Mayors meet with EU leaders in Brussels to advance affordable energy and climate resilience

Against a backdrop of rising energy costs and growing climate risks, hundreds of mayors gathered in Brussels for the annual EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony for a discussion with European leaders about how to make energy more affordable, strengthen resilience, and protect people's quality of life across Europe.

Local governments are on the front line of today’s successive crises. Through their climate and energy plans, signatories of the EU Covenant of Mayors have been working for over a decade to transform their energy systems and territories, making them cleaner, safer and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Their experience makes them essential partners in delivering on the EU's priorities, from energy security to affordable living and climate resilience. The Ceremony provided an opportunity to discuss in concrete terms how European policies and investment can help cities turn their ambitions into reality.

"We are together on this. I am with you and will work with you. We have a very important duty: to build a resilient, low emission and fair future, and your cities are the place to start delivering.” - Teresa Ribera, European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

As Europe faces a challenging energy and climate landscape, making everyday life safe and affordable has become a shared priority for the EU and its cities. By working together to advance the energy and climate transition, they are helping ensure that a decent quality of life is accessible and affordable for everyone.

This is at the heart of the EU Covenant of Mayors’ new action, Places Made for People, launched at today’s Ceremony: supporting local governments in shaping places where people can live and thrive today and for generations to come.  

Local homegrown energy means greater security and affordability