Case studies, District heating, Municipal buildings and facilities, Others, RES, Residential buildings, Street lighting, Transport
CoM East Board Sets New Climate Targets for Eastern Partnership Municipalities
The Covenant of Mayors East (CoM East) Board met on 3 October 2024 to establish new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for municipalities in the Eastern Partnership region and strengthen cooperation with the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM).
The Board approved recommendations from the Regional Practitioners Group to set new long-term targets for CoM East signatories:
- A minimum 60% GHG emission reduction by 2050 compared to 1990 levels
- For municipalities using a baseline year after 2005, a reduction target between 40% and 60% by 2050
- Encouragement for signatories to pursue more ambitious targets above 60% to achieve climate neutrality
The new targets will apply to new signatories while existing members will maintain their current 2030 commitments with encouragement to align with the new goals. To support municipalities in meeting these targets, the Board requested the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to provide methodological support for data collection and harmonisation of national and local commitments.
Gerald Audaz, Team Leader for Economic Development, Connectivity and the Green Transition in Eastern Partnership countries (DG NEAR, European Commission), highlighted that the EU continues to support local climate action through the new EU4Resilience programme, which provides funding between €200,000 and €600,000 for municipal climate projects.
The Board also discussed strengthening cooperation with GCoM. A recent survey identified priority areas including energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy, municipal energy management, nature-based solutions, and access to finance. Currently, 24 CoM East cities participate in various GCoM programmes.
The next CoM East Board meeting will take place in spring 2025.