The recent session during the Smart City World Expo Congress, held in Barcelona on November 7 and co-organised by the EU projects Regio1st, IN-PLAN, and Prospect+, brought together representatives from different levels of governance to address the urgent issue of climate change and the imperative need for empowering local authorities to drive Europe’s sustainable energy future.
Luigi Lo Piparo, Partner at Technopolis and representative of the Smart cities Marketplace, the European Commission’s initiative to support EU cities in implementing sustainable measures with the support of private capital, introduced the session by highlighting the EU’s commitment to combating climate change. He emphasised in particular the ambitious goals set forth in the European Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” package aiming for Europe to be climate-neutral by 2050 and to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. To achieve these targets, several legislative measures are being implemented, such as the revised Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive. However, Lo Piparo stressed the importance of ensuring an inclusive and fair transition, which is especially important with regards to vulnerable groups and less advanced regions; and of the need of mixing public funds and private investments to finance climate projects. In this framework, initiatives like the Smart Cities Marketplace are key, with close to EUR 700 million of bankable investment projects already supported, demonstrating successful public-private collaborations.
The welcome speech was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Giulia Pizzini, IEECP, which delved deeper into the multi-level governance aspects of climate action. Andries Gryffroy, a Member of the Flemish Parliament and of the Committee of the Regions emphasised the crucial role of national governments in providing accessible funding, coordination, and support to local authorities. He highlighted the need to simplify complex processes to empower smaller cities and towns to actively participate in the green transition.
María Belarmina Díaz Aguado, Director for Energy and Mining in the Regional Government Principality of Asturias, underscored the importance of a collaborative approach, emphasising the need for a “team effort” involving all levels of government, citizens, private companies and SMEs. She called for strong national-level strategies, coordinated efforts, and adequate funding to support regional and local initiatives. Díaz Aguado also stressed the importance of a clear regulatory framework to guide the implementation of climate action plans.
Mario Rajn, Mayor of the Croatian city of Krizevci, emphasised the need for organisational restructuring and simplifying processes to accelerate the transition. He highlighted the importance of local governments in understanding and addressing local challenges and the need for effective communication with higher levels of government. Rajn also emphasized the power of citizen engagement and the role of energy democracy in driving local climate action, sharing Krizevci successful experience in the crowdfunding of renewable energy installation coordinated by the energy cooperative of Krizevci – KLIK.
Elise Steyaert, from VITO Nexus, called for a reduction in administrative burdens and stronger links between different levels of government. She highlighted the need for humble facilitation and clear communicationfrom upper governance levels to empower local authorities. Steyaert also highlighted the importance of citizen-led initiatives and the role of local governments in supporting and enabling these initiatives. She concluded by giving the example of the Belgian city of Mechelen, which introduced the bicycle taxi system to allow elderly and people with disabilities to go around the city center even without a car, while at the same time offering the possibility to newcomers to get in touch with the locals, allowing for social inclusion and a fair transition.
The panel discussion concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration, simplification, and acceleration. By working together, EU, national, regional, and local governments can create a more sustainable and resilient future. The keywords for the years to come to make the green transition happen thus include coordination, humble facilitation, team effort, equality, dialogue, energy democracy and trust.
