Publications & tools

Latest ( 1 - 9 from 283 )

2025 Local Sustainability Award report

The 2025 Local Sustainability Award report gives a comprehensive overview of the inaugural edition of the Award.
This Award, organised by ICLEI Europe together partners Bertelsmann Stiftung, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the City of Aalborg, celebrates transformative projects that align with the Aalborg Conditions and set new standards in local sustainability leadership.
Press release
Published: 2025

Local Alliance: EU Budget proposals risk cutting out cities and regions

The Local Alliance – a coalition of eight leading networks of local and regional governments – is raising the alarm over the European Commission’s proposal for the next EU budget, warning it could sideline cities and regions and undermine the delivery of key EU priorities.
Position paper
Published: 2025

From talk to transformation: local governance innovation driving Europe’s green and competitive future

Local Green Deals and Climate City Contracts are governance innovations developed and tested through recent EU initiatives — namely the Intelligent Cities Challenge and the EU Cities Mission. They guide local public administrations in designing structures and processes to implement strategic EU priorities.
This paper positions Local Green Deals and Climate City Contracts not only forward-looking governance innovations but also as instruments to support Europe's transition priorities under...

Towards a new era of genuine shared governance in Europe

In this shared letter, mayors and regional leaders from over 80 cities, towns and regions and 12 local and regional government networks across Europe are calling for a new era in EU governance that recognises local and regional governments as essential partners in shaping Europe's future.
Letters and statements
Published: 2025

EU Mayors call for an ambitious domestic EU 2040 climate target

In a powerful show of unity, cities, towns, regions and major local government networks, including ICLEI Europe, Eurocities, C40 and CEMR, call on the European Commission to adopt a binding 2040 climate target rooted in science and ambition in a joint letter. Continuing the journey and maintaining EU ambitions is a requirement for cities to lead Europe’s climate transition with clarity and trust.
Letters and statements
Published: 2025

Letter on the EU 2040 Climate Target and the EU NDC

At the occassion of the 10 year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, signing Mayors call on the EU to continue playing a leading role in its success. The letters calls for the adoption of an enhanced EU Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC that is backed by a strong 2040 target and a robust post-2030 policy framework.
Report
Published: 2025

Fast & Fair Deployment of Renewables & Grids - Voices from Local Governments

Despite the overall positive public sentiment towards renewable energies, local opposition to additional projects continues to be a major cause for delays in deployment. The Fast & Fair Renewables & Grids Initiative provides the first Europe-wide cross-sectoral consensus, with a framework for facilitating renewable energy and grid projects that are perceived as fair for all. Developed in collaboration with stakeholders from civil society, local government, commercial and non-pr...
Policy brief
Published: 2025

Circular Cities Frontrunner Group policy brief on accelerating the circular economy for a prosperous and competitive Europe

This policy brief supported by over 40 cities and networks, outlines nine proposals from 16 European circular frontrunner cities to strengthen EU circular economy policy. It is structured around three priorities: raising circular ambition, enabling local action and mobilising economic instruments. The brief draws on city experiences to offer practical recommendations and is intended to support the Circular Economy Act, Clean Industrial Deal and related EU policy processes.
Letters and statements
Published: 2025

Prioritising urban and regional mobility investment: A Strategic Pillar for Europe’s Competitiveness

This joint letter by local and regional governments and transport networks calls for prioritisation of investment in urban and regional mobility in the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP). The letter supported by POLIS, ICLEI Europe, Eurocities, European Metropolitan Transport Authorities (EMTA), European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), UITP, and EIT Urban Mobility was sent to EU decision-makers to support the Commission’s broader effort to boost Europe’s competit...