“We must put at the heart of our work the 47 million Europeans living in energy poverty, forced to choose between heating their homes and buying food or medicines. Affordable, sustainable energy is not an option – it is our duty.” said Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź at the adoption of her opinion.
The ENVE Commission of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) today adopted the opinion on the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, led by rapporteur Hanna Zdanowska (PL/EPP), Mayor of Łódź.
The opinion calls for stronger involvement of local and regional authorities in Europe’s energy transition, stressing that energy affordability is not only an economic matter but a fundamental social right. She also warned that Europe’s competitiveness is at risk: “Our companies are paying two to three times more for energy than their competitors in the US and China. This is unacceptable and risks destroying jobs instead of creating them. We urgently need fair and effective solutions.”
The debate in Łódź brought strong support from ENVE members, highlighting that the energy transition will only succeed if it is implemented locally.
Mirjam Sterk, Regional Minister of the Province of Utrecht: “Grid congestion is blocking schools, businesses, and entire communities from connecting to clean energy. Europe must act with legislation and give local governments the tools to innovate. Regions are the laboratories of the energy transition—let us empower them to succeed.”
Konstantinas Rečkovas, EPP-CoR YEP and Local Councillor in Druskininkai, Lithuania: “Our municipalities are proving that energy security is not just about prices—it is about sovereignty, affordability, and sustainability. In Lithuania, we cut ties with Russian oil, gas, and electricity, and our local communities now lead Europe’s energy transition. From solar plants to fully electric transport, we are showing how European strategies succeed when they are lived locally.”
Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), Member of the Espoo City Council: “This crucial opinion is not just a technical document—it is a tool to face global challenges. With EU and international investment, and by empowering our cities and regions, we can build a safer and more sustainable future.”
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz (PL/EPP), Mayor of Gdańsk: “Energy and heat from waste is a solution that combines environmental protection with energy security. We reduce waste while at the same time powering our municipalities. This is a point that must be reflected in our opinion.”
Rastislav Trnka (SK/EPP), President of the Košice Region: “Regions are the engines of Europe’s energy transition. To scale up pioneering projects like Košice’s Cassovia Hydrogen Valley, we need flexible financing and simplified permitting. A Pact for the Regional Energy Transition would turn local innovation into a European success story.”
With the adoption of this opinion, the EPP-CoR reaffirms that local and regional authorities are not just implementers but co-designers of Europe’s energy future.
