Energie-Cités welcomes this initiative that will motivate Cities and Towns in taking up the challenge with their citizens and stakeholders, together with the E.U. institutions, as the network had been awaiting this project for many years
As managers of local communities, local authorities are paramount in achieving the E.U. targets to reduce energy vulnerability and obviate sources of climate change. European and national pieces of legislation are essential though not sufficient. Everyday hands-on action is called for here: control of urban spread; promotion of energy-saving locomotion; construction and renovation of low-consumption buildings; implementation of local renewable resources. Such actions improve quality of everyday life and generate sustainable employment.
Local authorities and their concrete actions provide the E.U and all Member States with additional means to keep to their international commitments. In return they expect to be acknowledged as key partners and to be given the legislative, tax and financial framework that fits their potentials.
Whereas there is a general concern on how Europe will overcome the crisis and whereas this concern is likely to relinquish energy and climate matters, it might well be that Mayors lead the path for a new development approach in Europe. In which case, February 10 2009 could become a day in History.
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