“Cities and regions are not just implementers of climate policies — we are active agents of change, and our voice must be heard at the global level.” Kostas Bakoyannis, Chair of the European Committee of the Regions’ ENVE Commission, made these remarks during a European Town Hall on COP at the Committee of the Regions — just one month before COP30 in Belém.
Bakoyannis stressed that the objectives for COP30 are clear. They include:
- Establishing a formal mechanism for the systematic involvement of subnational governments in UNFCCC processes.
- Recognising local and regional governments as indispensable partners in implementing a just transition.
- Localising climate finance to ensure resources reach the territories where change is happening.
He underlined that forums such as the Local Leaders Forum and subnational COPs are more than diplomatic meetings — they are vital spaces to exchange experiences, forge partnerships, and bring tangible opportunities back to citizens.
Bakoyannis emphasised that cities and regions must be present at COP events because the outcomes directly shape national climate policies that local and regional authorities must implement. “Whether it’s mitigation targets, adaptation indicators, or climate finance, these agreements inform EU legislation — legislation that is translated into action in our communities,” he said. “We are not mere observers — every commitment made at the UN must be translated into concrete projects, policies, and investments on the ground.”
As Mayor of Athens and later as Chair of the ENVE Commission, Bakoyannis has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle climate change locally while championing the active role of cities and regions in the global climate agenda.