June 4, 2025

The following is a press release:

During the 2025-2030 legislative term of the European Committee of the Regions, the Green Deal Going Local working group will work towards a new green transition agenda that is more flexible and ready to respond to Europe’s needs in an evolving context while supporting the EU's climate-neutrality targets. The working group held its first meeting of the new CoR term on 3 June under the leadership of the newly elected chair Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), President of Helsinki Region.

The roadmap adopted by working group members highlights that the EU's renewed green transition agenda needs to foster sustainable competitiveness and strategic autonomy, eradicate social inequalities and further exploit the potential of green innovation within the planetary boundaries. In line with the recommendations of the Green Deal 2.0 report published last year, regions and cities with their specific contexts and needs must be placed at the centre to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and achieve zero pollution targets simultaneously.

The Green Deal Going Local working group chair Markku Markkula said: "Local and regional action is at the heart of Europe’s green transformation. To elevate our impact, cities and regions must play an even more central role in driving the EU’s climate goals. Our approach will align with the EU’s strategic priorities, promoting a dynamic, learning-based model of multilevel governance that emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration, public-private partnerships, and evidence-informed, place-based policymaking. During this mandate, our focus will be on upgrading the role of cities and regions — showcasing systemic transformation, strengthening partnerships with universities, industries, and research centres, and deepening collaboration with the European Commission to accelerate the achievement of Europe’s climate targets."

As the efforts to secure cheaper and more sustainable energy sources are becoming key elements to preserve Europe's economic competitiveness, members exchanged views on the Clean Industrial Deal with CoR rapporteur William Elofsson (SE/EPP) and representatives of the European Commission's DG GROW and DG ENER. Speakers highlighted the role of regions and cities to trigger system transformation and ensure the creation of thriving economies throughout the EU.

The working group also discussed the upcoming EU Agenda for Cities and the role of key initiatives and networks for cities and regions, such as the EU Missions, the Covenant of Mayors and the Green Capitals. In the exchange of views with the European Parliament's Urban Forum chair Marcos Ros Sempere (ES/S&D) and representatives of the European Commission's DG CLIMA, DG ENV, DG ENER and DG REGIO, members stressed the need to improve synergies and coordination across the different initiatives to ensure their better uptake at the local and regional level.

Background information:

The Green Deal Going Local working group aims at ensuring that the voice of regions and cities is embedded in the key discussions on the future development of the green policies in the EU and on the gaps, needs and new challenges linked to their implementation on the ground. To provide a cross-cutting view, the working group is composed of 13 local and regional elected representatives across the thematic commissions of the CoR. The next meeting of the group will take place on 15 October during the European Week of Regions and Cities.

Contact:

Lauri Ouvinen

Tel. +32 473536887

lauri.ouvinen@cor.europa.eu