The European Green Deal goes local through new EC-CoR partnership

The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions have launched a joint initiative to deliver the flagship policy on a local level

The European Green Deal – the European Commission’s flagship policy – is crucial to the continent’s economic recovery in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. Through it, the entire Union will be transformed and turn greener, more environmentally friendly and sustainable. No facets of life will remain unchanged – but such ambition requires great cooperation.

Regions and cities at the heart of the transformation

At a debate held earlier this week, Frans Timmermans, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal discussed the importance of the involvement of Europe’s regions, cities and villages in the continent’s transition. He issued an appeal to local leaders to take ownership of the Green Deal and make sure that it is delivered on their own regional and municipal levels.

On its own part, the European Committee of the Regions welcomed this new push for enhanced cooperation and backed the Green Deal as the main way for the European Union to recover from the pandemic in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

This new era of joint cooperation will allow Europe’s regions to tap into the Union’s vast resources and find improved and vital solutions that will help them on their way towards economic recovery. More specifically, thanks to their efforts, citizens will be able to see tangible changes in areas like improving the energy efficiency of buildings, developing sustainable transport and protecting natural habitats.

During the debate, the President of the European Committee of the Regions and governor of the Central Region of Macedonia in Greece, Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated that "We will not let the pandemic hinder our commitment to protecting our environment. We need a green, just and resilient recovery for all regions and cities, urban and rural, rich and poor. We must act together now, accelerating the green transition by delivering concrete projects locally. Our new cooperation with the European Commission is a turning point in our partnership. It will empower, support and mobilise local and regional governments to deliver the Green Deal on our streets and to deliver on our promises to our citizens and our children."