Three Presidencies for Climate: Think European – Act Local

Three4Climate supported the rotating presidencies of the Council of the European Union (EU). Germany took over the presidency with the second half of 2020. Together with the two following presidencies by Portugal (first half of 2021) and Slovenia (second half of 2021), the German government supported trilateral climate action with activities involving EU, national, and local actors. Ambitious climate action in cities and schools were in the focus as well as connecting stakeholders both horizontally (between countries) and vertically (from local to EU level). Three4Climate was linked to the Bridging European and Local Climate Action (BEACON) project.

The project provided a platform for local, national and European decision-makers to connect and discuss important elements of climate action, understand each other’s interests and move towards a common understanding of challenges and potential solutions for a carbon-neutral future. Thus the Trio as a form of EU integration was made tangible at the local level. Two cities and two schools per trio country were selected to take part in the project activities that provided an opportunity to showcase ambitious climate action of local level actors and to increase their interaction beyond the national level and allow them to learn from each other.

The specific activities aligned with the joint environmental policy priorities of the EU Council presidency trio and took place in the context of currently ongoing policy developments on EU level, foremost the Green Deal of the European Commission. The activities of the project were thus future-oriented with the aim of supporting climate-neutrality as endorsed by the EU Council (conclusion of December 2019).