Online conference Active Cities Green Cities
- ActGreen
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 12
The "Active Cities, Green Cities" project officially launched with a high-level hybrid event, combining the presence of key speakers in a Brussels studio with the participation of approximately 150 attendees joining remotely, to discuss the path forward for green transition in European cities. The event, held on 1 April, was structured into two panels, each focusing on different aspects of the transition.
Tessy Melidi, the project coordinator, opened the event by welcoming the participants and emphasizing the project's goals to involve European citizens in the green transition, promote climate action, and facilitate cooperation among various stakeholders. She highlighted the diverse partnership of the project, which brings together representatives from local authorities and experienced NGOs across seven European countries.
The two interesting panels were moderated by Nikos Lampropoulos, ESPON EGTC Brand manager, who led discussions with experts from the European Commission, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the Committee of the Regions. The first panel focused on the policy framework and the role of the citizens in green transition. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, with speakers highlighting the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the potential for significant economic losses if no action is taken. Bruno Mola, from DG Climate, stressed the importance of the Green Deal, stating, "The Green Deal is key for cities to continue being competitive, safe, and healthy. You can't have these if you do not have Green Transition. Leonardo Di Filippo, team leader of the Climate Pact, highlighted the crucial role of citizen engagement, noting, "Green transition is very important for the citizens because when you have a plan, citizens that will be affected should be involved and consulted and be an active part of the plan". The panel also addressed the challenges of funding the green transition, with Mr. Mola explaining, "All the funding we need for addressing the challenges we have for the transition and in general the challenges we have in cities cannot only be public funding".
The second panel with the participation of Elisa de Coursale from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Marko Markkula, President of the Helsinki region and a member of the Committee of the Regions, and Alfonso Alcola Martinez, Policy Officer of the Green Urban Transition shifted the focus to the role of cities and regions in driving the green transition. Elisa de Coursale explained that cities need better access to funding and it needs to be easier to get. Initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors help cities go green. Marko Markkula pointed that “we have to fix climate change and pollution. The Green Deal needs to be part of every rule we make and must happen in towns and regions. We need everyone to work together and find new green ideas faster.” Finally, Alfonso Alcola Martinez presented some of the most important EU initiatives that support with funds and experts cities and regions in green transition. This panel explored successful initiatives, the importance of local implementation, and the need for collaboration among different levels of governance.
Both panels emphasized the importance of integrating various policy areas, such as social inclusion, housing, mobility, and security, within the green transition agenda.
The event concluded with a with a positive message that the European Union remains committed to green transition and a common agreement that there is no plan B to save the planet. Therefore, citizens and cities need to act and push forward for the implementation of those policies.
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