"Łódź in recent years has made many important steps to save energy, protect the environment, and reduce costs. We try to search for new, innovative ways to green transformation. We signed an important agreement to buy green energy using a public-private partnership model. In the first step, we plan to buy 15 GWh of electricity. This electricity will come from a mix of wind and solar power. We are the first city in Poland to use this mechanism." Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź made these remarks during a high-level debate "From National to Local: Strategies and Tools for Sustainable Energy and Climate Action", held as part of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).
The session—co-organised by the Committee of the Regions and the Covenant of Mayors—gathered local and regional leaders from across the EU to explore how national-level programmes are being translated into local action, particularly in countries such as Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Belgium. The panel examined tools and strategies that strengthen the ability of municipalities to deliver on EU climate and energy goals through multi-level governance, data sharing, capacity-building, and direct funding support.
Mayor Zdanowska's participation comes in parallel with her ongoing work as rapporteur for the upcoming CoR opinion entitled: "Action Plan for Affordable Energy – How to secure affordable, stable and clean energy for all EU cities and regions." This opinion calls for:
- More direct support to local and regional authorities in implementing sustainable energy and climate policies;
- Simplified access to EU funds for cities and municipalities;
- Strengthened national-to-local cooperation;
- Greater autonomy for cities to innovate in procurement and investment models for clean energy.
“The transformation to clean energy must be grounded in local realities and solutions,” Zdanowska said. “We need EU and national frameworks that enable cities to lead, experiment, and scale. The tools are often there—but what’s missing is streamlined access, legal clarity, and trust in local capacity.”
EUSEW, hosted by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy, is the EU’s largest annual event promoting renewables and energy efficiency. It serves as a platform for showcasing good practices, fostering policy dialogue, and encouraging collaboration across all governance levels.