Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2025: Cities Taking the Lead

On 16 October 2025, Brussels will host the Covenant of Mayors Ceremony—one of the year’s most important gatherings for local climate and energy action in Europe. The event will bring together mayors, local and regional authorities, EU representatives, and energy stakeholders to reflect on progress and reinforce shared ambitions for a fair and climate-neutral future.

Organised under the banner “The Time for Cities,” the ceremony celebrates the role of municipalities as key actors in the energy transition. With over 10,000 signatories, the Covenant of Mayors has become a reference point for local governments working to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.

This year’s edition will feature high-level debates, local success stories, and networking opportunities to connect policy and practice. Participants will discuss how cities are translating EU climate objectives into real-world change—through renewable heating systems, building renovation, sustainable mobility, and inclusive governance. EU representatives, including members of the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions, will join the conversation to ensure alignment between local needs and EU ambitions.

One highlight of the day will be the Covenant of Mayors Award, which in 2025 focuses on decarbonising heating and cooling. Cities leading the way in replacing fossil-based systems with sustainable alternatives—such as district heating, heat pumps, or geothermal networks—will be recognised for their innovation and impact. Winning municipalities will present their projects to inspire replication across Europe.

Beyond celebration, the ceremony also provides a space for reaffirming political commitments. City leaders are expected to renew their pledge to climate neutrality by 2050 and call for stronger support through funding, capacity-building, and more coherent governance across all levels. A collective declaration may be adopted, underlining the urgent need for local action to be matched by enabling frameworks at national and EU level.

For regional and local energy agencies, the event offers a chance to share expertise, explore partnerships, and gain visibility for their contribution to Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). Their support remains essential to turning strategies into action on the ground.

As Europe faces mounting environmental, social, and energy challenges, this ceremony is a timely reminder that cities and regions are not only affected—but leading the way forward. What happens locally will shape Europe’s climate future.

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