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Under2 Coalition and European Committee of the Regions unite for climate action

10 December 2020, 14:58 UTC 2 min read

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) to better cooperate and share solutions on the way regions act on climate change in Europe.

The CoR is the EU's political assembly of locally and regionally elected leaders from all EU members states that formally shapes EU policy and decision-making. It represents the interests of all local and regional governments in the Union.

To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, we need long-term climate plans now to support all levels of government in this transition. While this is an immense challenge, it’s also an incredible opportunity for European citizens, regions and cities to shape a resilient and sustainable future for all people.

Over the next two years, our work with CoR will further our shared goals on climate action and clean energy transition at the regional level. We will focus on:

  • Activities of common interest, such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement;
  • Climate transparency and annual disclosure of regions’ climate targets and data; 
  • Projects that support regional governments in developing a ‘pathway’ to reduce emissions and achieve climate neutrality;
  • Cooperation in activities that are considered as a priority by the two institutions, for example in support of a swift implementation of key components of the European Green Deal

In 2021 we will join forces for a crucial round of climate negotiations at COP26 in Glasgow. As part of this, we will elevate the voices of European states and regions through stories of success from across the continent, including on industry decarbonisation and the electrification of transport systems. We will also continue to champion the European Green Deal as a key tool to achieve the green recovery we need following COVID-19.

Together, CoR and the Under2 Coalition will also look at how regional governments can contribute to the ‘Fit for 55 Package’ being published by the European Commission. This set of measures is aimed at reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and regions in Europe will have a pivotal role in supporting cities and Member States in accelerating its implementation.

Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg and Under2 Coalition Co-Founder for Europe commented:

“The Under2 Coalition, the leading subnational global network for ambitious climate action, has a large number of members in Europe. Therefore, the cooperation with the Committee of the Regions creates synergies and will strengthen the voice of the Under2 Coalition within the European Union. I’m looking forward to our common activities and initiatives.”

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Governor of the Central Macedonia Region, commented:

"The fight against climate change will be won locally, in and with our regions and cities. From energy efficient buildings to carbon-zero transport, Europe's cities and regions are working tirelessly to adapt and mitigate against climate change, creating sustainable communities. This Acton Plan with the Under2 Coalition will help us build momentum among regions and cities to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral world."