European Metropolis of Lille

The European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) is a network of 95 towns and cities totalling 1.2 million inhabitants. It is the fourth-largest French agglomeration. Thanks to its geographic location, it is able to actively cooperate with Belgium, in particular through the Eurometropolis Lille – Kortrijk – Tournai, the first European grouping of territorial cooperation.

Build a resilient, interdependent and carbon-neutral territory

The MEL has recently renewed its commitment to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and has approved the Green City Accord.

The European Metropolis of Lille has decided to address many key energy & climate issues: poor air quality (largely due to regional traffic congestion), energy poverty, etc. Its second Regional Climate, Air & Energy Plan (PCAET) 2021–2026 addresses several converging issues in order to build a resilient, interdependent and carbon-neutral metropolis. The MEL aims to divide its carbon footprint by six by 2050, based on 2016 levels.

From waste policy and housing renovation to a whole climate-proof energy revolution

The MEL’s energy policy is based on reusing the energy generated by waste incineration. This energy source enabled the closure of the last coal-fired plant in Lille in January 2021. For this purpose, the agglomeration is using 20 km of pipes, known as the heat highway, to connect the energy recovery centre in Halluin to the region’s heating networks. The MEL also aims to support and mobilise local economic players by creating its EuraClimat Hub in 2021.

The European Metropolis of Lille also plans to support the thermal renovation of 8,200 homes, including 2,500 public housing units each year. To this end, the MEL offers ‘Amélio ’, an advice and support scheme for homeowners looking to initiate renovations. Since 2014, a total of 11,570 low-income households have received funding to cover part of the renovation costs.

In terms of mobility, the European agglomeration wants to improve air quality. Thus by 2035, the MEL intends to extend its public transport network by 80 km. It also plans to increase the number of cycle paths and create a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) by 2025.

Sources: Juliette Charpin, European Affairs Officer for the MEL’s Permanent Delegation to the European Institutions (information from early 2022); Regional Climate, Air & Energy Plan (PCAET) 2021–2026 available on the official website of the European Metropolis of Lille;