climate neutrality a reality for citizens across Europe. 

Read the policy paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GRIFFON Axelle
In Environment, Impact community Climate, Press

World Conservation Congress

Environment - News

Local and regional governments have a “vital role” in preserving biodiversity

Mayors, regional leaders and local government associations met on Wednesday (8 September) at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille to affirm the essential role that local and regional governments play in preserving biodiversity. The participants also raised the alarm on the continuing decline of biodiversity, notably given the interdependence between the environment and human health, most strikingly visible with the spread of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans.

The sessions were organised by CEMR’s French Association (AFCCRE) ahead of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) which will take place on 11 October 2021, in Kunming, China.  The event featured senior officials from different levels of government, including the EU, France, Scotland, Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d’Azur and Marseille. Among the local and regional governments networks present were UCLG, ICLEI and Regions4.

Cities and regions reaffirm their commitment to biodiversity in ‘Marseille Declaration’

During the morning session, networks of local and regional governments adopted a Declaration highlighting “the vital role of local and regional authorities in policies for the protection and restoration of species and natural spaces”. Indeed, municipalities and regions have many powerful levers of action to protect biodiversity, including environmental monitoring, spatial planning, planning of urban and natural spaces, transport, water management and decentralised cooperation with other local governments.

Ronan Dantec, a French senator, Nantes municipal councillor and CEMR spokesperson for climate, explained that “without the mobilisation of local and regional elected officials, it is obvious that we will not meet any of the objectives of reclaiming biodiversity, which depends enormously on the action we take locally”.

The Declaration also recognises the importance of biodiversity for human health and sustainability and calls for the adoption of ambitious targets for protected areas (30% of territories). Finally, the session underlined the challenges of decentralised cooperation and the search for funding.

Local-led actions engage citizens

During the event, Marianne Overton, Lincolnshire County councillor and CEMR spokesperson for environment, highlighted some of the ways local governments can contribute to biodiversity and involve citizens.

Citizens have shown a growing interest in green spaces since the coronavirus lockdowns. Among countless examples of local environmental action, the Forest of Dean District, UK, recently released a toolkit to guide building professionals and homeowners through their Net Zero Carbon housing project.

Councillor Overton observed “many successful actions have already been taken at city level, but a coordinated and comprehensive approach remains a challenge”. That is one reason the European Commission has launched the Green City Accord, an initiative encouraging the exchange of experience between cities working for the green transition.

Decentralised cooperation: municipalities and regions’ international action for biodiversity

That afternoon PLATFORMA and AFCCRE also held a session on decentralised cooperation’s role in protecting biodiversity. Local, regional and European officials discussed how municipalities and regions’ international action in this area, notably in sharing expertise on the causes of biodiversity loss and best practices for finding nature-based solutions.

GRIFFON Axelle
In Environment, Impact community Climate, Press

Green Workshop 

Environment - News section

How cities can meet their environmental commitments

The signatories of the Green City Accord go the extra mile to ensure their citizens enjoy a cleaner and healthier future by planning effective initiatives in five target areas: air, water, nature and biodiversity, waste and circular economy, and noise.

Over 60 cities have signed the Green City Accord so far and many are in the midst of creating innovative blueprints that will help them meet their commitments.

The Green City Accord consortium is excited to organise a workshop on 29 September at 10:00-12:30 CEST entitled ‘The Green City Accord: How to implement your commitment’. This interactive event will introduce the specific steps needed to plan and meet the Green City Accord requirements, in addition to providing cities with an opportunity to express their support needs in this process.

The workshop will be held in English. Signatory cities, soon-to-be signatories and supporter organisations can register here.

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

Energy performance in buildings directive

Green City - News Section

CEMR calls for flexible, well-resourced revisions to the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

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The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as one of its cornerstones. Buildings account for a significant share of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, making energy efficiency and sustainable renovation crucial to the Fit for 55 package. In its response to the consultation on the EPBD revision, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) stresses the essential role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in ensuring a successful and fair transition. 

CEMR welcomes the ambition of the European Green Deal but underlines that success depends on proper implementation, adequate financial support, and respect for the principle of subsidiarity. Local and regional authorities are on the frontline of climate action, yet they need flexible frameworks rather than one-size-fits-all obligations. 

Among its key recommendations, CEMR highlights: 

  • Flexibility and subsidiarity: Member States and LRGs should be able to adopt integrated, territorial approaches to emissions reduction, focusing not only on building-level efficiency but also on neighbourhood and system-wide solutions. 
  • Life-cycle perspective: Regulations must take into account emissions from construction materials such as steel and concrete, as well as opportunities for circularity and reuse. 
  • Indicative, not mandatory standards: Minimum energy performance requirements and renovation targets should remain indicative to reflect local contexts, available resources, and socio-economic realities. 
  • Equal treatment of renewable energy: Energy produced on-site and energy delivered via carriers like district heating, renewable gases or electricity grids must be treated on the same footing. 
  • Financing and equity: Investment tools like ELENA must be adjusted to ensure accessibility, particularly for vulnerable households. Measures must avoid creating energy poverty or split incentives between landlords and tenants. 

