Ahead of C3OP30, EU joins CHAMP, backing cities and regions as key partners for boosting climate action and resilience

The European Union's endorsement reinforces the crucial role of cities and regions as key partners in delivering the Paris Agreement global goals

The European Union (EU) has officially endorsed the Coalition for High Ambition and Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), signaling its commitment to leveraging the key role of cities and regions to accelerate global climate action. This means that the EU will stand alongside the other CHAMP endorsers who aim to enable greater cooperation between all levels of government to achieve their climate goals deriving from the Paris Agreement.

The EU joins CHAMP with vast and valuable experience of multilevel governance and partnerships. This includes the deployment of its cohesion policy across EU territories, the institutional role of the Committee of the Regions and Commission-led initiatives such as the European Covenant of Mayors and the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, allowing for enhanced cooperation with cities, regions and central level of government.

The EU's endorsement brings the total number of endorsers of CHAMP to 78. It was officially announced by Teresa Ribera, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, and Co-Chair of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate, and Energy (GCoM). The European Union's participation significantly boosts the coalition's growing international momentum ahead of COP30 in Belém. All CHAMP endorsers now represent almost 36% of the global population, 69% of global GDP and 40% of global emissions.

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, GCoM's Global Ambassador and C40's Vice Chair, said:

"Once again, it is clear that true climate leadership begins in cities. The EU's endorsement of the CHAMP coalition is an important step forward for multilevel climate action and a strong recognition that the path to a sustainable future runs through our neighborhoods, our streets, and our communities. In Paris, we know that transforming our city with cleaner air, greener transport, and safer public spaces not only immediately improves lives but also ensures this for future generations. But no city can face the climate crisis alone."

Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and Vice-Chair of C40 for Europe, said:

"This is a powerful recognition that cities are the driving force behind climate action. In Milan, we are transforming how people move, live, and work by reducing emissions while creating a fairer, healthier city for everyone. But local ambition goes hand in hand with national and European commitment. With this step, the EU signals that real progress on climate can only come through cooperation at every level of government."

The EU's joining CHAMP is a powerful reminder of the coalition's objective: climate action must be coordinated across all levels of government to be both effective and equitable. Subnational governments are not merely implementers of policy but key architects of systemic transformation, through policy, regulation, market signals and their ability to inspire behavioral changes. The CHAMP coalition offers the opportunity for countries to share expertise, lessons learned and to elevate the contributions of all levels of government in global climate decision-making, as indispensable partners in implementing the Paris Agreement and in moving towards clean and fair transitions locally.

The endorsement complements the EU's ongoing efforts to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, cutting pollution and fostering a sustainable economy. It reflects the EU's commitment to continue empowering cities and regions as key drivers of action on the ground and to deliver a clean and just transition. Local governments are at the forefront of implementing climate solutions - from decarbonising transport and making buildings more energy efficient to advancing renewable energy and resilience - making their contribution essential to turning Europe's climate ambition into reality.

Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht, said:

"Cities are where climate solutions come to life. From sustainable mobility to clean energy and green public spaces, we are proving that a better quality of life and climate ambition go together. The EU's endorsement of CHAMP shows clear support for this approach, where local governments and national leaders work together towards a common goal: to turn global goals into real change in people's daily lives."

Reinforcing the pivoting role of Cities and Regions

Across Europe, cities and regions are already leading the way in deep decarbonization, implementing nature-based solutions, and preparing communities for the realities of climate change. Their efforts are tangible and measurable, delivering cleaner air, safer streets, and healthier communities.

In Paris, over 300 km of new bike lanes have slowed traffic, reduced street parking, and cut air pollution by 40% in just 10 years, making the city cleaner, quieter, and healthier. Amsterdam's Heat Transition Vision is guiding neighbourhood-scale strategies to shift existing buildings away from fossil gas heating by 2040 while ensuring a reliable, equitable and affordable heat supply for its residents. Stockholm has set energy usage limits for new buildings on city-owned land (70% of total land) that exceed national requirements by 20 - 30%. Warsaw is improving inefficient social housing to cut emissions and energy poverty. Through the CARE project and the Stop Smog Programme, the city is identifying where retrofits can deliver the greatest impact for vulnerable residents, improving housing quality, health, and wellbeing. In Italy, four regions (Emilia Romagna, Sicily, Apulia, and Marche) have established financing schemes - via grants and vouchers proportional to population size used to bring in technical expertise - to support the development of municipal sustainable energy and climate action plans (SECAPs).

Caterina Sarfatti, Managing Director of C40 Cities, said:

"This is a game-changing moment for global climate action. The climate crisis will only be solved by every level of government working together, and the EU's backing of the CHAMP coalition will go a long way to bridging the gap between national ambition and local delivery. Ahead of COP30, this commitment sends a clear signal: multilevel governance is key to achieving the Paris Agreement goals and securing a fair, liveable future for all. We hope it contributes to the positive momentum building towards greater integration and support for cities and regions in the intergovernmental climate process. "

Agathe Cavicchioli, Director at the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), said:

"The European Union is sending a clear signal: national and local governments are stronger when working together on climate. Following Teresa Ribera's announcement as EU Commission Vice President and GCoM Co-Chair, the EU's endorsement of CHAMP is another strong sign of commitment to multilevel governance. Cities and regions are not just implementers of climate policy - they are essential partners in shaping and delivering it. By joining CHAMP, the EU reinforces global cooperation and shows that achieving our shared climate goals depends on empowering local action and aligning it with national ambition."