The five leading city networks focused on sustainable development in Europe, known as the Urban 5, have released a joint statement asserting that for the energy transition to be a success, cities must be closely involved in policy discussions. The leaders stated that local governments are the level best positioned to engage the public, create green jobs, and swiftly implement the shift to renewable energy.

Aimed at EU policy makers as they negotiate the Clean Energy Package and EU budget, the paper calls for a governance framework that empowers local governments to contribute to the energy transition; better access to finance for cities, towns, and regions to foster investments in local renewable energy; and a regulatory framework that encourages citizens and energy communities to participate in the energy transition through the right to self-produce and consume electricity.

The Urban 5, which is comprised of Climate Alliance, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Energy Cities, EUROCITIES, and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, state that to deliver on the objectives of the Energy Union and Paris Agreement citizens must be empowered to engage in the transition process, shifting from being consumers of energy to energy producers. As the level closest to the people, local governments are best equipped to facilitate this change.

For more information, read the joint statement.