“The largely untapped power of the EU lies in the CoR members and the resources we can bring from our cities and regions to implement the ambitious climate targets of the EU. During this five-year term, we can and will showcase how to reach climate neutrality in cities and regions with our industry, academia, and citizens. This will be an enormous joint effort with the European Commission – a systemic transformation. The advancements made by pioneering cities and regions in initiatives like the EU Missions have demonstrated the significant potential for impactful EU policy.” Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region made these remarks during an online event titled Funding and Opportunities to Make European Cities Greener and Climate-Friendly.
During the panel debate Cities and Regions: Driving Europe’s Green Future, Markkula, in his role as the new Chair of the CoR's Green Deal Going Local initiative, reaffirmed that the Green Deal remains a priority. Quoting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission 2024-2029, he emphasized:
“The EU must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal.”
“Our era’s greatest challenges – from security to climate change to competitiveness – can only be solved through joint action.”
As an example of local leadership, he presented the Espoo City Roadmap to Climate Neutrality by 2030, underlining the critical role of local and regional authorities in EU climate policy and missions.
The event explored how citizens and local authorities can actively shape Europe’s green transition, providing practical solutions, clarifying funding opportunities, and fostering collaboration between institutions and communities. Panelists exchanged insights on supporting the green transformation and empowering local action across Europe.
The event was part of the Active Cities – Green Cities project, co-funded by the European Commission’s CERV Programme.