Cities and regions must be fully engaged in drafting and implementation of climate and recovery plans
Fair distribution of recovery funds, full engagement in drafting and implementing climate and energy policies as well as the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) and engagement of young people in legislative processes concerning climate action were the main points discussed by EPP-CoR members during today's ENVE Commission meeting.
During a 'Debate on the Green Recovery', Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź said that the recovery must be a green recovery. "Green economy sectors are key to get us out of the crisis. However, we need direct support mechanisms to make our cities greener and to innovate public transport." Zdanowska emphasised that "There will be no economic recovery without the engagement of local authorities and there will be no engagement of local authorities without fair, proportionate and transparent rules of allocating financial resources. Cities and metropolitan areas must be included in NRRPs."
Members held another debate on 'Climate action in the global context: on the road to Glasgow'. Maria Spyraki, Member of the European Parliament from the EPP Group said "Glasgow is the most important climate change summit since the Paris conference of 2015. The technologies, standards and policies required to achieve the higher 2030 targets can provide the EU with a competitive advantage in a global race to the future. The leadership shown by the EU on ambition has helped support and drive global action. The leadership the EU shows on delivery will be key to what comes next both at home and globally – and to the success of the critical COP26.''
Dimitrios Karnavos, Mayor of Kallithea said that while Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) are fully committed to meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, their engagement was key for success. "If we want to succeed, we need more funding, full engagement in drafting and implementing climate and energy policies as well as the NRRPs, more partnerships and investment in key green sectors, more research and innovation and more re-skilling and upskilling for the green jobs. LRAs are in the frontline to fight against the climate change and its adverse effects. We are the most trusted and closest to the people level but we need concrete actions and tangible results for our citizens to have them on-board. We need to build resilient societies and create green and sustainable growth."
During a discussion on the CoR Opinion on 'Stepping up Europe's 2030 climate ambition towards COP26' Brigitta Pallauf, President of the Salzburg state parliament and EPP-CoR Coordinator emphasised the need to engage young people. "Climate change is not only an important issue for young people, it represents their future and therefore we need to engage them in this process today and tomorrow. It is crucial that young people can directly participate in legislative processes through youth parliaments, as is the case in Salzburg, for example. Here we have a legally anchored youth parliament that meets once a year." Pallauf added "We will only be able to effectively implement the Green Deal if we continuously and consistently raise awareness and push for a realistic and affordable switch to renewable energy. The renovation rate plays an important role in the climate targets and we need low-threshold and easy access to advice and financial incentives in all these areas."
The ENVE Commission appointed, Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region and Chair of the Espoo City Board as rapporteur for the revised CoR opinion on 'EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change'. The opinion will build on previous work by the rapporteur and address inter alia the Climate and Health Observatory, cross border cooperation, the European Research Area Hubs and climate pricing. Reacting to the appointment Markkula said "In my new opinion I will highlight what the new EU Climate Strategy brings to cities and regions with their industry. This includes huge financial opportunities: Recovery and Resilience Facility. We are committed to ambitious measures. The new Observatory on Climate and Health helps the necessary systemic transformation."
