"It is vital to align EU climate goals with local realities. We cannot achieve the European Green Deal without local communities. San Lawrenz may be a small locality in Gozo, but we are proving that meaningful change starts at the grassroots." Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz and Ambassador of the European Climate Pact during the Malta National Event 2025: Together for Climate Action organized by MIEMA -Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency.
Noel Formosa, who serves as Member of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) highlighted the vital synergies between the CoR and the European Climate Pact, with a focus on practical climate actions implemented in San Lawrenz.
In his presentation, Formosa showcased how the CoR’s policymaking influence and the European Climate Pact’s citizen-driven initiatives create a powerful combination for real climate impact. Mayor Formosa illustrated this through several initiatives carried out in San Lawrenz, including:
- Installation of solar panels on public buildings
- Rainwater harvesting and reuse systems
- Green mobility efforts promoting walking and cycling
- Biodiversity conservation through tree planting and eco-awareness campaigns
- Active community engagement in sustainability actions
These efforts have led to measurable reductions in carbon emissions and increased environmental awareness within the local population.
Formosa concluded by calling for stronger cooperation between EU institutions and local councils, better access to EU funding for small communities, and the scaling of successful local models across Europe.