News

9 country lessons + 10 recommendations = 1 effective National Energy and Climate Plan

New LIFE PlanUp report provides guidance on participative governance to national policymakers

With EU Member States set to submit their final national energy and climate plans (NECPs) by the end of the year, they should tap into the potential of their cities and citizens to design and deliver robust, ambitious and mutually beneficial plans.

Culling the Incoming Commissioners

European Parliament hearings of Commissioner-designates get underway in Brussels

The European Parliament is questioning the proposed commissioners in Brussels this week. The hearings are essential to inform Parliament’s decision to give its consent to, […]

Germany fails to regain climate leadership

Climate package proposed by Government falls short in meeting demand for ambitious action

It has been trumpeted as a “very powerful package” by the German government. The long-awaited draft of Germany’s first climate protection law, unveiled on September 20, is ultimately insufficient to catapult the so-called energy transition pioneer back into climate leadership.

European Week of Regions and Cities 2019

4 events you cannot miss

Since 2003, the European Week of Regions and Cities has been giving cities and regions the opportunity to display their actions, confirming the importance of […]

Global Strike for Climate

Mayors Representing 8,000 European Cities Call for Climate Proofing of EU and National Budgets

Press release Climate proofing budgets is the best way to ensure that governments do not spend a single euro that could further climate change For […]

The tug of war for Germany’s next climate protection law

Where we stand and what Merkel and her team can learn from others

With a new climate action law, chancellor Angela Merkel can show how serious the so-called energy transition pioneer takes its task.

Booming bike use in Brussels as European Mobility Week kicks off

Cycling commuters have doubled in Brussels in the last five years

Cycling in Brussels has been surging in popularity the last few years with 16% more cyclists in 2018 compared to 2017 and an average 13% […]

Heating and cooling planning: a “must have” for all cities!

Heating and cooling goes hand to hand with urban planning.

Heating and cooling (H&C) is a major topic for the decarbonisation of the European energy system, and it goes hand to hand with urban planning. […]

« If you had only one wish? »

Policy op-ed by Claire Roumet

This summer, far from Brussels’ overheated streets, I was asked this seemingly innocent question by a friend while chatting after a pleasant walk: “if you […]

Get free passes to the 2019 Smart City Expo World Congress: “Cities Made of Dreams”

This year, Energy Cities is partnering with the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), a leading event for governments and organizations committed to smart, sustainable development.

New report: Leveraging the activism of civil society

Energy transition lessons from the EU and US

The latest Energy Allies report showcases how civil society can be an ally and friend to city governments in a quest for better energy transition […]

EU City Facility: Financial support and services to cities’ sustainable energy projects

We are glad to coordinate the European City Facility (EUCF), a new EU-funded project which will provide financial support and services to cities and municipalities […]