From 12 to 14 June, ENVE Members gathered in Bucharest for the external meeting of the ENVE Commission, which took place alongside the SET PLAN conference. SET Plan conference looks at the strategies needed at the local and regional level to accelerate the sustainable energy transition and analysed currently available investment options to harness the potential of businesses to create low-carbon innovative economies at the local and regional level.

During the ENVE meeting members debated and adopted opinions on the role of regions and cities in the implementation of the UN Sustainable development Goals and the Climate Paris Agreement. In particular, they highlighted the need for inclusive, multilevel dialogue and arrangements as a way to achieve energy and climate targets.

Cllr Andrew Cooper added that locally determined contributions as a complement to nationally determined contribution are the best way forward as they would fully recognise the actions undertaken by regions and cities in the fight against climate change.

During the ENVE, meeting EA Group and member of the Flemish Parliament Andries Gryffroy was also appointed rapporteur on the opinion requested by the upcoming Finnish Presidency on the role of smart cities in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.