Policy Documents
Energy Cities advocates for EU and national legislations that enable cities and regions to be liveable and long-lasting places. We take a firm stand on topical energy issues and advise on ways to reconcile energy policies with local development priorities.
EU Renewable Energy Policy
Integrated local planning in the revised Renewable Energy Directive
Reaping all socio-economic benefits of locally-anchored renewable energy systems
Energy Cities and REScoop.eu call on the European Union to introduce a crucial new obligation in the revised renewable energy directive in order to reap […]
EU Climate Action
Municipal Climate Partnerships as Green Motors for Europe
What EU and national policymakers need to do to boost climate action on the local level
In this briefing, co-published with adelphi, we argue that municipal climate partnerships must receive more recognition and financial support by way of EU or nationally […]
EU Climate Action
Climate Law should support economic climate proofing and local energy sufficiency
Position Paper
Energy Cities believes the European Green Deal, and more particularly the Climate Law, should provide a springboard for mainstreaming new local sustainable trends and practices.
EU Budget
Letter to EU Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen
Europe must use a climate neutral 2050 emissions target to be more ambitious in 2030 and cities must be involved at every step to succeed
This letter to the new EU President sets out Energy Cities’ priorities for ensuring a shared energy transition in Europe. By mobilising the entirety of the EU’s capabilities and incorporating detailed carbon budgeting to ensure that, on an annual basis, we are making the necessary emissions cuts, Europe can lead the rest of the world and show the way.
National Policies
German Mayors call upon Chancellor Merkel for greater climate support and action
A joint letter by the presidents of Energy Cities, Climate Alliance and ICLEI
The presidents of Energy Cities, Climate Alliance and ICLEI call on behalf of German cities for greater climate support and action by the German government, as the number of municipal climate emergency declarations across Germany and Europe rises.
Just Energy Transition Fund
Energy Cities shares its recommendations for the new funding instrument in the future EU budget
What is still missing in the Just Energy Transition Fund’s scope is an overarching mission to drive a radical change in energy generation and environmental responsibility that result in a genuine power shift towards local communities in transition in all EU territories.
EU Budget
2019 EU elections – Our Manifesto
What Energy Cities demands of future EU leaders
The Energy Cities manifesto is aimed at incoming MEPs with a series of demands on both a short timescale and a longer horizon.
These demands are ambitious but will deliver the changes cities and citizens need to develop sustainably.
Time is short. But the window for decisive action on climate change is still open. We need brave and bold EU leaders to heed our call and deliver a shared energy transition.
EU Climate Action
Cities call for a more sustainable and equitable European future
An open letter to the European Council and its Member States
President of the European Council,Heads of States and Governments of the European Union Member States, We, the undersigned mayors and heads of local governments have […]
EU Climate Action
Cities at the forefront of climate action
Achieving the Paris Climate goals through the effort sharing regulation
The contribution of cities and regions in reaching the European climate and energy targets is already significant. Yet, much more is possible with an enabling, stable and ambitious policy framework and effective access to financing. A strong Effort Sharing Regulation – without loopholes – can support and incentivise the uptake, replication and upscaling of local climate and energy actions. Creating the right conditions to enable climate efforts to propel will moreover lead to numerous co-benefits and a better quality of life for the millions of urban residents.
EU Energy Union Governance
From pipe dreams to local means: Call for a new Energy Union governance
A Guidance Paper to assist Member States
The governance of the grand Energy Union project is the framework through which Member States will be expected to report on the achievement of the 2030 climate and energy targets as well as associated policy design. What role will and should be given to local authorities within this context? Can we still rely on old decision-making architectures when while moving to the future, decentralised energy system? In this publication, Energy Cities provides some possible guidance and orientations on how to revisit the governance framework based on a “think local first” approach.
