Europe's 30-year cities movement calls to step up the speed for a green transition

The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.

As the new European Commission takes shape, mayors, and representatives from across Europe gathered in Aalborg to mark a pivotal moment in the 30-year journey of the sustainable cities and towns movement. With the Aalborg Conditions, they are calling for policies that not only drive Europe towards a climate-neutral and competitive future but also create local markets for clean industries and jobs.

Local governments united behind the Aalborg Conditions, which identify three critical policy shifts needed at the EU and national levels: shared governance, integrated finance, and a socially inclusive, cohesive transition.

The Aalborg Conditions reflect on 30 years of progress from the Aalborg Charter (1994) and Aalborg Commitments (2004), outlining the need for integrated climate and sustainability strategies across Europe, so that they are able to deliver on global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the EU Green Deal.

"In Aalborg, we don't wait for solutions — we create them together. Connecting communities across different contexts accelerates the green transition. Cities must lead, and I'm proud Aalborg is hosting this 10th edition of the conference" said Aalborg Mayor, Lasse Frimand Jensen.

Delegates from across Europe agreed that a shared vision and strong commitment to democratic processes are crucial for implementing solutions on a local level. With the clock ticking on global climate goals, the Aalborg Conditions present a clear framework for the next EU legislative period. Together, local and national leaders are ready to lead Europe into a future where climate neutrality, competitiveness, and social equity go hand in hand.

"The window of action to address crises like climate change is closing. We must take bold actions and make immediate investments to prevent further harm. To empower cities like never before, we must have a clear focus on collaboration across all levels of government putting people at the heart of the transition" said Martin Horn, Lord Mayor of Freiburg and President of ICLEI Europe.

"All change is ultimately happening locally, but not all change can be achieved locally. Ambitious strategies and action plans on the local level need supportive conditions for successful implementation. These have to come from the national and EU level. We need more flexibility in regulation and financing and an openness to respond to locally developed solutions in dialogue and cooperation between different levels of government and different actors. This is the spirit of the Aalborg Conditions" said Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director Europe at ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.