The need to come up with clear and concrete projects that can bring change and make cities and regions more sustainable through direct EU funds was raised by EPP-CoR member Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw, during a workshop on 'Governance models for climate neutrality' organised by the Covenant of Mayors as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
Trzaskowski said that while Europe needed a recovery programme especially in these difficult times, Europe had to invest in a green economy emphasising that both aspects had to remain high on the EU Agenda. Trzaskowski who served as the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Rapporteur on Climate Pact said that the pact should be an enabler of a closer cooperation between local and regional authorities and European Institutions to develop ideas and channel them into the EU decision making process. Furthermore the pact must act as an umbrella for the existing and future local climate pacts working towards clear climate goals with all stakeholders.
The current Mayor of Warsaw added that the European Green deal should serve as a platform for education on environment and climate protection. "While young people are engaged, the situation is different when taking into account all generations and thus more needs to be done".
Referring to his opinion adopted by the CoR, Rafal Trzaskowski suggested to allow regional authorities and cities to have direct access to EU funds outside the national envelope in agreement with the principle of subsidiarity describing this measure as a win-win situation. "The European Commission should come up with projects in the field of mobility, energy saving and programmes to green cities. If we set clear goals with European programmes, than we can really show our determination and demonstrate that we can introduce change." Trzaskowski said that these projects should be organised directly with cities and regions to empower them addressing the most important priorities of cities.
The Mayor of Warsaw added that this measure will allow mayors to act in situations in which national governments disregard climate change and where cities are more progressive and interested in climate action than national governments. Appealing for support Trzaskowski concluded "Cities and regions are doing a lot and trying to lower emissions but need EU assistance."