The European Green Deal puts Europe on the path to climate neutrality by 2050. In this text, you will find links to information about this crucial policy action plan, which affects all cities aiming to be part of the energy transition.
The European Green Deal is a set of policy initiatives from the European Commission, with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral in 2050. The president of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that it is Europe’s “man on the Moon moment”, as the plan sets out to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent.
More than 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to the production and use of energy within the EU, and “Clean Energy” is one of the policy areas in focus in the initiatives. Therefore, the Green Deal is of great importance for cities aiming to create smart and sustainable heating and cooling solutions. Below, you will find links to relevant information and articles to help you gain a better understanding of this set of initiatives, and its importance for the energy transition.
Information from European Union sites
Main information page at the European Commission site:
“A European Green Deal – Striving to be the first climate-neutral continent”
About the Building and Renovating policy area:
Building and renovating
Communication from the Commission (24 pages):
The European Green Deal
Communication from the Commission:
Roadmap and key actions
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- Updated version of the 2020 work programme:
Adjusted Commission Work Programme 2020
- Updated version of the 2020 work programme:
Legislative train schedule – A european Green Deal. An illustrative website from the European Parliament, explaining the different legislative ”trains” leaving the station/being delayed, etc.
Information about the Green Deal and the Energy Union:
“What are the European Green Deal and the Energy Union about?”
The Green Deal call
In September 2020, the European Commission will launch a Horizon 2020 call worth close to 1 billion EUR, reserved for projects relating to the Green Deal. Call area 1, topic 2, “Towards climate-neutral and socially innovative cities” , may be of particular interest for cities
Timeline
→ July 2020: update of the 2020 Work Programme
→ September 2020: Green Deal call opens
→ January 2021: deadline for applications
Read more about the call here:
European Green Deal call
Wikipedia
Information from organizations
REScoop.eu, the European federation of citizen energy cooperatives
Energy Cities, the European association of cities in energy transition
Position paper and view on the Green Deal:
“The European Green Deal – How close to deliver genuine societal transformation?”
About the Just Transition Fund:
“Is your city eligible for the Just Transition Fund?”
About the Green Deal after 100 days:
“European Green Deal at 100 days – high in ambition, but not (yet) a game changer”
News articles
Article in Climate Change News:
“The EU releases its Green Deal. Here are the key points”