CEMR also urges the Commission to reduce administrative burdens, ensure consistency between the EPBD, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), and reinforce cooperation across levels of governance. 

Europe’s climate-neutral future depends on a resilient and efficient building sector. Local and regional governments are central actors in achieving this transformation. To succeed, the revised EPBD must provide adequate support, flexibility, and resources while avoiding rigid, burdensome rules. By empowering municipalities and regions to act according to their local realities, the EU can ensure that the green transition delivers both climate impact and social fairness. 

Read the policy paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

People first in Europe’s mobility shift

Mobility - News

Sustainable and smart mobility must be built with, not just for, cities and regions

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That’s the core message from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in response to the European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. While CEMR supports the EU’s ambition to link transport policy with the Green Deal and Digital Agenda, it urges stronger recognition of the essential role local and regional governments play in achieving climate and mobility goals. 

CEMR highlights that sustainability cannot come at the expense of connectivity, accessibility, affordability, safety and health. Local authorities must be empowered to strike the right balance between environmental ambition and citizens’ everyday mobility needs, whether in dense city centres, suburbs, or rural areas. 

Key messages from CEMR include: 

  • Partnership across levels of government is vital. Local mobility strategies must be developed in coordination with national and EU institutions, with clear roles, shared responsibilities, and sufficient funding. 
  • Flexible, inclusive planning tools, like Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), should be strengthened, not standardised. Cities and regions need adaptable frameworks that reflect their unique territorial challenges. 
  • More funding and clearer access are needed for local mobility infrastructure, including investments through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Connecting Europe Facility, and Horizon Europe mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities. 
  • Policy support must go beyond technology. Behavioural change, active mobility, shared mobility and smart spatial planning are just as important as electric vehicles and digital tools. 

CEMR also calls for better regulation on key issues such as alternative fuels, intelligent transport systems, public transport governance, and micromobility. At the same time, it stresses the need for EU-wide data platforms and speed adaptation systems to improve safety and enforcement. 

In short, Europe’s transport transformation will only succeed if local realities shape the road ahead. Sustainable mobility starts where people live, and local governments must have a central seat at the table. 

Read the full position paper  

For more information, contact: 

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

Empowering local climate action

Renewable Energy - News Section

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

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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:

BIZARRO Pedro
In Climate, Climate, Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa [closed project], Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa [closed project], Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Building climate-ready cities in Africa 

Sub-Saharan Africa - News Section

Lessons from the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa on strengthening local capacity for energy access and resilience

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The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) has, over its first four years, shown that local leadership is essential in tackling climate change and improving energy access. Supported by the European Union and global partners, the initiative empowers municipalities to design and implement Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs), tailored to their contexts. 

Developing Local Capacity 

One of the clearest lessons is the importance of involving African partners early and consistently. Contextualising European approaches to local realities in Sub-Saharan Africa has proven key to success. Peer-to-peer learning, including informal exchanges like WhatsApp groups, has strengthened communities of practice and allowed cities to share knowledge beyond language and geographic barriers. 

At the same time, challenges remain. Sparse data, limited technical expertise, and difficulties in political continuity have slowed progress. Travel barriers, connectivity issues, and shifting national dynamics have highlighted the need for more flexible and innovative support structures. The presence of local intermediary organisations, universities, NGOs, or research centres has emerged as critical in anchoring capacity and ensuring sustainability beyond donor cycles. 

Successes and Lessons 
Despite obstacles, CoM SSA has enabled cities such as Bouaké, Dakar, and Tsévié to make tangible progress on emissions inventories and resilience planning. The development of SEACAP guidelines, adapted through extensive consultation, provided a framework that cities could build upon. Simplified tools and hands-on training helped municipalities overcome initial hurdles, while regional workshops fostered solidarity and collective ambition. 

The first phase of CoM SSA demonstrates that building climate resilience in African cities requires time, trust, and resources. Moving forward, stronger capacity-building, continuous peer exchanges, and deeper involvement of local support organisations will be vital. With growing international momentum on climate action, this initiative has laid the groundwork for a long-term transformation: cities that are not only more resilient but also better equipped to deliver sustainable energy for all. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, EU Covenant of Mayors, EU Covenant of Mayors, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Local action for climate at COP26

Climate Change - News Section

Municipalities and regions are essential to implementing the Paris Agreement and achieving the SDGs 

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As the world prepares for COP26, the urgency of implementing the Paris Agreement is clearer than ever. Delays are no longer acceptable: ambitious climate action must be delivered across all levels of governance, with municipalities and regions at the forefront. Local leadership, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and decentralised solutions will be crucial to achieving carbon neutrality and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Tackling climate change requires ambitious leadership, and local governments are uniquely positioned to deliver practical results. Cities and regions across Europe are already setting climate targets and developing local solutions to global challenges. Their involvement in international processes, such as through the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) constituency, ensures that local voices shape global action. 

