On 26-27 June, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) unanimously adopted an opinion titled, “A Clean Planet for all: a European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy.”

The opinion recognises that current European Union (EU) efforts on climate change are not sufficient to address, combat, and reverse global climatic changes and warming.

In sum, the CoR calls for the EU to increase how much it spends on climate to at least 30 percent of the EU budget, with reference to the importance of energy taxation. In addition, it urges the adoption of a target of 40 percent renewable energy used across the EU by 2030, as a means to help reach climate neutrality by 2050. The CoR also proposes the establishment of a “European climate neutrality observatory”; this body would map and monitor vulnerabilities of different territories to the energy transition.

Finally, the opinion calls for the involvement of cities and regions – including through CoR representation – in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris agreement, and as an observer in all UNFCCC bodies. This indicates important recognition of the role that cities play both as leaders in implementing climate action, and frequently as the communities that deal with the consequences of inaction.

For more information, please click here. Read the full opinion (translated in 23 languages) by clicking here.

Learn more about ICLEI's partnership with the CoR on climate action and biodiversity here.