Markku Markkula, Chair of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Green Deal Going Local (GDGL) Working Group, launched the new mandate with a strong message of commitment: “As the Chair of the Green Deal Going Local Working Group, I’m excited to drive the systemic transformation Europe needs. By leveraging the strengths of cities and regions with their industries and universities, we can create real change that moves us closer to Europe’s climate and sustainability goals. This transformation can only be achieved through strong collaboration between the CoR and the European Commission, ensuring that local and regional actions are central to the success of the European Green Deal.”
He reiterated that local and regional action must be at the heart of Europe’s green transition, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration, public-private partnerships, and place-based policymaking.
"The climate crisis is real and an existential threat. Yet, we face an immediate challenge: ensuring our communities are green, competitive, and secure. These goals complement each other; they're not mutually exclusive. This working group aims precisely at collaboration—engaging farmers burdened by transition costs, SMEs facing regulations, and citizens seeking safe, affordable, and sustainable communities. We must hear all voices and find shared solutions." Ssaid Kostas Bakoyannis, Chair of the ENVE Commission and former Mayor of Athens.
Debate on the Clean Industrial Deal: Empowering Local Action
During the meeting, members also held a debate on the Clean Industrial Deal and the EU Competitiveness Compass, zooming in on how climate neutrality ambitions can drive the new European competitiveness agenda. A clear focus was placed on the role of cities and regions in triggering systemic transformation and building thriving economies.
William Elofsson, CoR rapporteur on the Clean Industrial Deal, stressed the importance of removing barriers for local authorities: “The Clean Industrial Deal must focus more on the possibility for cities and regions to act—especially when it comes to planning, permits, and managing local energy needs. Households and businesses are facing high energy costs, slow approvals, and unclear rules. To really make the clean and energy transition work, we need to make it easier for local authorities to find practical, flexible solutions that fit their local conditions.”
The opinion is scheduled for adoption at the July 2025 plenary session.
Borboly: Traditional Farming Systems and Biodiversity Are at Risk
In a debate on the long-term perspective of the Green Deal Going Local, Csaba Borboly, Vice-President of Hargita County Council, highlighted the risks facing rural traditions and biodiversity without adequate support: “Local and regional authorities play a key role in achieving the European Green Deal’s vision—especially in transitioning towards a sustainable, fair, and resilient food system. This includes rewarding farmers who work with nature, preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, and supporting decarbonisation efforts on our path to climate neutrality by 2050. Without tailored support, we risk not only the collapse of traditional farming systems but also the failure of the green transition itself.”
About the Green Deal Going Local Working Group
Launched in June 2020, the Green Deal Going Local (GDGL) is a flagship initiative of the CoR. Its aim is to place cities and regions at the centre of the EU's transition to climate neutrality.
The Working Group pursues three main objectives:
- Provide a crosscutting view across the European Green Deal’s policies to ensure coherence.
- Strengthen CoR’s institutional outreach to align local and regional efforts with EU climate goals.
- Communicate local challenges and best practices to support replication across Europe.
The GDGL Working Group has adopted a roadmap for 2025 and beyond. The EPP-CoR welcomed the overarching priority of A Fair, Competitive and Clean Transition. However, the group stressed that to move forward with the green transition, a multi-level governance approach, clear and consistent regulatory environment, adequate financial tools and incentives to innovate and develop sustainable technologies and green solutions are pivotal. That is why the new MFF should identify the right means and incentives to attract private capital and develop public-private partnerships, in order to achieve the EU’s ambitions and objectives, leveraging the existing and future funds in place at the EU, national and local level.