Contributing to a green and sustainable future: Green local politicians in action

Around 1,400 politicians, experts, representatives of civil society organisations met in Brussels at the Urban Summit, 12-15 June 2023. Eurocities, Metropolis, the OECD Champion Mayors and Brussels Region had invited to this gathering.

The Greens in the CoR and the EGP’s Local Councillors’ Network organised a side event on 14 June, targeted specifically to green local politicians and experts. Under the motto “Contributing to a green and sustainable future: Green local politicians in action”, we had a lively exchange of information and experience between the participants. Niina welcomed the participants with a video message, and then two short presentations followed: Saana presenting the Greens in the CoR and Liliane the Local Councillors’ Network. The first thematic exchange was on sustainable urban mobility and started with a video message from Linda, who presented her opinion on the EU framework on urban mobility. Then Jeanne Barseghian, mayor of Strasbourg, shared her experiences and insights with us. The following discussion showed that cities that introduce ambitious mobility plans are facing major challenges and even backlashes. Therefore, support from the European Union, also financially, is very welcome. Furthermore, cities that are frontrunners play an important role by supporting others and demonstrate what is possible. In general, communication was considered crucial in order to prepare and implement sustainable mobility plans.