In recent decades, many environmental policies and initiatives have been launched in the European Union. However, serious environmental problems and challenges persist and continue to emerge. With more than 70 % of Europe’s population living in urban areas, local authorities play a key role in achieving environmental goals and building the way to a more sustainable Europe.
Most European cities are showing their commitment by approving sustainable plans and strategies (SECAP, Urban Agenda, 2030 Agenda…), adhering to climate networks and initiatives, and implementing actions to improve their environmental conditions. However, it is necessary to have a clear vision of what to achieve, what actions to take, and how to monitor and coordinate all ongoing local progress.
The Green City Accord (GCA) could become the mechanism to do so, as it includes five pillars that address some of the most important areas of urban management: water, air, waste, noise and nature. The initiative was launched by the European Commission in October 2020 and already brings together more than 100 cities all over Europe.
By signing a political commitment, the governments of municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants commit to building cleaner and healthier cities. Some of the benefits they gain are: gaining visibility at European level in recognition of their environmental actions and achievements; contributing to shaping EU environmental policy; being part of a community of like-minded cities; increasing their transparency, accountability and credibility within the local community; accessing information on EU funding opportunities; participating in networking events and benefiting from capacity building opportunities; and receiving personalised guidance and support through a dedicated helpdesk.
However, during these 2 years of implementation, signatory cities have identified some difficulties in implementing the agreement. That’s where the idea of life GreenMe5 comes from. The project will begin to be implemented in September 2023, will leverage almost 2 million euros and will last for 4 years.
Led by the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia and with the participation of EuroVértice, GreenMe5 will facilitate the implementation of the Green City Accord in 5 European municipalities: Murcia, Cieza (both in Spain), Arezzo (Italy), Vilnius (Lithuania) and Helsingborg (Sweden). We expect the territorial cooperation between the partner cities of the project to lay the foundations for exchanging experiences, improving capacities and finding solutions to the common challenges of the signatory cities. In addition, it will allow the implementation of pilot actions in the field of biodiversity, air quality, waste management, water and noise that can be transferred as good practices to be implemented in other European regions.
