In a solemn ceremony that has taken place the 10th February in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament, more that 350 cities across Europe have committed, by signing the Covenant of Mayors, to go beyond the EU’s energy objective of reducing 20% CO2 emissions by 2020. With this initiative of the European Commission in partnership with the Committee of Regions, the representatives of over 60 million citizens will work together to achieve the common goal of changing our environment and using energy more wisely.
By signing the Covenant, the mayors of around 400 cities will commit their cities to adopting sustainable energy action plans within twelve months and achieving a series of targets and obligations. Their progress will be closely monitored by external evaluators and they will be required to submit regular status reports. 60 cities from the Province of Barcelona, with the support of Barcelona Provincial Council, have formally signed up to the Covenant.
“Most of the energy produced in Europe is consumed in urban areas. The battle against climate change will have to fought and won in the cities. This is why, the commitment shown by Mayors across Europe by signing the Covenant of Mayors send us a strong message of hope, particularly in the difficult times that we are facing “, said Commissioner Piebalgs.
Committee of the Regions President Luc Van den Brande, speaking at the signing ceremony, said: “The Covenant of Mayors is an excellent initiative which will continue to grow in partnership with the Committee of the Regions. Europe’s ambitious targets for cutting greenhouse gases will only be met when European local and regional authorities pull together and become involved as partners. The Covenant is not for big cities alone: smaller cities and towns, as well as regions as a whole, should also be encouraged to sign the Covenant and make the environmental pledge. The Committee of the Regions is also exploring the idea of creating a network for cities and regions signed up to the Covenant, helping them to share best practice ideas and experience.”
To coincide with the ceremony, the new Covenant of Mayors website has been launched today to act as a network portal and support structure for participating cities and citizens alike. The new website www.eumayors.eu, offers news and pictures of the Covenant in action, as well as information on the cities involved.
Covenant cities:
http://www.eumayors.eu/covenant_cities/towns_cities_en.htm
