EPP-CoR members stressed the need for the local level of government to collaborate more on a global level to fight climate change when taking stock of the UNFCCC COP26. Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź who was part of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) delegation at COP26 stressed the need for more financial support for local and regional authorities to spearhead climate action and to strengthen cooperation between local authorities on a global level. "Let us fight for the conclusions of the next climate summits to be linked to national commitments in terms of specific financial support and actions at the local level. I propose that, in cooperation with global local government organizations, we start a cyclical organization of the European climate summit of local authorities, preceding the annual COP. Therefore, I strongly encourage all members of the CoR to get involved in the organization of local climate summits and green panels. Let us build awareness not only among our inhabitants, but also at the level of world and national leaders."
Looking ahead, Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region emphasized the work that needs to be done by cities and regions for COP27. "The precise target for us, the CoR, in preparing for the COP27 should be to increase the visibility of the influential climate action carried out by European cities and regions. Showcasing the ongoing climate mitigation and adaptation measures, especially innovations, can partly happen virtually. The CoR should integrate this showcasing our efforts to get the LRAs recognized as an official party in the decision-making table."
European Green Deal in the European Commission Work Programme 2022
During a discussion with Vesa Terävä from the European Commission, Michael Murphy, Mayor of the Clonmel Borough District said that the European Commission can support the transition of industries and especially SMEs, many of which are family owned and locally run, towards circular business models by setting up a single market for waste in the EU and by removing regulatory barriers to circular innovations in the business models.
With respect to the Working Programme, Murphy said "I would like to stress that industry and its workforce will face considerable challenges in the next years to comply with the objectives of the Green Deal and some sectors such as the automotive industry will be heavily affected. A priority of the Green Deal Going Local Working Group in 2022 should be to address these challenges and carry out a strategic dialogue with the European Commission on linking the industrial ecosystems with the regional innovation ecosystems. The overall aim would be to promote multi-level governance and to provide better coordination."
Communicating the European Green Deal
Members also held a discussion on how to communicate the European Green Deal in partnership with the European Commission. Addressing the Working Group, Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga pointed out that communication is a crucial element to mobilise all stakeholders and to implement the European Green Deal in the most effective manner, thus amplifying its results. He also called for a result oriented approach when communicating with citizens. "The EU Should avoid making too much emphasis on objectives and goals and instead focus on how cities and regions, through their citizens can bring about change to reduce emissions, taking advantage of the LRA's leadership towards the change."