Bridging the Gap: How Multilevel Governance Can Accelerate Climate Solutions 

Policymakers, regional leaders, and energy transition pioneers gathered on 14 May for the annual conference of Covenant Coordinators and Supporters, titled; "Bridging the Gap: How Multilevel Governance Can Accelerate Climate Solutions", highlighting how strengthened collaboration across European, national, and local levels can turn climate ambition into concrete action. 

The event brought to light the vital role of Multilevel Governance (MLG) in ensuring effective and inclusive implementation of climate and energy policies. Speakers from EU institutions, regional governments and agencies, and local municipalities underscored the urgent need for seamless coordination, resource sharing, and local empowerment to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal. 

Tadhg O'Brian, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission (DG ENER), reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality, emphasising that the Fit for 55 package not only sets ambitious targets but also ensures energy security. He highlighted the upcoming Electrification Action Plan, which will place cities at the center of Europe's industrial competitiveness, and stressed that Member States and municipalities alike play a pivotal role in transposing EU legislation into effective local action. 

Initiatives such as the EU Covenant of Mayors, the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub, and the Smart Cities Marketplace were showcased as examples of how the EU is supporting local actors in the energy transition. 

Josko Klisovic, President of the Assembly of Zagreb and member of the European Committee of the Regions, warned against overly bureaucratic procedures, advocating instead for pragmatic, people-first policies. “We’re not interested in complexity,” he noted. “We want real projects that make life easier.” He called for early involvement of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in policy design, not just implementation, pointing to the need for permanent platforms for intergovernmental exchange and coordination. 

A study by the European Committee of the Regions revealed key obstacles: lack of structured dialogue, inconsistent national commitment, political volatility, and insufficient communication between the EU and LRAs. 

The POLLEC Model: Scaling Cooperation from the Ground Up 

A highlight of the conference was the POLLEC programme (Policy for Local Energy and Climate Coordination) in Wallonia, Belgium, presented by François Lejeune, InBW - Covenant Territorial Coordinator. Currently involving 172 municipalities, POLLEC has fostered a replicable governance model built on strong collaboration between regions, territorial coordinators, and local governments. 

Through tools like POLLCAST, municipal training, and a shared management platform, POLLEC has equipped municipalities to develop and implement Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). Local examples from Rixensart, represented by Marie Spaey, and Ramilies, represented by Grégory Phillipart, highlighted practical climate actions including biomass heating, car-sharing systems, and urban biodiversity parks. 

Explore how POLLEC is driving local climate action in our latest case study.

Bridging Theory and Practice 

Participants stressed the gap between climate theory and actionable governance. Miljenko Sedlar (REGEA – Covenant Supporter) and Roman Kekec (Podravje Energy Agency – Covenant Supporter) emphasised the importance of local facilitators, skilled staff, and interpersonal trust—what they called “the right people in the right place at the right time.” 

Sara Piccirilli, from SPW – Covenant Territorial Coordinator, noted that building connections between municipalities, rather than working in silos, is essential. “Success stories are the best way to inspire others,” said Kekec. Energy agencies were repeatedly cited as key players in linking local authorities with national and EU-level resources. 

The discussion also turned to financing challenges and the future of EU funding. While large cities often have better access to EU funds, smaller municipalities succeed with the support of energy agencies that help navigate applications and build trust with investors. 

Participants cautioned that a more centralised approach to EU funding could slow down processes and reduce transparency, particularly for smaller localities. 

A Call to Action 

“Climate transition should be driven more by common sense than politics”  Josko Klisovic, President of the Assembly of Zagreb and member of the European Committee of the Regions, concluded. 

Across the board, speakers agreed: multilevel governance is not a luxury, but a necessity. When cities, regions, and EU institutions align through real partnerships, they unlock scalable, people-focused climate solutions. 

The conference closed with a renewed call to empower local authorities, break down administrative silos, and anchor climate action in communities. The transition is happening — but only by bridging the governance gap can it be accelerated.