Find out the main capacity building and promotion activities and events organised in the framework of the CoM East project or with the participation of CoM East Country Experts in the Eastern Partnership countries – Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

ARMENIA

December 4, 2020

Approval of the first SECAP containing adaptation measures

On December 4, 2020, Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) of Gavar was approved by the Joint Research Center (JRC). The document was developed with the support of the CoM East project experts, Union of Communities of Armenia and UNDP Climate Change Program Office in Armenia. The approval fact was recorded in the Joint Research Center Feedback Report. 

It is noteworthy that SECAP of Gavar is the first strategic document developed by the CoM Signatory in Armenia, where, along with the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the main climate risks inherent in the municipality are summarized and adaptation measures are proposed to ensure community resilience to the effects of climate change.

December 25, 2020

Discussion and approval of SECAP of Tashir municipality

On December 25, 2020, a regular session of the Council of Elders was held in Tashir municipality, during which the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) of the city was presented, discussed and approved. The document was developed by the experts of the municipality with the support of the CoM East project experts and UNDP Climate Change Program Office in Armenia. It defines sustainable energy and climate development strategy of the city until 2030 and assumes reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and implementation of a number of measures aimed at strengthening the municipality's resilience to climate change. 

CoM East Country Expert in Armenia Artem Kharazyan participated in the Council of Elders session, where he presented the objectives of the CoM East project as well as the main provisions and events of Tashir Action Plan. 

After the discussion of a number of technical and financial issues related to the implementation of the Action Plan, the mayor Edgar Arshakyan stressed the importance of sustainable energy and climate development strategy of the community. Upon to the results of the vote, the document was approved unanimously.

February 25, 2021

Pre-tender meeting for construction of the first community solar power plant in Artik

On February 25, 2021, a pre-tender meeting on the construction of the first 600 kW community commercial solar power plant in Artik municipality of Shirak marz was held. CoM East Country Expert in Armenia Artem Kharazyan was invited to take part in the event, which brought together representatives of major companies operating in the field of solar energy in the Armenian market. The participants were welcomed by the head of Artik municipality Mkhitar Varagyan, who emphasized the importance of the participation of Artik in the Covenant of Mayors initiative and EU4ASEP program in terms of ensuring green and sustainable development of the city. 

After the meeting, the participants visited the construction site to get acquainted with the existing infrastructure, as well as to discuss the construction related issues. The solar power plant will be constructed by the EU project “EU 4 Armenia’s Sustainable Energy” (EU4ASEP) under the EU program “Covenant of Mayors – Demonstration Projects” (CoM-DeP). According to the schedule, the solar power plant is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2021.

BELARUS

December 3, 2020
GCoM Open House Invest4Cities: International Urban Cooperation – City-to-City exchange

The CoM East project experts in Belarus took part in the event organised by the EU CoM Office in collaboration with the GCoM Secretariat – “International Urban Cooperation – City-to-City exchange”. It aimed to foster dialogue and exchange of good practices among GCoM Signatories across the world.

February 3, 2021
CNC and IRENA workshop

The objective of the workshop “Integrating low-temperature Renewables in District Energy Systems: Focus on Belarus" was to equip district heating and cooling stakeholders in Belarus with advanced knowledge on the options and tools for integrating low-temperature renewable energy sources in district heating and cooling networks. The event brought together relevant policymakers at the national, regional and local levels, urban planners, district heating operators/utilities etc., as well as CoM East project experts in Belarus.

 

February 5, 2021

Completion ceremony of the CoM-DeP project, Biaroza

On February 5, 2021, a solemn completion ceremony of the project “Modernization of the street lighting system in Biaroza district” implemented under the EU funded CoM-DeP program was held in Biaroza. The participants discussed the project results, as well as progress and prospects of the city on the way to getting lower utility bills for electricity consumption. The CoM East project experts in Belarus took part in the event, presented their achievements and planned activities in the country.

February 9-10, 2021
IRENA workshop "Renewables Readiness Assessment for Republic of Belarus"

The CoM East project experts in Belarus took part in the online Expert Consultation Workshop “Renewables Readiness Assessment for Republic of Belarus" held on February 9-10, 2021. As part of the RRA process, the two-day event brought together renewable energy stakeholders of Belarus to discuss challenges and opportunities for the development of renewables in the country. The outcomes of the discussions are substantive inputs for the preparations of the RRA report.

