New EU Covenant of Mayors initiative promotes affordable living through integrated local action
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Transport and mobility
- Energy
- Climate
- Nature and environment
- Housing
A new EU Covenant of Mayors initiative highlights how integrated approaches to housing, energy and mobility can make everyday life more affordable and accessible. The initiative also addresses challenges affecting rural communities, particularly transport dependence, energy costs and access to essential services.
Image by the EU Covenant of Mayors and Energy Poverty Advisory Hub
Launched on 15 October 2026 at the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony in Brussels, Places Made for People showcases how local governments are connecting climate and energy measures with people's everyday needs.
Developed by the EU Covenant of Mayors together with the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub, and involving key EU initiatives on sustainable transport, it aims to highlight local approaches and connect them with relevant European resources.
The initiative responds to the interconnected challenges of housing affordability, rising energy costs and limited transport options. It promotes integrated local planning that brings together clean energy, sustainable mobility, housing improvements and support for vulnerable households.
Addressing affordability challenges in rural areas
While the initiative focuses strongly on cities and towns, it also recognises the specific circumstances of rural and remote communities, where limited public transport, fewer employment opportunities and reduced access to essential services can increase car dependence and household costs.
The approaches highlighted include:
- Affordable and accessible mobility: better connections between urban centres and rural communities, demand-responsive transport, car-sharing, carpooling and other flexible options where conventional public transport is less viable.
- Energy-efficient and affordable housing: renovation support, energy advice and improvements to heating and cooling systems to reduce household costs and address energy poverty.
- Local clean energy: renewable energy and community energy initiatives that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and involve residents in local energy production.
- Integrated local planning: connecting housing, transport, energy and essential services to address affordability challenges together rather than through separate measures.
Connecting local action with EU support
The initiative builds on the work of Covenant of Mayors signatories, which develop Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans to reduce emissions, prepare for climate risks and address energy poverty.
Its launch formed part of the 2026 Covenant of Mayors Ceremony, where local leaders and European Commission representatives discussed affordable energy, climate resilience and the investment needed to support local action.
Through Places Made for People, the Covenant of Mayors will share examples of local approaches and relevant EU initiatives and resources.