Boosting the capacity of LRAs to implement the Green Deal : a toolbox for the climate pact

In December 2019 the European Commission published the European Green Deal (COM(2019) 640). This Green Deal sets out an ambitious policy framework for sustainable development and climate action and seeks to make Europe climate neutral, sustainable and pollution free. The Green Deal also paves the way for a European Climate Pact, designed to engage the public and all stakeholders on climate issues, with particular emphasis on Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs). In response to the new Green Deal and the Climate Pact, the European Committee of Regions (CoR) has launched a study to investigate what LRAs need to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal and climate neutrality. A number of initiatives at all levels of government, covering a range of topics and offering a plethora of different tools already exist, however, there is currently no "one-stop-shop" for LRAs looking for specific support. This study starts by mapping the most relevant initiatives, categorising them in a way that is hoped to help LRAs (and other users) identify quickly and accurately the initiatives which might potentially be available to them. The CoR also recognises that a key step to identifying support needs and subsequently progressing towards climate neutrality is the ability for LRAs to determine their current state of play, and identify the steps needed to advance to the next "Transition Stage". The second part of this study developed a simple selfassessment tool designed to help LRAs identify their current transition stage and more importantly, get them thinking about the next steps in their progress towards climate neutrality. The results of the self-assessment have been linked to the initiatives identified in the first part of the study. The self-assessment tool was tested via a survey primarily completed by LRAs over a two-month period. The survey not only identified the transition stages of the respondents, but took the opportunity to identify what additional support respondents require if they are to implement the Green Deal and the Climate Pact objectives, as well as ask them about the role of the Green Deal in the face of recovery from COVID-19. The responses from the survey showed that financial support remains a key factor both with regard to climate neutrality and COVID- 19 recovery; however, other sources such as information and training/social learning would also be welcome.