Multilevel action across Europe is helping to translate climate commitments into measurable results at a local level, according to a new report by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) and C40 Cities.
The report, The European Multilevel Governance Story: Evidence on CHAMP-aligned Implementation in Practice, highlights how European institutions, as well as national, regional and local governments across the EU are working collaboratively to develop, finance and deliver tangible climate actions.
‘Delivering climate action’
“Across the European Union, multilevel partnerships and active cooperation among various levels of government are essential to designing and delivering climate action on the ground,” commented Laurence Graff, adviser for Multi-level Climate Action, representing the European Commission. “The EU works closely with Member States, cities and regions because effective climate action depends on all levels of government moving in the same direction, helping one another for a coherent and effective delivery.
“By strengthening cooperation, sharing expertise and supporting investment in local solutions, we are turning European climate ambition into real transformation for communities.”
As the report, which documents tangible examples from across Europe, highlights, empowering cities helps to facilitate the implementation of climate and energy policies at a local level. This, in turn, feeds into broader EU-wide goals, while also aligning with the goals of the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP).
For example, in Germany, €2.2 billion has been invested in 60,000 local projects through the National Climate Initiative, mobilising nearly €7 billion in total investments; while Denmark is on track to become the first EU country in which all municipalities have climate plans aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Elsewhere, in Italy, regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Apulia are supporting municipalities in designing and implementing climate plans; in Spain, the CitiES2030 platform is helping to bring together governments, cities, businesses, and academia to accelerate urban climate action; and in Sweden, the Viable Cities programme is working alongside 48 cities and six national agencies on efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
As the report notes, strong policy frameworks, dedicated support for cities and regions, and structured cooperation across all levels of government are needed to ensure cities are empowered to contribute to the delivery of national climate goals.
‘A proven model’
“The EU’s experience shows that multilevel governance is not a theory, but a proven model for delivering climate action on the ground,” added Andy Deacon, co-managing director of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM). “It demonstrates that strong policy frameworks, combined with empowered cities and regions, structured cooperation, and dedicated access to finance, can unlock faster and more effective implementation. It also highlights the critical role of regional governments, local government associations, and technical partners in bridging national ambition with local delivery.
“As countries around the world move to implement their climate commitments, the examples in this report provide an inspiration on how multilevel partnerships can turn climate goals into tangible results.” Read more here.
