The European Commission has committed to supporting local authorities involved in the Covenant of Mayors and providing public visibility for them.
Firstly, the Commission has implemented and funded the Covenant of Mayors Office (CoMO), which assists Covenant signatories with any questions via the Helpdesk and promotes their local actions via the Covenant’s communication channels. The CoMO also co-ordinates the work with third parties and negotiates the support of relevant stakeholders.
Secondly, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission works in co-operation with the CoMO to provide comprehensive technical guidelines and templates in order to assist signatories in their delivery on the Covenant of Mayors commitments as well as to monitor implementation and results of signatories’ Action Plans.
Thirdly, the European Commission has committed to mobilizing financial facilities and political support at EU level.
Based on surveys, existing Covenant Signatories find multiple reasons to join the movement, which include:
- Make a public statement of their ambitious commitment to CO2 reduction.
- Create or reinforce the dynamic on CO2 reduction in their territory.
- Benefit from encouragement by and examples of other pioneers.
- Share the expertise developed in their own territory with others.
- Make their territory known as a pioneer.
- Publicize their achievements to the Covenant community and beyond via the Covenant website.
- Improve quality of life for their citizens.
- Benefit from widespread technical support.
- Reinforce collaboration with citizens and local stakeholders on their territory through the development and monitoring of their action plans.
