Today, 20 May, ICLEI has brought forward a joint letter to EU leaders and Heads of States as part of a coalition of 50 organisations representing European local and regional governments, businesses, investor groups, and NGOs calling for a strong EU legislative package.
The “Fit for 55” Package – which aims to update the European Union’s climate and energy laws to reflect the new target to reach 55 percent emission reductions by 2030 – will be discussed on 25 May at a special European Council meeting.
With this letter, ICLEI and its partners urge EU leaders to provide policy certainty and guidance for European cities and regions, businesses, investors and civil society, by finalising ambitious climate and energy legislation, which supports a rapid, green, territorially balanced, and socially fair transition in all regions. Coalition partners furthermore called for national, local and regional EU public investment and funding to prioritise projects and solutions that support the implementation of the EU’s enhanced climate objectives.
Wolfgang Teubner, ICLEI Regional Director for Europe said: “A strong “Fit for 55” Package has to combine clear and stable national regulatory frameworks with continuous support and direct access to funding for local governments. This is key for sending a clear message to markets about the race to climate neutrality and for enabling local and regional governments to translate the EU Green Deal and climate targets into place-based solutions via Local Green Deals and Climate Pacts that meet local priorities and secure the widespread societal support needed for a rapid, inclusive and just transition.”
The shape and scope of the package will be decisive not only for achieving the new EU 55 percent emission reduction target for 2030, adopted in December 2020, but also for establishing more prosperous and resilient economies and communities and ensuring that Europe’s recovery will be consistent with its climate objectives.
Read the join letter and the points brought forward by ICLEI on behalf of local and regional governments here. An associated Press Release can be found here.