The climate crisis appears more than ever as the biggest challenge for local and regional authorities in Europe and a stress test for solidarity, cohesion and safety for our communities.
Cities and regions are driving transformation toward climate neutrality and the green transition. They are at the vanguard of this generation-defining battle through initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, as well as other policy efforts at all levels where cities are in the lead. Local and regional governments are also essential drivers in adopting substantial climate mitigation and adaptation measures, which are critical to achieving the European Green Deal's targets. In view of the next COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheik, thus it is very important to recognize all these efforts made by local and regional authorities, as well as it is critical that the European Committee of the Regions be fully engaged, representing the interests of the local and regional authorities in this international forum.
The climate crisis has already had an impact on our daily life. Its consequences are posing significant hazards to European regions and cities, and while development and adaptation measures have decreased vulnerability to some extent, as conditions worsen, climate change risks may become more difficult to manage. Furthermore, the way regions and cities in the European Union are affected by its effects varies significantly.
The 2022 edition of the EU Annual Report on the State of Regions and Cities explores the impacts of these and other challenges on European local realities, and analyses the tools that the EU can mobilise to ensure that a fair and equal social and economic recovery is achieved.
Check out the full report here:
cor.europa.eu/SOTEUlocalEN.go
