As a Province or Region

The Covenant of Mayors Covenant of Mayors The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities in the fight against climate change. It is based on a voluntary commitment by signatories to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO₂ reduction objective through increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources. owes a great deal of its success to the active participation of regions, provinces and other such public authorities who put their resources and know-how at the service of signatories Signatories Signatories represent cities, with different size from small villages to major metropolitan areas such as London or Paris, that have signed the Covenant of Mayors on a voluntary manner and are committed to implement sustainable energy policies to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO₂ reduction objective through increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources. . Recognised as Covenant Coordinators Covenant Coordinators The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. by the Commission, they act as key allies in conveying the message and increasing the impact of the Covenant.

Who is eligible?

Provinces, regions, metropolitan areas, groupings of local authorities… Any public authority which officially commits to provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to Covenant signatories Signatories Signatories represent cities, with different size from small villages to major metropolitan areas such as London or Paris, that have signed the Covenant of Mayors on a voluntary manner and are committed to implement sustainable energy policies to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction objective through increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources. will be officially recognized as Covenant Coordinator Covenant Coordinator The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. by the European Commission European Commission The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union. With the Covenant of Mayors initiative, the European Commission - DG Energy endorses and supports the efforts deployed by local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. .

While the aforementioned public entities participate as "Territorial Coodinators", authorities at the national level, such as ministries and energy agencies, can also be involved as "National Coordinators Coordinators The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. ".

Local and regional energy agencies Local and regional energy agencies Local and regional energy agencies (LAREAs) support the introduction of good energy management practices, advocate the concept of sustainability, provide information and guidance, and offer a number of other local services based on specific local energy needs. The energy agencies are funded by public authorities. are not directly eligible. However, they are often mandated by their public authority to support municipalities on their behalf. As their participation is crucial to the success of the initiative, they are strongly encouraged to entice their province or region to join.

Should you require further clarifications, please contact the Covenant Supporters Covenant Supporters The European Commission defines “Covenant Supporters” as European, national and regional networks and associations of local authorities which leverage their lobbying, communication and networking activities to promote the Covenant of Mayors initiative and support the commitments of its signatories. and Coordinators Coordinators The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. Helpdesk Helpdesk The Helpdesk is the primary interface between local authorities and the Covenant of Mayors Office. It responds to general enquiries about the initiative and assists signatories through the signing process. at support@eumayors.eu

What are the commitments?

• Promoting accession to the Covenant of Mayors Covenant of Mayors The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities in the fight against climate change. It is based on a voluntary commitment by signatories to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction objective through increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources. among municipalities in their territory and providing support and coordination to those municipalities signing up;
• Providing technical and strategic assistance to those municipalities willing to join the Covenant but lacking the necessary resources to prepare a Sustainable Energy Action Plan Sustainable Energy Action Plan A Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) is the key document in which the Covenant signatory outlines how it intends to reach its CO2 reduction target by 2020. It defines the activities and measures set up to achieve the targets, together with time frames and assigned responsibilities. Covenant signatories are free to choose the format of their SEAP, as long as it is in line with the general principles set out in the Covenant SEAP guidelines. ;
• Providing financial support and opportunities to the municipalities for the development and implementation of their Sustainable Energy Action Plan Sustainable Energy Action Plan A Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) is the key document in which the Covenant signatory outlines how it intends to reach its CO2 reduction target by 2020. It defines the activities and measures set up to achieve the targets, together with time frames and assigned responsibilities. Covenant signatories are free to choose the format of their SEAP, as long as it is in line with the general principles set out in the Covenant SEAP guidelines. ;
• Assisting in the organisation of local energy days Local Energy Days Local Energy Days are events organized by Covenant signatories as part of their official commitments, with the aim of raising public awareness of the opportunities offered by a more intelligent use of energy. They provide an occasion for local authorities to involve stakeholders and citizens in a common dialogue related to the development and implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans. Usually organised for a specified period, the types of events may vary, but normally include activities such as workshops, exhibitions, guided visits and open door days. to raise awareness and;
• Reporting regularly to the Commission on the results obtained and participating in the strategic implementation of the Covenant.

In case of inaction or insufficient commitment, the European Commission European Commission The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union. With the Covenant of Mayors initiative, the European Commission - DG Energy endorses and supports the efforts deployed by local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. reserves the right to suspend the participation of a region or province as Covenant Coordinator Covenant Coordinator The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. .

How to apply?

Public administrations interested in obtaining the status of Covenant Coordinator Covenant Coordinator The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. should go through the following process:

• Fill-in the adhesion form;
• After confirmation of eligibility, complete the agreement form to be co-signed by the European Commission European Commission The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union. With the Covenant of Mayors initiative, the European Commission - DG Energy endorses and supports the efforts deployed by local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. ;
• After signature of the agreement by both parties, update their newly-created online profile with comprehensive information about the services and support they intend to provide to signatories Signatories Signatories represent cities, with different size from small villages to major metropolitan areas such as London or Paris, that have signed the Covenant of Mayors on a voluntary manner and are committed to implement sustainable energy policies to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction objective through increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources. .

Why participate?

The advantages of becoming Covenant Coordinator Covenant Coordinator The European Commission defines “Covenant Coordinators” as those public administrations which provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to municipalities signing up to the Covenant of Mayors but lacking necessary skills and/or resources to fulfil their requirements. The Commission distinguishes between Territorial Coordinators, which are sub-national decentralized authorities - including provinces, regions and public groupings of municipalities - and National Coordinators, which are national public bodies - including national energy agencies and ministry of energy. are manifold:

• Endorsement and recognition from the European Commission European Commission The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union. With the Covenant of Mayors initiative, the European Commission - DG Energy endorses and supports the efforts deployed by local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. ;
• Large visibility on an international scale, notably through promotion of their actions on the Covenant website;
• Experience-sharing with European counterparts;
• Scientific and technical feedback on tools and methodologies developed;
• Participation in dedicated discussion groups Discussion Groups The Thematic Discussion Group is an information-and –experience-sharing service that aims to stimulate interaction and networking between Covenant stakeholders. These tailor-made exchange platforms bring together predetermined categories of Covenant stakeholders – ie, large cities and metropolitan areas ; small and medium-sized signatories ; Covenant Coordinators and Covenant Supporters - to discuss Covenant-related topics and questions with their peers, notably during events organized by the Covenant of Mayors Office, online forums and webinars. , workshops and other experience-sharing platforms;
• Last but not least, consolidation of territorial development and strengthening of local governance