Covenant of Mayors
The Covenant of Mayors in the Western Balkans and Turkey is a key initiative that places local governments at the centre of the fight against climate change and the transition to clean energy. As part of the wider EU4 Energy Transition project, this initiative is tailored to the specific needs of the region’s municipalities, providing practical support, tools and guidance to help them meet their climate and energy targets.
Essentially, the Covenant of Mayors aims to empower cities and municipalities to take meaningful action. Local governments are not only the first to face climate impacts, but they also have the capacity to implement effective solutions at the community level — from energy-efficient infrastructure to the development of renewable energy sources at the local level.
Through this initiative, participating municipalities receive assistance in drafting and implementing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). These plans serve as strategic roadmaps for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and increasing resilience to climate risks. The initiative provides technical expertise, training programmes, policy advice and networking opportunities — enabling the sharing of experiences and best practices between local governments.
For many local authorities in the Western Balkans and Turkey, the Pact represents a path towards modernising their energy systems, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and improving the quality of life for their citizens. It helps them to align with EU environmental standards and objectives, while also creating opportunities for accessing financial resources and international partnerships.
The initiative is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ in the Western Balkans and CPMA in Turkey. This strong institutional support ensures that municipalities receive not only financial support but also ongoing guidance throughout their energy transition journey.
In a region where climate and energy challenges are growing, the Covenant of Mayors initiative represents a turning point for local governments. It strengthens their capacity to act, promotes sustainable urban development and builds more resilient communities — paving the way for a low-carbon and climate-smart future.
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