The European Union has formally endorsed the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), underscoring the importance of coordinated climate action across all levels of governance.
Effective multilevel governance would greatly contribute to reap the emission reduction potential from cities and regions, help reduce significantly the current emission gap by up to 40% and support the full implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Since climate disruptions are increasingly impacting cities, the involvement of local and regional actors in the design and implementation of national resilience and preparedness plans is becoming critical.
Launched at COP28 in 2023, CHAMP brings together national and subnational governments to enhance cooperation in designing and implementing national climate plans, including the NDCs. The initiative promotes structured dialogue, coherent policy implementation, and improved access to climate finance for subnational actors, reflecting the Paris Agreement’s emphasis on inclusive and effective cooperation at all levels of governance.
The EU has supported CHAMP’s principles and objectives since its launch. Today’s formal endorsement builds on that engagement, reflecting the EU’s trust in CHAMP as a valuable platform to strengthen collaboration between national, regional, and local authorities in the global effort to tackle climate change.
For the European Union, multilevel governance is central to effective climate policy and to cleans and just transitions at local level. Cities, regions, and local authorities are critical partners in transforming commitments into concrete actions, from advancing energy transition to building climate resilience. The EU has long worked closely with local actors through its long standing cohesion policy but also through dedicated initiatives such as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, of which the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy has become the EU pillar. The initiative unites thousands of cities and local governments around shared objectives for climate and energy action, reinforcing the importance of local leadership in achieving wider climate targets. Additionally, the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities exemplifies its commitment to amplifying the vital role of cities and local authorities in driving meaningful climate action and innovation, complemented by the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change working more particularly with European Regions.
By endorsing CHAMP, the EU reaffirms its long-standing approach to climate action: one that unites ambition at the European level with innovation and implementation at the local level. This step complements existing EU policies and partnerships with Member States and subnational governments, ensuring mutual supportiveness and collaboration in pursuing the goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with local and regional stakeholders playing their full role. The European Commission will continue to engage with CHAMP partners and Member States to share experience, exchange good practices, and promote integrated approaches to implementing the Paris Agreement.
Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera:
“Effective climate action depends on every level of governance moving in the same direction. By endorsing CHAMP, the European Union reaffirms its conviction that close coordination between national, regional, and local authorities is essential to deliver the scale and pace of transformation our climate goals demand.”
Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra:
“Multilevel governance isn’t just about giving everyone a seat at the table — it’s about getting things done. Local and regional authorities play a key role in turning national and European climate goals into real progress on the ground. Their energy, creativity, and leadership help make big global ambitions actually happen.”
