Green Deal Going Local: Cities and Regions Step Up in EU’s New Green Transition Mandate
- maria tsaousi
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
As Europe faces growing challenges from climate change, energy demands, and economic shifts, one message is clear: the road to a greener, more resilient future must start locally. That’s the focus of the newly launched mandate of the Green Deal Going Local working group, which began its 2025–2030 term on 3 June under the leadership of Markku Markkula, President of Helsinki Region and member of the European People’s Party (EPP).
Hosted within the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the working group brings together 13 elected representatives from across the EU to make sure cities and regions play a central role in delivering on the European Green Deal’s promises. With climate-neutrality targets set for 2050 and a need to respond to an evolving geopolitical and socio-economic landscape, the group’s mission is more vital than ever.
A Roadmap for a Greener, Fairer Europe
At its first meeting, the working group adopted a strategic roadmap for the next five years, with a renewed focus on:
Strengthening Europe’s sustainable competitiveness and strategic autonomy
Addressing social inequalities
Promoting green innovation within planetary boundaries
The roadmap aligns with the findings of the Green Deal 2.0 report and stresses that Europe's green transition must be tailored to local contexts. Cities and regions are not just implementers but innovators — uniquely positioned to tackle complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and zero pollution in ways that reflect local realities.
“Transformation Starts Locally”
Chair Markkula emphasized this point:
“Local and regional action is at the heart of Europe’s green transformation. To elevate our impact, cities and regions must play an even more central role in driving the EU’s climate goals.”
He highlighted the importance of multilevel governance, cross-sectoral collaboration, and stronger partnerships with universities, industries, and research institutions. The group aims to showcase successful models of systemic transformation and deepen cooperation with the European Commission.
Energy, Industry, and Urban Synergies
During the meeting, members also held a strategic discussion on the Clean Industrial Deal — a core component of Europe’s effort to decarbonize while staying economically competitive. William Elofsson (SE/EPP), rapporteur for the initiative, was joined by representatives from the Commission’s DG GROW and DG ENER to stress the role of regions in accelerating sustainable industrial shifts.
Additionally, the working group examined the upcoming EU Agenda for Cities, in conversation with Marcos Ros Sempere (Chair of the European Parliament’s Urban Forum) and representatives from DG CLIMA, DG ENV, DG ENER, and DG REGIO. Key city-level initiatives such as the EU Missions, Covenant of Mayors, and Green Capitals were discussed, with members calling for improved coordination to help local governments navigate and benefit from EU programs.
Looking Ahead
The Green Deal Going Local group will continue to amplify local and regional voices in EU policymaking, ensuring that climate action is not just top-down but also ground-up. The next meeting is set for 15 October, during the European Week of Regions and Cities — a key moment to spotlight local leadership on the green transition.
Why It Matters
As Europe works toward becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent, the role of cities and regions will be crucial. From sustainable energy to circular economy solutions, the innovation and leadership happening at the local level are shaping a greener, more inclusive Europe.
Because when it comes to climate action, local is not just where change happens — it’s where it begins.
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