🌿 Act Green Online Event Highlights: Empowering Local Action for a Greener Europe

On April 1st, 2025, the Act Green project hosted a successful hybrid event titled “Funding and Opportunities to Make European Cities Greener and Climate Friendly.” The event brought together citizens, NGOs, local authorities, and European institutions to discuss how we can bridge the gap between policy and practice and support a green transition driven by local engagement.

Co-funded by the CERV Programme of the European Commission, the event featured a series of high-level interventions, interactive discussions, and inspiring examples of how citizens and municipalities across Europe are leading the way toward climate neutrality.

🎯 The Objectives

-Explore funding opportunities available to support local green initiatives;

-Encourage stronger collaboration between institutions and communities;

-Showcase successful practices in sustainable urban development;

-Promote citizen participation in shaping local environmental policies.

🗣️ Expert Contributions

DG Climate Action (European Commission), including Leonardo Di Filippo and Bruno Mola, who highlighted the European Climate Pact and the vital role of people and cities in achieving climate goals;

DG Environment, represented by Alfonso Alcolea Martinez, who addressed the importance of clean air policies at the local level;

Council of European Municipalities and Regions, with Elisa Decourcelle, discussing urban resilience;

Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region and member of the Committee of the Regions, who emphasized fair and green transitions for all municipalities.

Moderated by Nikos Lampropoulos, ESPON EGTC brand manager, the event also featured an engaging online audience who submitted questions in advance, sparking meaningful interaction between citizens and EU-level decision-makers.

🌱 The event opened with a presentation by Tessy Melidi, introducing the Act Green project and its commitment to empowering youth and women in climate and democratic engagement. A series of short videos from project partners showcased grassroots efforts in green transition and community-led sustainability actions across Europe.

The Act Green online event reaffirmed the importance of community involvement and cross-sector collaboration in addressing climate challenges. It highlighted how policy becomes action when people are engaged, informed, and empowered.

The Act Green project will continue to support dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships across Europe, reinforcing the message that every citizen has a role to play in building a greener future.

📰 Stay tuned for upcoming activities, results, and stories from across our network.