Effective climate policies also depend on appropriate regulatory and financial support. EU and national frameworks must acknowledge the diversity of local realities, enabling tailored solutions. Adequate funding, capacity-building, and investment are necessary to empower municipalities and regions to meet their commitments. Initiatives like the European Green Deal and a just transition should ensure no community is left behind. 

Finally, the localisation of the SDGs is inseparable from the climate agenda. With 65% of SDG targets linked to local action, decentralised approaches and multi-level governance are vital. Embedding the 2030 Agenda into territorial strategies will ensure that global commitments translate into tangible improvements in communities. 

The path to COP26 underscores a simple truth: global goals can only be achieved through local action. By supporting municipalities and regions with resources, recognition, and a genuine role in decision-making, the EU and international community can ensure that the Paris Agreement and SDGs are implemented effectively, delivering a sustainable and resilient future for all. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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

New EU strategy to climate change 

Climate - News Section

CEMR’s Response to the EU Adaptation Strategy Review 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) strongly supports the development of a revised EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, calling for a clear EU Action Plan that empowers local and regional governments (LRGs) to lead on the ground. 

Climate change is already a reality for Europe’s cities and regions, with impacts ranging from floods and heatwaves to droughts, wildfires and biodiversity loss. As the first responders to these challenges, LRGs are on the front line and play a vital role in ensuring climate-resilient communities. 

In its official response to the 2020 EU consultation, CEMR stresses that: 

  • Adaptation is as urgent as mitigation. While reducing emissions remains essential, Europe must also adapt to unavoidable impacts already underway. 
  • Localised responses are essential. Climate impacts vary significantly across territories. An effective adaptation strategy must reflect local vulnerabilities, risks and capacities. 
  • Integration is key. Adaptation should be embedded into land use planning, infrastructure, housing, water and environmental management, combining it with mitigation whenever possible. 
  • Transformation requires support. LRGs need financial tools, enabling policies, capacity-building, data access and stronger multilevel governance to deliver meaningful change. 
  • Nature-based solutions are critical. Investments in green infrastructure, biodiversity and water retention areas help cities adapt sustainably and cost-effectively. 

CEMR also urges the Commission to ensure that adaptation becomes a mainstream requirement in planning and investment decisions. Risk and climate vulnerability assessments should guide long-term urban development, infrastructure planning and emergency preparedness. 

Moreover, LRGs are not only ready to act locally but also to support international efforts, particularly in cooperation with developing countries, contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

As part of the European Green Deal, the new strategy should enable and accelerate local action, ensuring that no city or region is left behind in preparing for climate risks. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

BIZARRO Pedro
In Climate, Climate, Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa [closed project], Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa [closed project], Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

Evaluation of Covenant of Mayors in Africa

African Cities - News

Evaluating the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa: added value, progress, and lessons for the future 

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Since its launch in 2015, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) has become a major initiative supporting African cities in their response to climate change and in improving access to clean energy. Funded by the European Union and co-financed by Germany and Spain, CoM SSA is part of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Today, more than 200 cities across 36 Sub-Saharan countries have signed up, committing to long-term climate and energy action through Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs). 

Programme Achievements 
The final evaluation highlights both the relevance and scale of the initiative. With Africa’s rapid urbanisation, CoM SSA’s focus on local governments is crucial. The programme has successfully engaged hundreds of municipalities, surpassing its target of 200 signatories, and has provided significant capacity building through technical assistance and workshops. Cities especially valued peer exchanges, which created strong networks for sharing experiences and best practices. 

Pilot projects showed mixed results: while some cities advanced quickly with draft SEACAPs, others faced delays due to political instability, lack of technical expertise, or limited direct involvement of city administrations. Still, the overall added value of the initiative is clear: it created political ownership, improved local technical skills, and promoted sustainable energy and climate planning at the local level. 

Key Lessons and Recommendations 
The evaluation also draws important lessons for the future. Greater alignment between local SEACAPs and national climate strategies is needed to ensure impact. Capacity building remains a priority, requiring more technical staff on the ground and support from local organisations to guarantee continuity. Better coordination with other international programmes is recommended to avoid duplication of efforts. Finally, fostering multilingual platforms for experience-sharing among cities will strengthen the CoM SSA community and enhance learning across regions. 

The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa has proven its relevance and value by mobilising hundreds of cities and building local capacity for climate action. While challenges remain, the initiative has laid a strong foundation for Phase III, where scaling up, deepening vertical integration with national governments, and securing sustainable financing will be key. CoM SSA is now well-positioned to continue empowering African municipalities as central actors in the global fight against climate change. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

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