Europe’s climate transition starts locally: insights from the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony
Europe’s path to climate neutrality will be shaped locally – empowered municipalities, equipped with resources and partnerships, are key to achieving Europe’s climate ambitions. The 2025 edition of the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony of 16 October confirmed the essential role of local and regional governments in delivering the climate and energy transitions.
© European Union / Octavian Carare
The Ceremony, held at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, showcased how Europe’s towns, cities, and regions are turning climate ambition into concrete local action. Bringing together over 500 mayors, local and regional representatives, and EU institutions, the event reaffirmed that the path to climate neutrality runs through local and regional governance.
Local leadership and multi-level governance
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that local authorities are the frontline actors of Europe’s climate transformation, turning political ambition into tangible progress. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described them as ‘innovation laboratories’ where solutions meet citizens’ daily lives, and European Committee of the Regions Chair Kata Tüttő emphasised the importance of cohesive governance, where resilience is predicated on strong collaboration between local, regional, and national levels.
Effective multi-level governance is essential to developing coherent strategies, maximising resources, and strengthening resilience against climate and energy shocks. At the same time, innovative financing tools such as green bonds and public-private partnerships are empowering communities to scale up investment in clean energy and infrastructure.
Technological innovation and community involvement
The event highlighted that municipalities are not just implementing policies – they are shaping Europe’s climate and energy future. Local governments are accelerating renewable energy deployment, upgrading housing for energy efficiency, and developing sustainable mobility systems that make the transition tangible for citizens.
The Ceremony emphasised that a just transition must be people-centred. Engaging citizens and fostering inclusion are considered vital to lasting progress, with successful initiatives being those combining technological innovation and active community involvement. The Covenant of Mayors Awards illustrated that point by honouring three cities leading Europe’s climate transition through innovation and community action: Domokos (Greece), Lappeenranta (Finland), and Mechelen (Belgium).
Each represents a different but complementary approach to local climate leadership. Domokos was recognised for transforming its energy model through a renewable-based district heating system that cuts emissions and energy costs for residents. Lappeenranta’s geothermal energy network showcases a model of how smaller cities can tap local resources to achieve carbon neutrality. And Mechelen’s smart energy grid uses real-time data to balance energy supply and demand across neighbourhoods, reducing waste and empowering citizens to monitor consumption.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of climate. Join the new Community Group on energy transition to connect and exchange with peers.