Regions and cities discuss how to deliver a fair green transformation amidst current geopolitical crisis

The critical role of regional cooperation, innovation, and strategic investment in ensuring a fair and effective transition towards climate neutrality was the main topic on the agenda of the meeting of the Commission for Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE) on 5 March. The state of the energy union, climate implementation in view of the COP30 and designing nature credits were also discussed during the meeting.  

In the debate on the perspectives of the green transition in the new EU institutional term, ENVE members reaffirmed the EU’s determination to lead globally on climate and environmental issues. Amidst growing global competition and increasing geopolitical challenges, regional and local leaders stressed the necessity of a profound socio-economic transformation to ensure climate action, and the European Green Deal remains central to competitiveness and security. The debate, held with a representative of the European Commission, underscored the need for increased regional involvement in shaping the EU’s climate strategy. Regions and cities across Europe have demonstrated strong leadership in the green transition and are best positioned to tailor sustainable solutions to local realities. ENVE members emphasised that ensuring fair and inclusive policies requires close cooperation between EU institutions and local and regional authorities. 

They also highlighted that technological readiness is still developing in various sectors, requiring significant public and private investments. In this context, the EU should foster new innovative solutions and mobilise new sources in order to implement clean industries at the local level. Given the direct link between biodiversity loss, climate change, and public health, raising public awareness about these issues should remain a top priority, ENVE members urged. 

They further called for defined climate neutrality roadmaps, emphasising that clear, tangible results are necessary to gain public trust and engagement. Citizens must see real progress to remain committed to the green transition, which requires maintaining close communication with local communities. 

Finally, ENVE members highlighted that the EU must uphold its commitment to sustainability by ensuring that economic and environmental objectives go hand in hand. It will be essential to embrace innovation, strengthen regional cooperation, and set ambitious targets to secure a greener and more resilient future for all its citizens. 

Quote:  

Konstantinos Bakoyannis (EL/EPP), Chair of the ENVE commission and Municipal Councillor of Athens: “We start our new CoR mandate with a double challenge: ensuring a successful implementation of the European Green Deal objectives and at the same time finding new ways of making environmental, climate and energy policies the drivers of a more secure and competitive Europe for the people and done with the people, and not against them. An effective green transition that brings positive socio-economic impact to our communities relies on sufficient financial resources: we, local and regional leaders, know first-hand the concrete needs of adequate resources for our citizens and our administrations. We will follow closely the proposals for the new Multi-annual Financial Framework to make sure the new long-term budget of the EU adequately reflects all the needs of local and regional authorities to make our territories more attractive to live in, our family run companies more competitive and our planet healthier for our children and grandchildren.” 

Also during the meeting: 

Members of the ENVE commission further debated on the Oceans Pact and held a first exchange of views on the following opinions:  

• “State of the energy union: getting prepared for a smooth implementation of energy transition in line with Fit for 55 targets”, by rapporteur Joško Klisović (HR/PES), Member of the Assembly of the City of Zagreb 

• “Climate Action implementation in view of the EU contribution to UNFCCC COP30”, by rapporteur Nadia Pellefigue (FR/PES), Vice-President of the Region of Occitanie 

• “Designing nature credits: A framework to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services”, by rapporteur Rastislav Trnka (SK/EPP), Chairman of the Košice self-governing Region 

During the meeting, Hanna Zdanowska (PL/EPP), Mayor of the City of Łódź, was pre-appointed rapporteur on the opinion “Action Plan for Affordable Energy”.