Green Deal Going Local working group's new roadmap calls for transformative change

The Green Deal Going Local working group of the European Committee of the Regions held its last meeting of 2025 on 2 December. Members discussed the working group's roadmap for 2026-2027, which puts the focus on the role of regions and cities in leading systemic climate transformation from the bottom up. With negotiations on the EU's next multiannual budget entering a crucial phase, the group underlined the need to ensure long-term financial support for the clean and competitive transition.

The roadmap emphasises that the efforts to secure cheaper and more sustainable energy sources are becoming key elements to preserve Europe's economic competitiveness. A debate organised with the European Environment Agency (EEA) focused on the links between the European Green Deal's ambitions and the EU's prosperity agenda. Speakers highlighted the benefits of applying the concept of environmental resilience and societal cohesion at the local and regional level.

Green Deal Going Local working group chair Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), Member of Espoo City Council, said: "Addressing the persistent environmental challenges is a strategic investment in the EU's long-term prosperity and resilience. We need transformative change, better implementation of existing policies, and stronger integration of environmental considerations into economic and social decision-making. The Green Deal Going Local working group's 2026-27 roadmap will focus on continuous and closer cooperation with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the EEA, the European Commission's DG RTD, the European Investment Bank, ICLEI, and other partners, aiming at permitting simplification, support for investments, knowledge sharing, and replication through Local Green Deals."  

The working group also discussed the role of city-industry collaboration in accelerating the transition to climate-neutrality and boosting local economies, taking stock of concrete experiences of the Cities Mission and the European Research Area actions. Furthermore, members exchanged views on intergenerational fairness in the context of the green policies with CoR rapporteur Tine Radinja (SI/Greens), Mayor of Škofja Loka.

• Rewatch the meeting
• More information on the Green Deal Going Local working group
• Green Deal Funding Alert - November 2025