March 30-31, 2021
Meeting of the working groups on Climate Dialogues

Members of the two working groups –“Climate dialogues 2021: Adaptation and Biodiversity” and “Climate dialogues 2021: Cities and Mobility” – within the Climate Dialogues of the Climate Action Network – Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia met on March 30-31, 2021. The CoM East Country Expert in Belarus was also invited to participate in the meeting. The goal of these groups is to find the best solutions for adaptation to climate change and biodiversity conservation, from using more resilient crops to the national adaptation plan, including cheap, comfortable and affordable transport for everyone.

 

January 22, 2021

Webinar on RES and energy management tools

The CoM East project experts in Belarus organised a webinar for CoM Signatories dedicated to renewables and energy management tools. The discussion aimed at promoting the Covenant of Mayors, monitoring the implementation of SECAPs and sharing successful experience and good practices of Belarusian CoM Signatories.

GEORGIA

Online workshop on funding opportunities for SE(C)APs

December 28-30, 2020

A three-day virtual workshop dedicated to CoM policy and funding opportunities of sustainable energy projects within SE(C)APs was organised for the Georgian Signatories on December 28-30, 2020. Representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the European Union's Climate Change Program, as well as international donor organizations, presented the programs and projects, which contribute to the implementation of the Covenant of Mayors commitments, to the CoM Signatories. 

In total, 40 participants took part in the workshop that combined both theoretical part and practical exercises in groups. The main issues covered included:

• Introduction of international funding opportunities of sustainable projects for Georgian municipalities under GCF/GIZ project on sustainable forest management;
• Green Cities: integrated sustainable transport for municipalities;
• Financial possibilities for Georgian municipalities within the EU for Climate Programme;
• The national roadmap for removing the barriers and fostering the drivers of SE(C)AP implementation in Georgia focused on access to financing SE(C)AP measures;
• Georgia’s Integrated Transparency Framework for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (ITF) – financing and supporting CoM municipalities in the development of SE(C)APs;
• Introduction of international funding opportunities of sustainable projects for Georgian municipalities;
• Good practices on investment measures (EE and RE) in Georgian CoM municipalities.

MOLDOVA

Alley of the Covenant of Mayors

October 22, 2020

The Alley of the Covenant of Mayors was planted on October 22, 2020 in the park at the entrance to Stauceni, suburb of Chisinau. Eight seedlings were offered by the CoM East project, as a prize for active participation of the local community in the European Sustainable Energy Week 2020. In addition, the alley was completed with fourteen trees purchased by Stăuceni City Hall. In total, 22 lime trees were planted. The seedlings planted on Aleea Primarilor have a protected root, which ensures a 100% degree of attachment. 

The planting event was attended by the Mayor of Stăuceni Alexandru Vornicu, Deputy Mayor Sergiu Lazarencu, representative of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova Ion Guzun and the CoM East Expert in Moldova Victor Parlicov. Stăuceni city joined the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in 2017.

October 27, 2020

Online training dedicated to Covenant of Mayors

On October 27, 2020, the CoM East project organised an online training for Moldovan municipalities dedicated to raising awareness about participation in the Covenant of Mayors. Representatives of the EU Delegation to Moldova, CoM Supporters at the national level and representatives of several municipalities took part in the event. 

The training was focused on the passive and potential Signatories of the Convention of Mayors in Moldova. After presenting successful examples and best practices at the national (Signatories from the Republic of Moldova) and regional (Signatories from Ukraine) levels, participants reconfirmed their commitment to renew their status under the Covenant of Mayors and make efforts to develop local action plans.

November 19, 2020

Visiting Europe Cafe in Chisinau

Representatives of the EU projects implemented in Cantemir and Feşteliţa within the program “Covenant of Mayors – Demonstration Projects” and the CoM East project visited the Europe Café in Chisinau, which is the main EU information center in Moldova. Cozily located in the historic part of the capital, Europe Cafe has several rooms named after the founding fathers of the European Union. Here you can also admire the photo exhibition “EU-Moldova: stronger together”, which also contains the images of the activities carried out within the EU funded projects in Cantemir and Feşteliţa. 

At the event, the bridge of collaboration for promoting the projects in Cantemir and Feşteliţa was established. Dumitru Roscovan, the CoM-DeP project manager in Feşteliţa, mentioned about the activity of the Center of Excellence initiated with the EU support in Feşteliţa, CoM East Help Desk Expert in Moldova Irina Plis highlighted close collaboration with the civil society in Cantemir that can help promote European values. Victor Parlicov, CoM East Country Expert in Moldova, presented the role of the CoM Signatories in promoting the EU standards in the field of energy efficiency, sustainable energy and environment.

