City of Tampere joins 210 European mayors to demand EU emissions peak by 2020, halve by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050

The city of Tampere has joined mayors and leaders of 210 cities across Europe, representing 62 million citizens to urge the European Council and Member States to step up the EU’s climate commitments, to show global leadership and drive ambition to make rapid progress in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Their demands include:

• Develop a just and inclusive European long-term climate strategy that enhances resilience and ensures emissions in the EU peak by 2020, more than halve by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050
• Enhance the 2030 EU climate and energy targets and Nationally Determined Contribution to ensure a resilient, rapid and just energy transition in line with the above goals
• Align the next EU long-term budget with this strategy, remove fossil fuel subsidies and mainstream climate action as a priority across all funding programmes
• Commit all member states to binding net-zero emissions reduction targets and the above goals.

“As mayor of Tampere I am extremely proud to add my name to this letter signed by mayors from across Europe," said Lauri Lyly, mayor of Tampere. “My constituents have the same concerns as citizens from across Europe, for their children and for their future. The city of Tampere is ready to lead but we need the support of our government and from all levels of the EU to ensure we achieve these ambitious but necessary goals."

The open letter, signed by leaders of cities in 21 EU member states and 7 neighbouring countries was published ahead of the Future of Europe conference to take place in Sibiu, Romania on 9th May 2019.

Article by City of Tampere