EUROCITIES, together with other city networks, have presented an open letter signed by 210 mayors, representing 62 million citizens, to European heads of states and governments ahead of the ‘Future of Europe’ summit in Sibiu on 9 May. The letter urges international leaders to commit the European Union and all European institutions to a long-term climate strategy with the objective of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050:
Develop a just and inclusive European long-term climate strategy that enhances resilience and ensures emissions in the EU peak by 2020, more than halve by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050;
Enhance the 2030 EU climate and energy targets and Nationally Determined Contribution to ensure a resilient, rapid and just energy transition in line with the above goals;
Align the next EU long-term budget with this strategy, remove fossil fuel subsidies and mainstream climate action as a priority across all funding programmes;
Commit all member states to binding net-zero emissions reduction targets and the above goals.
Anna König Jerlmyr, president of EUROCITIES and mayor of Stockholm, one of the signatories to the letter, said:
I am very proud that many cities have already taken ambitious steps towards a net zero economy but limiting warming to 1.5C requires the involvement of all political levels. It is time that European and national leaders fully commit to and start working for a climate neutral Europe by 2050, together with our cities.”
In total the 210 mayors represent 21 EU member states and 7 neighboring countries.
