"Europe’s energy transition must bring concrete benefits to citizens. Let us ensure that our cities and regions have not only a voice, but also the tools, the resources, and the trust to lead this transformation—because no one can be left behind." Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź made these remarks when speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee’s Annual Conference on Delivering Affordable Energy in Europe.
Participating in the high-level panel debate “Sustainable Investments to Secure Affordable Energy”, Zdanowska warned that without targeted financial and technical support for cities and regions, the EU risks exacerbating social inequalities and missing its ambitious climate goals. “Local and regional authorities are on the frontlines,” Zdanowska stressed. “We implement 70% of climate mitigation measures and 90% of climate adaptation policies. Yet, 69% of EU municipalities lack the necessary expertise for environmental and climate assessments. Europe cannot afford to leave us behind.”
An Urgent Need for Structural Support and Investment
Zdanowska pointed to the growing debt burden facing municipalities—a reality that threatens to paralyse urgently needed investments in clean infrastructure, energy efficiency, and resilience. She highlighted that many local and regional governments are already at the edge of permissible debt thresholds.
To address these challenges, Zdanowska reiterated the urgent need to:
- Simplify EU funding instruments and reduce administrative burdens,
- Enhance technical assistance for smaller municipalities,
- Ensure coherent eligibility criteria across programmes, and
- Invest in training and green skills development for local administrations.
She called on the European Commission to streamline access to instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Modernisation Fund, Cohesion Fund, and the forthcoming Social Climate Fund.
These remarks also preview Zdanowska’s upcoming opinion for the European Committee of the Regions, titled: “Action Plan for Affordable Energy – How to secure affordable, stable and clean energy for all EU cities and regions.” The opinion will advocate for:
- Stronger multi-level governance involving cities and regions in EU energy policy,
- Long-term investment in local energy systems that prioritise affordability and inclusion,
- Integrated strategies to protect vulnerable households and SMEs, and
- Predictable legal frameworks and fair financing conditions.
Zdanowska concluded by reaffirming that citizens must see tangible benefits from the green transition. “We must empower our municipalities—not only with responsibilities but with the means to act,” she said. “Only then can we secure a just, affordable, and resilient energy future for all Europeans.”
