As the COP30 climate summit begins in Belém, the European Union has taken a step to strengthen climate cooperation both within Europe and globally
The EU formally endorsed the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) and adopted its 2040 climate target, a move that will shape its next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
These announcements demonstrate Europe’s commitment to collaborating closely with cities and regions to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral future.
Multilevel climate action
European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera announced the EU’s endorsement of CHAMP at the Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro. This event brought together mayors, regional leaders, and global policymakers during COP30.
The endorsement marks a significant milestone in the EU’s climate diplomacy, signalling that Europe views local and regional authorities as key partners in achieving its climate goals.
CHAMP, launched by the COP28 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies, now brings together 77 countries and their local governments under a shared pledge to strengthen cooperation across all levels of governance. The coalition aims to ensure that local and regional voices are central to the design, financing, and implementation of climate strategies.
The European Union’s commitment aligns with its broader Green Deal agenda and reinforces its leadership in international climate governance. By joining CHAMP, the EU is sending a clear message that effective climate action depends on collaboration across every level of society.
Alongside the CHAMP endorsement, EU Environment Ministers reached agreement on the bloc’s 2040 climate target, which forms the backbone of its updated NDC submission. The target sets a clear pathway for reducing emissions beyond the 2030 horizon, providing a long-term framework for Europe’s transition toward climate neutrality by 2050.
The updated NDC explicitly commits the EU to “involving and empowering all governance levels to implement climate action.” This reflects a growing recognition that local authorities are not only implementers but also innovators in driving the green transition.
According to the submission, an estimated 37% of global emissions can only be addressed effectively through multilevel cooperation, reinforcing the need for close coordination between national, regional, and municipal governments.
From commitment to implementation
The challenge now lies in turning these commitments into tangible results. Local governments and networks such as ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability, are calling on the European Commission and Member States to embed multilevel governance in EU policies and funding frameworks.
Two key steps are being highlighted for immediate action: ensuring that the next EU budget allocates sufficient funding for cities and regions to lead climate projects, and establishing permanent climate and energy dialogues between governance levels through an updated EU Governance Regulation.
These measures would establish stronger feedback loops, enhance accountability, and accelerate progress toward the EU’s long-term climate objectives.
Global leadership
As COP30 begins, the EU’s endorsement of CHAMP and adoption of the 2040 target sends a strong signal of leadership and cooperation.
The decisions mark a critical moment in Europe’s climate journey, one that recognises the power of cities, regions, and communities as equal partners in shaping a sustainable, resilient future for all.
