Green Transition and Local Leadership Take Centre Stage at EU Enlargement Day 2024
- maria tsaousi
- May 29
- 2 min read
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) brought together local and regional leaders from across candidate and potential candidate countries on 27-28 May for the EU’s largest annual event dedicated to enlargement — the Enlargement Day conference. This year, the spotlight was firmly on two pivotal themes shaping the future of the EU’s neighbourhood: the green transition and decentralisation.
Why Local Leadership Matters
As the EU looks to expand its borders, the role of local and regional authorities has never been more crucial. European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, described these authorities as a vital “bridge” between the EU and its future member states. They are the ones implementing nearly 70% of EU legislation and bringing it closer to the people in towns and cities beyond capital hubs.
Adam Szłapka, Poland’s Minister for the European Union — Poland currently holds the EU Council Presidency — echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “local and regional authorities are the closest level of government to the citizen.” Ultimately, it’s the citizens and communities that drive reform momentum and the pace of accession.
Decentralisation: Strengthening Democracy from the Ground Up
Effective decentralisation emerged as a shared priority. Local governance isn’t just about administrative efficiency; it fosters democratic engagement and long-term stability. The conference highlighted that while each country must find its own path to decentralisation, cross-border dialogue and shared learning accelerate progress.
The importance of safeguarding local leadership was also underlined, with the CoR condemning the detention of local politicians in Türkiye, reinforcing the principle that democratic rights at the local level must be respected.
The Green Agenda: Local Authorities as Key Drivers of Change
Environmental standards under Chapter 27 of the EU acquis pose significant challenges but also tremendous opportunities for candidate countries. The transition to greener, more sustainable economies demands local authorities be well-equipped — financially, institutionally, and in terms of expertise.
Key factors for success include securing funding, training civil servants, fostering cooperation between national and sub-national governments, improving legal frameworks, and importantly, convincing citizens of the tangible benefits the green transition brings to everyday life.
Over 230 municipalities in Türkiye and the Western Balkans have joined the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, pledging to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030. Despite ongoing conflict, over 200 Ukrainian municipalities continue to actively pursue sustainable energy projects, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
Building the Future Together
The conference underscored a broader message: EU enlargement is more than a political process — it’s a societal transformation that requires the active participation of local communities. By empowering cities and regions, the EU is investing not only in its borders but in the future of peace, security, and prosperity.
The momentum behind enlargement is growing stronger than ever, with new accession talks underway for Ukraine and Moldova, and innovative joint initiatives launched with Albania, Kosovo*, and others.
Local and regional leaders stand on the frontlines of this historic journey, championing reforms that bring the EU closer to its neighbourhood and its people.
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