Łódź, 3 October 2025 – The second day of the ENVE Commission unfolded today in Łódź, bringing together mayors, regional presidents, ministers, and European leaders under the theme “Leading a Clean and Just Climate and Energy Transition in Regions and Cities.”
Opening the proceedings, Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź, set the tone with a powerful appeal for climate justice and solidarity. “The future of climate and energy will be decided at the local and regional level,” she said. “Change is challenging, but our experience in Łódź proves it is possible — and it must also be fair, green, and bring security to citizens.” She reminded participants of the nearly 48 million Europeans who face energy poverty, forced to choose between heating their homes and buying food or medicine. “We cannot leave them behind. Affordable, sustainable energy is not an option – it is our duty.”
Zdanowska also placed her city’s own history at the center of the debate. Once an industrial hub that struggled through deep crisis, Łódź has since reinvented itself with investments in energy efficiency, expanded public transport, and pioneering circular economy projects. “Our city shows that transformation, though demanding, is not only possible but can be a driver of innovation and growth,” she underlined. “Here in Łódź, we are proving every day that resilience and ambition go hand in hand.”
In his address, Kostas Bakoyannis, Chair of the ENVE Commission, echoed this call for local leadership and praised Zdanowska’s work. “Our true strength lies in being the closest democratic institution to the citizen,” he said. “That is why today we reaffirm our commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 — to show that climate action brings benefits not only for the planet, but for people, prosperity, and businesses.”
The debate also highlighted the importance of EU-level initiatives that directly support local action. Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region, welcomed the European Commission’s mission to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030, but stressed that more must be done to ensure local authorities can succeed: “Such initiatives are extremely important if we are to meet our climate targets. However, sufficient funding and technical assistance must reach local and regional authorities — and they must be clearly informed of the support available, especially in smaller cities that often struggle to access it.”
Throughout the day, discussions focused on housing, economic competitiveness, and industrial innovation as the pillars of a just transition. Leaders underlined the need to listen to citizens and work hand-in-hand with businesses and innovators. Zdanowska returned to this theme in her closing intervention: “The greatest challenge is not only to speak, but to listen and engage with citizens. This transition must be shaped with them, not over their heads. If we want Europe to succeed, we must deliver on the expectations of our people, from the largest metropolis to the smallest municipality.”
Her words resonated strongly with members across Europe, who agreed that the green transition will only succeed if it is designed and implemented locally. As Zdanowska concluded, “It is at the local and regional level where the future of climate and energy will be decided. Together we can build a Europe that is green, just and competitive — a Europe that protects our environment while guaranteeing prosperity and fairness for its citizens and businesses.”