EPP-CoR local and regional leaders took part in the Green Transition Forum in Sofia, bringing concrete examples of how Europe’s green, digital and energy transitions can be delivered on the ground through strong local leadership, citizen engagement, multilevel governance and adequate investment.
Across discussions on local climate action, cohesion policy and sustainable cities, EPP-CoR representatives underlined that Europe’s transition will only succeed if cities and regions are fully empowered to shape and implement it.
Speaking during the session “Networks that Deliver: EU Tools for Local Climate Action”, Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo and Chair of the Bulgarian National Delegation to the European Committee of the Regions, highlighted the importance of European networks in helping municipalities accelerate climate action.
“Gabrovo’s experience shows that European networks are not abstract platforms — they are practical tools that help cities become greener, more competitive and more prosperous. Through initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors and the EU Mission for climate-neutral cities, we learn from others, share our own challenges and open new opportunities for our territories. We need to mobilise more municipalities to join these networks, bring European experience closer to local councillors, and engage citizens in the debate. A place-based approach, strong partnerships and competent local leadership are essential to unlock the full potential of our communities,” said Mayor Hristova.
Todor Yosifov, Burgas City Councillor, stressed the role of local representatives in bringing Europe closer to citizens.
“Europe must be visible and understandable in people’s daily lives. In Bulgaria, we have the creativity, innovation and ambition to do bigger things, but we need to believe more in our people, invest in education and support young generations. Local councillors have a key role in explaining what Europe does for communities, promoting Europe Direct centres and building bridges between citizens and institutions. This is also the mission of the European Committee of the Regions and of the councillors’ network: to make Europe close, concrete and connected to people’s needs,” he said.
Åsa Ågren Wikström, County Councillor of Västerbotten Region, underlined that the road towards climate neutrality requires a deep transformation of regions, cities and Europe’s economy as a whole.
“This transition requires adequate financial resources, stronger synergies, pooled efforts, the prevention of overlaps and constant learning from each other. European networks clearly help us on the path towards greener, cleaner and more prosperous cities and regions,” she said.
During the high-level panel “Cohesion Policy as Strategic Catalyst – Bridging Growth, Innovation and Resilience”, EPP-CoR members warned against centralising cohesion policy and called for stronger involvement of cities and regions in the next EU budget.
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, said that cohesion policy must remain one of Europe’s strongest investment tools.
“Cohesion policy is not charity — it is an investment in the future of the whole European Union. It gives people the right to stay in their communities, with access to good education, quality jobs, decent living conditions and effective governance, instead of being forced to leave. Europe cannot be built top-down. It must be built with cities, regions and people. That is why the golden principles of cohesion policy — multilevel governance and partnership — must be preserved. If we keep cohesion policy strong, we will have a stronger Europe in 2034,” said Mayor Boc.
Mayor Hristova also warned that cohesion policy must remain a democratic and territorial policy, not a crisis-management tool.
“For municipalities such as Gabrovo, connectivity, skills, quality of life and energy-efficient buildings are not separate issues — they are part of one holistic vision for territorial transformation. Cohesion policy gives communities the components of a better life, but it must not disappear, be centralised or become an instrument used only to respond to crises. Local and regional authorities must be fully involved, because they are often the most stable political level closest to citizens. We must stop being observers and become active participants in defending a strong, democratic cohesion policy for the benefit of our citizens,” she said.
In the panel “Building the Cities of Tomorrow – Best Practices in Sustainability and Resilience”, Markku Markkula, Chair of the EPP-CoR Working Group on the Green Deal Going Local and Member of Espoo City Council, focused on the implementation gap between European objectives and local delivery.
“We broadly agree on what Europe must achieve on climate and energy; the real question is how to make it happen in every region and city. Local authorities are navigating a complex landscape of EU legislation, funding opportunities and transition targets. To succeed, every region must be on board. We need place-based innovation ecosystems that bring together cities, industry, universities and research centres. We need more collaboration, more research infrastructure and stronger skills. The Green Deal Going Local work can help connect the dots and support cities and regions in turning targets into concrete transformation,” he said.
Throughout the discussions, EPP-CoR members insisted that Europe’s green and digital transition must be fair, locally anchored and democratically governed. Their message from Sofia was clear: Europe’s strategic objectives will only become reality if cities and regions are empowered to deliver them with citizens, businesses and local communities.