CITIES IN THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL: OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential role of local governments has been increasingly recognised in the legislation of the European Green Deal. The objective of this publication is to list the new opportunities and obligations for local governments within the Green Deal, and to raise awareness on the key role they will be called upon to play. There has been a push to pass much of the Green Deal legislation, particularly in the energy sector, before the European elections in June 2024. However, certain areas, like mobility and air quality, may face delays. Member states have two years to transpose the directives into national legislation and then begin implementation. However, European legislative texts always leave certain room for manoeuvre to the member states, with exceptions and possible interpretations. It will therefore be important to monitor how the Green Deal is translated in each member state.