Covenant of Mayors

Covenant of Mayors East (CoM East) is the EU-funded project aimed at introducing the EU climate and energy initiative to the Eastern Partnership countries. CoM East supports local authorities in implementing sustainable energy policies, reducing their dependence on fossil fuel, improving the security of energy supply, and facilities their contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The CoM is the mainstream European voluntary movement involving local authorities in the development and implementation of sustainable energy and climate policies. The CoM initiative aims to engage and support cities and towns to commit to reaching the EU climate mitigation and adaptation targets. Signatory cities pledge action to support implementation of the EU 40% greenhouse gas-reduction target by 2030 and the adoption of a joint approach to tackling mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

CoM provides a platform for greater engagement and networking by cities, and raises public awareness about adaptation and mitigation and the measures needed. Practical support includes:

• dedicated helpdesks
• innovative ways to network and collaborate, exchange experiences and build capacity through regular events, city twinning activities, webinars or online discussions
• guidance material and tools, including the Urban Adaptation Support Tool and guidance on financing local energy and climate action
• quick access to excellence know-how, good practices and lessons learned through inspiring case studies
• a flexible reference framework for action, adaptable to local needs
• facilitated self-assessment and peer-to-peer exchange through common reporting and monitoring template
• credible commitments through progress review by the Joint Research Center of the European Commission
• enhanced cooperation and support from national and subnational authorities
• high international recognition and visibility for the local authority’s climate and energy action

Cooperation of CoM with local governments in Ukraine for their local energy and climate action is based on 4 principles:

• Consistency and transparency thanks to a common reporting framework for all
• Flexibility and adjustability of the common framework to better take specific needs and local realities into account
• Evaluation of the data reported by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (signatories may be suspended in case of non-compliance)
• Promotion and exchange of experience via the website news, social media, online and offline events