COP28: EU will push for stronger involvement of local and regional governments

​​At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the European Union will formally advocate for an increased involvement of local and regional governments in the implementation of international climate agreements, recognising their leadership in accelerating and broadening climate action. The Council of the EU approved today conclusions that will serve as the EU's general negotiating position for the COP28, to be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December. EU regions and cities consider this as a crucial step and warn that any delay in implementing effective mitigation and adaptation measures in partnership with local and regional governments will further amplify climate risks, resulting in increasing biodiversity loss, health risks and permanent loss and damage.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted its recommendations for the COP28 at the plenary session last week in an opinion drafted by Rafał Trzaskowski (PL/EPP), Mayor of Warsaw, chair of the CoR's Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) and member of the CoR delegation that will represent the EU assembly of regions and cities at the COP28 in Dubai.

Aligning with the joint position of the international networks within the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency, the CoR is urging national governments to recognise the leadership of cities and regions in accelerating and broadening climate mitigation and adaptation action, in the light of the climate emergency. Responding to this call, the Council conclusions, which serve as the EU's general negotiation position at COP28, are calling for increased involvement of local and regional governments in the process of implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), national adaptation plans (NAPs) and long-term strategies.

CoR rapporteur Rafał Trzaskowski said: "Cities and regions are spearheading ambitious climate action despite growing responsibilities placed on them. We are key allies in international climate negotiations as we offer national negotiators the assurance that – if provided with the adequate financial and technical tools - the Paris Agreement goals can be implemented on the ground. We therefore welcome the Council Conclusions for COP28 and remain committed to work with EU Member States towards an ambitious COP28 outcome."

EU regions and cities underline that the first Global Stocktake must lead to an urgent and transparent path to accelerate climate action by working across all levels of governance and sectors. This means speeding up the shift to renewable energy, low carbon safe and sustainable energy production, and ultimately phasing out the use of fossil fuels without placing disproportionally high costs on fossil-fuel-reliant cities and regions. Therefore, actions undertaken must aim at the creation of additional green jobs and revitalising local economies and provide support to the most vulnerable citizens through a fair and inclusive sustainable transition that will also aim to drastically reduce energy poverty.

The CoR strongly advocates for direct access to climate funding for local and regional authorities, as this would allow each community to address the unique challenges faced within their respective territories. It also points out the need for support and technical assistance for subnational governments to facilitate the use of climate funds and financing options. In this regard, the EU Missions on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and on Adaptation to Climate Change could work as replicable models that could be expanded not only within the EU but also in other regions worldwide.

Despite the progress made at COP27 with the launch of the Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda, the CoR considers that current global financial flows for climate adaptation are insufficient and encourages COP28 Parties to provide credible targets and plans for deploying this capital. Mr Trzaskowski's opinion highlights the importance of vertical integration in climate policies and urges Parties to include subnational climate commitments, actions and achievements in their NDCs and NAPs. Cities and regions are also calling to strengthen the interlinkages between climate, biodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as underlined in a resolution adopted at last week's plenary session.

Finally, the CoR welcomes the United Arab Emirates COP28 Presidency's announcement of the global delegation of mayors at the first-ever Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS) and the inclusion of local climate priorities and contributions in the COP28 programme. It also highlights the importance of strong coordinated action between the European Parliament and the CoR delegations to COP28.

More information:

The COP28 – 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) –will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

International networks of Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency have agreed to pursue common goals at the COP28. The position paper has been drafted by the European Committee of the Regions, the Under2 Coalition and Regions4, with support from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – and contributions of networks in the LGMA, bringing in the voice of subnational governments worldwide. A final list of endorsers of the statement will be announced at the LGMA COP28 press conference on 30 November 2023.​

Contact:

Lauri Ouvinen

Tel. +32 473536887

lauri.ouvinen@cor.europa.eu