Cities and regions must become full partners in delivering the world's climate and biodiversity commitments, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has said in a new opinion adopted today ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) and the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17).
Led by Kostas Bakoyannis (EL/EPP), Member of Athens City Council, COR ENVE Commission Chair and CoR rapporteur, the opinion sets out the CoR's priorities for the two global negotiations, stressing that international commitments can only succeed if they are translated into action on the ground.
The opinion Towards more inclusive climate and environment global negotiations warns that the impacts of climate change are not shared equally across Europe. Poorer regions, particularly in southern and eastern Europe, are disproportionately affected by climate risks, threatening social, economic and territorial cohesion. It also underlines that local and regional authorities are often best placed to rebuild public trust by countering misinformation, linking global climate commitments to local needs and ensuring that the transition remains fair and place-based. Furthermore, the CoR calls for reforms to international climate and biodiversity governance that strengthen transparency, structured dialogue and the meaningful participation of local and regional authorities throughout agenda-setting, monitoring and implementation. Finally, the opinion warns that weakening multilateral cooperation and growing geopolitical instability should not weaken Europe's climate ambition, calling on the EU to remain a global leader through stable policies, long-term investment and effective multilevel governance.
Kostas Bakoyannis said: "This opinion sets out the political priorities of the Committee of the Regions ahead of two crucial global conferences this year: the UN CBD COP17 on biodiversity and the UNFCCC COP31 on climate. As Europe faces record heatwaves, rising energy insecurity and growing pressure on communities, the message is clear: we must accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, strengthen climate adaptation and invest in nature-based solutions that protect both people and ecosystems. Regions and cities are where global commitments become real action, and they must be recognised as full partners in delivering climate and biodiversity goals."
The opinion will serve as the Committee of the Regions' political contribution to the European Union's preparations for COP31 and COP17, calling for stronger multilevel governance and a greater role for cities and regions in implementing global climate and biodiversity commitments