December 17, 18 & 22, 2020

Online training on renewable energy

About 20 mayors, deputy mayors and energy managers from the municipalities that signed the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy took part in a three-day online training on renewable energy. The training was organised for active CoM Signatories on December 17, 18 and 22, 2020. Representatives of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, and Energy Efficiency Agency were invited to present their experience and support to the local authorities. 

Victor Parlicov, CoM East Country Expert in Moldova, underlined that the training was aimed at providing practical information at every stage of the implementation of renewable energy projects, from design and procurement organization to commissioning and financing. Best practices, along with the common mistakes that should be avoided in project planning and implementation, and interaction with key stakeholders were presented and discussed by Premier Energy Distribution, ANRE, experts of the EU projects implemented in Cantemir, Feşteliţa and Calarasi. Another important section of the training was dedicated to funding mechanisms – grant and reimbursable.

December 15, 2020

Press club dedicated to the Human Development Report

On December 15, 2020, CoM East Country Expert in Moldova Victor Parlicov participated in the meeting of the press club of the Association of Journalists on Environment and Ecological Tourism, which was dedicated to the Human Development Report 2020 entitled "The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene". 

The event gathered representatives of the UNDP Moldova, Environment Agency, Environmental Movement of Moldova, Covenant of Mayors on Climate and Energy in Moldova and the media. 

”Moldova is boldly leading the way with its climate ambition, being the fourth country in the world to present its updated National Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, with the ambition to gradually reach climate neutrality by 2030,” noted Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Moldova.

UKRAINE

Municipal Development Coordination Platform “Energy and Climate Transformation” in Action

Active work was performed within the Municipal Development Coordination Platform (MDCP) by the CoM East Country Expert Oksana Kysil. 

On November 6, 2020, integrated solutions for the municipal energy management system were discussed with the relevant representatives of Ukrainian CoM Signatories. More than 180 participants took part in the discussion, including the Vice Minister Vasyl Lozynskyi who represented the Ukrainian CNC – Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

Possibilities for internal local capacities to develop and manage their own projects within CoM implementation steps were discussed during the next MDCP meeting in December 4, 2020. More than 230 participants took part in the event, including the Vice Minister Vasyl Lozynskyi and representative of IFIs – NEFCO, EIB, EBRD, KfW, WB.

On March 19, 2021, the first working meeting with the CoM territorial coordinator in Kirovograd oblast’ was held based on the municipal platform “Energy and Climate Transformation”, mostly focused on the climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

Finally, the online discussion of the draft Ukrainian Law “On Energy Efficiency” was conducted on March 25, 2021, involving more than 140 representatives of EU Delegation to Ukraine, CoM Signatories, members of Ukrainian Parliament, Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving and all Ukrainian CoM Supporters.

December, 2020

Online training on SE(C)AP financing

The country-specific online training on SE(C)AP financing was organised during two weeks in December 2020 for representatives of ten territorial communities of Ukraine. The training participants learned various aspects related to investment plans, team building for SECAP implementation, documental support for project registration and development of project applications for donors/IFIs, and also took part in the practical team exercises.

November – December 2020
Webinars on state regulation and online conference on the European Energy Award

On November 17, 2020, a webinar on the topic “System of the state regulation of the communities` landscaping within the climate change” was organised in cooperation with the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities (AUAATC). 

On December 15, 2020, an online conference of the CoM East project and Association “Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine” regarding the European Energy Award as a tool for SE(C)AP implementation was held.

 

December 23-24, 2020

Online discussion and working group meeting

The online discussion on the role of CoM Supporters was organized for the Ukrainian CoM Signatories by CoM East team on December 23, 2020. It was followed next day by the online meeting of the working group for development of the National Bicycle Strategy. It is noteworthy that the online survey on this issue was conducted among the CoM Signatories at the very beginning of 2021.

February – March 2021

Webinars on various CoM related issues

On February 17, 23, 24, 25 and 26, a series of the online events dedicated, respectively, to the financial frames of budgeting process for involvement of IFI’s resources, projects on EE street lighting, joining CoM and developing SECAPs (in cooperation with AUAATC) as well as risks assessment in accordance to SECAP methodology were organised on CoM East platform.

