The battle against climate change will be determined in Europe’s cities, where the urgency of action meets the innovation of local solutions. As part of the Eurocities #100daysEU campaign, which highlights ten priorities for a better Europe, this week’s focus is on accelerating climate action.

Europe’s cities are taking decisive action to address a rapidly warming planet, demonstrating leadership through practical, impactful strategies to tackle the climate crisis. Yet, scaling these efforts requires stronger partnerships and robust support from the European Union and its member states.

The climate imperative

Europe’s cities are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, with the stakes growing higher each year. In 2024, the continent witnessed catastrophic floods in Spain and Slovenia, unprecedented heatwaves in Italy and Greece, and droughts that ravaged agricultural regions in southern France. These disasters caused widespread devastation, economic losses, and displacement, underscoring the urgent need for climate adaptation and resilience. Urban areas, where over 70% of climate mitigation and 90% of adaptation efforts already take place, are uniquely positioned to lead the charge.

Eurocities members have committed to cutting carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming significant challenges, including funding gaps, regulatory barriers, and the need for coordinated efforts at all levels of governance.

Inspiring actions to secure Europe’s climate future

Europe’s cities are already demonstrating bold and tangible climate solutions. In Milan, the city has directed over €122 million from Cohesion Policy funds to develop sustainable transport systems and energy-efficient buildings, among other initiatives. In Gothenburg, a major wetland restoration project has not only improved flood resilience but also created a vital habitat for biodiversity. Meanwhile, Vienna’s ambitious green roof program has converted urban rooftops into lush gardens and cooling oases, cutting heat retention and improving air quality during summer heatwaves.

“Athens has formed the Athenian Energy Alliance, uniting 16 municipalities to deliver affordable green energy, combat energy poverty, and enable community-driven decarbonisation efforts,” says Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens and Eurocities Shadow Commissioner for Climate Resilience.

These examples illustrate how cities are not only implementing climate transitions but also ensuring these changes resonate with their citizens. By addressing local needs and aligning with EU objectives, cities are turning global challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

A call for EU support

Despite these successes, cities cannot address the climate crisis alone. Stronger collaboration with the EU is essential to unlock the full potential of local climate action. “Cities are central to achieving Europe’s climate ambitions,” says Burkard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig and President of Eurocities. “By empowering local governments with the tools and resources they need, we can ensure a just and sustainable transition for all.”

Eurocities, representing over 200 cities and 150 million residents, highlights several critical areas where EU support is essential to empower cities in tackling the climate crisis.

A balanced approach to industrial development and decarbonisation is essential for creating a cohesive and sustainable future. For example, by aligning the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal with the EU’s 2040 climate mitigation target. However, according to the hearing of Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate Action, it seems very likely that the Clean Industrial Deal, set to be unveiled on 26 February, will be decoupled from the EU 2040 target. Cities are therefore looking at the Clean Industrial Deal for an opportunity to collaborate with the European Commission to implement effective industrial decarbonisation strategies.

An EU Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, most likely to be published in 2026, is urgently needed. This plan should prepare cities for the multifaceted impacts of climate change, from energy systems and infrastructure to biodiversity and public health. Legally binding targets and a dedicated investment framework must ensure progress and accountability, while financing tools should be expanded to sustain long-term resilience efforts.

The development of a coherent Water Resilience Strategy, closely tied to the Climate Adaptation Plan, is critical to address climate-induced water challenges such as floods, droughts, and water quality. This strategy should acknowledge the critical role and expertise of cities in water management.

Furthermore, cities need active collaboration on the EU Circular Economy Act to ensure it aligns with urban capacities and the transition to sustainable practices.

Strengthening implementation efforts

Ensuring the effective implementation of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration must also remain a priority. Cities require dedicated financing and capacity-building measures to restore urban green areas, improve biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. This approach will not only help achieve nature restoration goals but also deliver significant benefits for local communities.

The 112 Climate Mission Cities are at the forefront of global climate action, aiming for climate neutrality by 2030. These cities—and the urban areas that follow their lead—are driving demand for clean technologies and sustainable innovations, increasing the EU competitiveness. To achieve their ambitious goals of decarbonisation and reindustrialisation of Europe, cities require robust financial instruments and legal mechanisms that empower local governments and stakeholders to contribute to EU targets efficiently and effectively.

Local governments already implement 70% of the European Green Deal legislation and account for 69% of climate-related public spending. Strengthening multi-level governance and adopting a place-based investment strategy will ensure EU funds reach all territories.

“Cities and regions are the beating heart of Europe’s prosperity, resilience and democracy, driving the transition to a fair and climate-neutral future,” says André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities. “The next EU budget must empower local governments with the resources they need to deliver lasting results, including greener cities, stronger economies, and better quality of life.”

The battle against climate change will be won or lost in Europe’s cities. Through accelerated climate action and strengthened multi-level partnerships, the EU has a unique opportunity to amplify local efforts and secure a sustainable future. Together, we can build a Europe that is not only climate-resilient but also inclusive and innovative, leaving no one behind.

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This article has been prepared as part of Eurocities #100daysEU campaign, which seeks to highlight 10 actions for cities that the new European Commission should be focussed on.

Previous articles in this series include:

• 100 days EU: New European Commissioners take their seats
• Ensuring EU investments meet cities’ needs
• A digital future that is human-centred
• Why cities matter in the EU enlargement process
• A sustainable and inclusive culture: European cities take the lead
• Building welcoming and inclusive cities
• Towards zero-emission mobility in Europe
• Empowering cities to build a more democratic Europe