EU Covenant of Mayors16

How the Covenant Community is blazing trails for the green transition

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The recent European Week of Regions and Cities 2021 was the occasion to highlight how local governments and their associations are pioneering new ways of fighting against climate change.

The Covenant of Mayors Europe Office and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) highlighted such local climate action during their workshop “The Covenant Community: a trailblazer for the green transition”, heldon 13 October 2021.

The event was the moment to bring together the Covenant Community of Coordinators, Supporters and National Ambassadors from the CoR to demonstrate how the Covenant of Mayors’ model of cooperation between levels of government works in practice to accelerate the green transition.

The event notably presented the Covenant report “Multi-Level Governance in (Climate) Action – Co-creating policy solutions to tackle climate change”, which makes recommendations for cooperation and highlights examples of how the Community has worked on climate change mitigation, adaptation and energy povery.

Committing and cooperating for net zero

Julije Domac, member of the Covenant of Mayors Political Board and Director of the North-West Croatia Energy Agency (REGEA), opened the event highlighting that “2021 marks new ambitions, new targets, a new Covenant, and indeed, one shared vision: By 2050, all European citizens will be living in climate-neutral, decarbonised and resilient cities with access to affordable, secure and clean energy.”

On behalf of the National Ambassadors, Kata Tutto, Vice Mayor of Budapest and Covenant Ambassador for Hungary, stressed the close cooperation between the Covenant of Mayors and the CoR: “It’s a natural cooperation. The role of the national ambassadors is to help the process, promote and reinforce the Covenant in their own EU Member States, in cooperation with the Covenant of Mayors Office and the European Commission.”

95% of Flemish municipalities to join the Covenant

Local and regional government associations also share their perspectives as CEMR members and Covenant Supporters. During a session on multi-level climate action, Marteen Tavernier of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) presented the Flemish Climate Pact, an idea launched two years ago by the association and developed with the Flemish government.

One of the requirements to participate in the Flemish Climate Pact is to also be a Covenant Signatory. “We think we will end up with more than 95% of local authorities participating in both the Climate Pact and the Covenant of Mayors”, Marteen Tavernier said. The Pact covers both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Wide-ranging support for local action in Finland

We learned about the Finnish and Latvian contexts during the session on local adaptation to climate change. Pauliina Jalonen of the Finnish Association of Local and Regional Authorities (Kuntaliitto) highlighted that two-thirds of Finnish municipalities have a climate target and 130 out of 309 have a carbon neutrality target.

The Finnish Association is providing concrete and practical support such as by piloting a climate leadership coaching programme for mayors to undertake local climate work, reinforcing knowledge by producing a guide on climate adaptation for municipalities and advocating at national level for funding for climate-proof infrastructure. “The impacts of climate change are happening already,” said Pauliina Jalonen. “So adaptation needs to take place today.”

“No regrets” for Latvian municipalities

Agita Kaupuza outlined the actions being taken by the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG) to support local climate mitigation. LALRG works with municipalities to choose the “no regrets option”, which can feature work on coastal areas, notably erosion prevention, or inland areas. The Association helps showcase and share best practices of local adaptation actions, on issues ranging from urban regeneration in topics that cover from regeneration to water management.

You can also consult the recording of the event.

The Covenant of Mayors campaign for achieving a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 is at full speed. More and more municipalities are renewing their commitments and joining the world’s largest movement for local climate and energy action. As a CEMR member, if you want to organise national events to promote the Covenant and provide capacitybuilding support to municipalities in your country reach out to Pedro Bizarro.

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

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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.

Register national satellite events

Host your own Covenant of Mayors satellite event

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Get ready for the premier event promoting local climate action in Europe: EU leaders, mayors and regional presidents active on climate change and citizens will come together on 7 October 2021 for the Covenant of Mayors – Europe Ceremony.

This fully digital event will be a key moment to celebrate the achievements of the Covenant community and debate on how to commit, engage, act and network towards a fairer, climate-neutral Europe.

Covenant signatories and supporters can organise their own satellite events to accompany the Ceremony. This will give you the opportunity to promote the Covenant of Mayors’ 2050 vision of a Europe in which we all live in decarbonised and resilient cities with access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy.

You will be able to discuss your local or national community what is needed to step up action and may include a moment to sign the new Political Commitment to decarbonise their territory.

These events can be organised at local, regional or national level by signatories, coordinators, supporters and other members of the Covenant community. Your event should take place between September and December 2021 and have no admission fees.
Multiple types of event can be registered:

• An awareness-raising action around the Covenant of Mayors’ vision to promote the 2050 Political Commitment to local leaders and local communities.
• A mini-signing ceremony with local leaders and elected representatives.
• A climate and energy event open to the general public, for example: an exhibition, debate or study visit.
• A networking session around climate and energy issues tackled as part of the Covenant movement.
• And more!

Go to this page to find more information and submit your event. Events should be submitted at least two weeks before they take place.
We encourage everyone to submit their events as early as possible to increase their visibility and promotion. A report of the event must be submitted within 10 working days after taking place.

The Covenant of Mayors – Europe Office will support you with templates, communications materials and promotion in our online calendar and social media. Events submitted before 1 October will also receive visibility in the main Ceremony.

Get involved and become part of the bottom-up movement for the climate transition and a healthy planet!