In March, the following webinars and online events were conducted and moderated by the CoM East Country Expert in Ukraine Oksana Kysil: “Risk assessment in accordance to SECAP methodology” (March 5), “Strategy of Bicycle Movement Development in Ukraine” (March 9), round-table discussions “Search for the solutions for climate change adaptation in the communities” (March 11, co-organized with AUAATC) and “Organization of air quality monitoring in Ukraine” (March 18), webinar on mobility “Ukrainian experience: 9 ideas for the comfortable city” (March 18, in cooperation with the NGO “Eco-Diya”).

January – February 2021
Meetings of the working group on developing the Strategy for Environmental Safety and Climate Change Adaptation

During January-February 2021, the CoM East Country Expert Oksana Kysil took part in the working group meetings on the development of the Strategy for Environmental Safety and Climate Change Adaptation at the level of the CoM National Coordinator – Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

 

In order to help ensuring sustainable development in local communities and strengthening capacity building of the municipalities in Eastern Partnership countries, the CoM East project team organised a number of regional webinars aimed at supporting CoM Signatories to meet their energy and climate change adaptation commitments.

October 12-15, 2020

Train-the-trainers workshop

On October 12-15, 2020, the second online train-the-trainers workshop took place with a view to improving the level of knowledge of the CoM East Country Experts and Helpdesks officers in the field of technical issues of SECAP development and implementation: climate change and adaptation, risks and vulnerabilities, implementation of energy efficiency activities, available CoM tools, etc. 

The first similar workshop was organised in November 2016, when a number of developments and updates in the CoM initiative occurred in recent years. Considering the need to transfer CoM’s ownership to the national level and due to the requests from the CoM East experts, it was decided to organise the second workshop in late 2019 or 2020. In order to identify the needs and knowledge gaps of the Country Experts and Helpdesk officers, a specific needs assessment survey was carried out in June 2019. Participants identified the relevance of 12 suggested topics as well as type of knowledge and/or concrete topic they were interested in.

January 19, 2021

Webinar on the EU experience in development of municipal adaptation plans

On January 19, 2021, CoM East project organised a regional webinar on the EU experience in development of municipal adaptation plans (MAPs) for the team of the project experts, national stakeholders and partners. A presentation on objectives, activities and experience of the “Climate change adaptation plans in 44 Polish cities” (“Let’s Feel the Climate”) project was delivered by professor Maciej Sadowski, climatologist from the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute (Poland). The project with the overarching objective of increasing the resilience of cities to hazards relating to climate change involved 44 cities in Poland and was implemented in 2017-2019.

January 26, 2021

Webinar on the City Climate Finance Gap Fund

On January 26, 2021, a webinar on the City Climate Finance Gap Fund was held by the CoM East project together with Global Covenant of Mayors. It was attended by the experts of the CoM East project, as well as representatives of CoM National Coordinators and CoM Supporters in the Eastern Partnership countries. The keynote speaker was Mr Andy Deacon, Director of Strategy and Operations, Secretariat of the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM).

The City Climate Finance Gap Fund was established jointly by the ministers and governments leaders of Germany and Luxembourg, with the participation of the World Bank, European Investment Bank and Global Covenant of Mayors in September 2020. The key goal of the Gap Fund is to help cities in developing and emerging countries turn resilient low-carbon ideas into strategies and finance-ready projects through: 

• supporting the prioritization of investments as part of a climate strategy or investment program
• providing capacity building for low-carbon capacity and climate-resilient urban development
• defining project concept definitions and the components of pre-feasibility studies
• matchmaking with additional support sources for later stages of project preparation
• supporting a strengthened approach to project financing
• offering potential support to fill in other project preparation gaps
• supporting city climate strategy development and generation of in-depth analytics to assess the climate action and resilience potential of plans and investment programs

February 26, 2021

CoM EU - CoM East exchange webinar on municipal adaptation

On February 26, 2021, the CoM EU - CoM East exchange webinar on municipal adaptation was held in Cascais, Portugal. The event aimed to introduce the experience of the municipality of Cascais, which is a Signatory of the Covenant of Mayors and a member of the Climate Alliance, in the field of development and implementation of the municipal adaptation action plan. 

The event was organised for the expert team of the CoM East project as well as representatives of CoM Coordinators and Supporters from the EaP region. It is the first in the series of the planned experience exchange and capacity building communications with the European Signatories advanced in development and implementation of municipal adaptation strategies. The key speaker was Mr. João Dinis from Cascais Ambiente – Cascais Municipal Environment Company, who delivered the presentation and addressed the most important issues within the webinar topic.