​On 9 October, in the context of the European Week of Regions and cities, the EA group organised a workshop on "Local and regional authorities fostering energy transition policies". Speakers included Mr Andy Kantoudaki from the European Commission's DG Energy, Mr Carlos Chocarro from the government of Navarre, Member of the Flemish parliament Mr Andres Gryffroy and the COR Rapporteur on climate change governance COP 24 Mr Andrew Cooper.

With the entry into force of the Paris Climate Agreement, the EU has set higher renewable energy and energy efficiency targets to accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy system and achieve climate goals.

Regions and cities' role is central to making this transition happen. They are at the forefront in implementing ambitious policies but they also need to be empowered with adequate means and enabled to participate in the definition of national energy and climate plans.