On 30 June the ENVE commission held a strategic debate on the role of LRAs in the Energy Union in the presence of the MEP Claude Turmes, the European Commission Director for Energy Ms Marie Donnelly and a representative of the Slovak Presidency.
Furthermore, ENVE members began the preparation for the COP 22 in Marrakesh that will focus on the operalisation of the climate change objectives set out in the Paris Agreement and adopted an opinion on the matter.
Cllr Andrew Cooper, EA Group political coordinator, pointed out that Paris targets were set without thinking as to how they would be achieved. Ultimately it is at local level that action takes place.
LRAs are on the ground, they are close to the communities and are trusted partners, local authorities are leaders in the implementation of energy and climate change policies.
We have to go beyond pure consultation methods, he added. The role of local governments needs to be defined and recognised by national governments and the EU. LRAs should be national governments' respected critical friends, and they should be given voice as well as flexibility when it comes to setting and achieving targets.
During the meeting members voted upon the opinion on the EU action plan for 'Circular economy and the EU strategy for the heating and cooling sector'.
