EPP-CoR members have called for a climate and energy transition that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, protects SMEs, lowers energy costs and gives cities and regions the tools to deliver. Speaking during a debate on Climate and Energy with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, members underlined that Europe’s climate ambitions will only succeed if they are implemented on the ground, through strong territorial investment, modern energy infrastructure and support for local and regional ecosystems.
Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), Member of the Espoo City Council and Chair of the CoR Working Group on Green Deal Going Local, stressed that Europe must move from ambition to implementation: “Europe can achieve its ambitious climate goals, but only if we radically strengthen implementation. The direction is European, yet action happens in our cities and regions—where clean technologies are deployed, investments are made and public support is built.”
Hanna Zdanowska (PL/EPP), Mayor of Łódź, underlined the need to invest in electricity grids and protect citizens from high energy costs: “Achieving Europe's 2030 climate and energy targets requires massive investment in electricity grids, particularly at regional and local level. EU funding must help modernise these networks, reduce the cost of the energy transition and deliver more affordable energy for citizens.”
Adrian Ovidiu Teban (RO/EPP), Mayor of Cugir, called for a transition that reaches all territories: “The next Multiannual Financial Framework must reflect the needs and priorities of Europe's citizens by strengthening the territorial dimension of climate policy. The transition should be driven by technology, not ideology, and supported by dedicated instruments that enable every region, city and village to benefit.”
Vlasta Krmelj (SI/EPP), Mayor of the Municipality of Selnica ob Dravi, highlighted the link between energy security and local opportunity: “Every solar panel installed on a school roof and every heat pump manufactured in Europe strengthens our energy security while creating jobs, driving innovation and supporting sustainable economic growth.”
Annika Fohn (DE/EPP), Member of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia, warned that climate policy must not weaken Europe’s industrial base: “Europe's climate ambitions must go hand in hand with industrial competitiveness. Decarbonisation cannot come at the cost of deindustrialisation. Every climate policy must strengthen competitiveness, protect jobs and promote social cohesion.”
Members also stressed that the EU’s climate and energy agenda must be better connected with cohesion policy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the Competitiveness Compass, EU Missions and the future Multiannual Financial Framework. They called for direct support for local energy and climate plans, stronger regional and urban chapters in EU funding programmes, and more opportunities for pilot projects and innovation in cities and regions of all sizes.
The EPP-CoR Group underlined that Europe’s clean, just and competitive transition will be judged not only by targets agreed in Brussels, but by the ability of regions, cities, villages, businesses and citizens to deliver real change on the ground.