Brussels, 29 May 2024
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be back at the Committee of the Regions, and my thanks to them, as well as the Covenant of Mayors and the European Climate Pact, for inviting me to speak to you today.
It is always a pleasure to engage with cities and regions. You, together with all levels of local authorities, have a key role to play in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, of that there can be no doubt.
You are crucial in driving the transition to a sustainable future for Europe and beyond. Your engagement, your services, and your resources have a significant influence on this transformative journey.
Because we know that, while our work on climate change and biodiversity loss at international, EU and national level is of course vital, it is not sufficient by itself. We need this transformation to happen also at subnational level.
Indeed, synergies between national and subnational leaders are instrumental in steering our green transition efforts.
Which is why, since I took over responsibility for the European Green Deal last year, I have sought to increase our engagement.
Such as through the Clean Transition Dialogue on Cities, which we held in March together with the Committee of the Regions – our key European institution when it comes to engagement with the sub-national level.
Indeed, President von der Leyen has called for Clean Tech Industry dialogues to bring the entire value chain together, from suppliers to consumers to innovators, discuss how to unlock the investment needed, to seize the opportunity of increasing growing global demand.
We have held nine clean transition dialogues over the last few months, on hydrogen, energy-intensive industries, clean tech, critical raw materials, green infrastructure, forest-based bioeconomy, steel, clean mobility, construction and – as mentioned – cities.
We outlined the key messages we heard during these dialogues in a Communication, namely that we need:
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- a simplified regulatory framework for businesses to deliver on the transition;
- abundant and affordable energy;
- modern infrastructure;
- easier access to finance; and
- a stronger Single Market in a globally competitive environment, including with a fairer level playing field.
The Communication also set out actions needed at both European and Member State level. And this will of course need to be done in close cooperation with local authorities.
Indeed, at the Dialogue focusing on cities, it was clear that many of our priorities are the same. Something which was reflected in your report on ‘Regions and cities shaping the European Green Deal 2.0′ and its recommendations.
Such as ensuring a just and fair green transition, and making sure the voices of young people are properly heard. In addition, we share the objectives of promoting collaborative climate action, coordinated between governance levels, to help achieve emissions reduction, build resilience, and mitigate severe climate impacts.
And we now need to align policies, strategies, and actions, in order to have the maximum positive effect on the ground.
I often say that, when confronted with the real-world impacts of climate change, the first door that citizens will knock on is that of their Mayor.
If there is flood, a fire, a weather-related disaster. You are on the frontline when it comes to finding solutions to help those who live in your area.
So your commitment to take on this fundamental role in the green transition and further the objectives of the European Green Deal in your territories going ahead is pivotal.
Cities and regions can propel the green transition, and the EU is working hard to help them on this path.
For example, our Net-Zero Industry Act – which received final approval on Monday – will reduce administrative burden and simplify permitting for net zero technologies and projects, including for local administrations.
EU legislation also allows for public procurement to take non-price criteria, such as sustainability, into greater account.
This is a powerful tool for transformation, as around 2 trillion euros of public funds is spent every year on public procurement.
Looking ahead to the next stage of the Green Deal, mobilising sufficient financing and investment will be critical.
The climate plans and investment strategies of cities and regions show the huge scale of their needs in terms of funding and finance, new materials, innovative solutions, and services.
We need to be smart about coordinating funding sources, leveraging public-private partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to overcome financial barriers and unlock investments at all levels of governance.
So the Commission is working with Member States, regions, and municipalities, to ensure that the green transition and sustainability are high on the list of their priorities when funding and investments decisions are made under the EU’s long-term budget.
Because every municipality, big or small, rich or poor, has a role to play. Many small efforts can have a huge, combined impact.
At EU level, we are making substantial resources available to local governments to help in this effort, in the form of both technical assistance and direct funding.
For example, the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities under the Horizon Europe funding programme has some 360 million euros available to help deliver at least 100 climate-neutral and smart European cities.
These ambitious urban areas are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 200 million tons of CO2.
Ladies and gentlemen.
As we continue on our path through the green transition, it is vital that we make the most of the opportunity it brings with it.
That’s why the European Green Deal is, and will continue to be, Europe’s growth strategy.
Cities and regions can benefit enormously from this societal change, from the unprecedented supply of green technologies, renewable energy, and mobility infrastructure that will be needed.
And in turn, from the green skills required, opening the door for better, high-value jobs for the people who live in them.
The European election is almost upon us, and its outcome will help steer the political winds in the EU for the next 5 years.
But whatever the outcome, it will remain key for public authorities, at all levels, to work ever more closely together.
I want to finish by congratulating you on your report, which helps point the way to where we need to be, and will provide useful input as we chart the course forward.
I look forward to continuing our cooperation, in whatever form that might take shape in the coming years.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission