The European Commission has recognised Udalsarea 2030 as an example of good practice within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, highlighting the Basque multilevel governance model for promoting local climate action. This recognition is reflected in an article published by the European initiative, which underlines the role of the Basque network of sustainable municipalities as a benchmark platform for coordinating climate and energy policies among administrations and local entities.

Among the most noteworthy aspects, the European publication points to the technical support provided to municipalities through methodological tools, emissions calculators, climate risk assessments, as well as project monitoring and evaluation systems.

The article particularly highlights Udalsarea 2030’s ability both to align local policies with European decarbonisation and climate resilience objectives and to advance in the definition of regional policies that take the local perspective into account, promoting joint work among the Basque Government, provincial councils, supramunicipal entities and municipalities. The European Commission also emphasises that the network, created in 2002, has evolved from Local Agenda 21 into a comprehensive model for climate action and sustainability. Today, Udalsarea 2030 brings together 226 municipalities and a total of 260 entities.

Among the most noteworthy aspects, the European publication points to the technical support provided to municipalities through methodological tools, emissions calculators, climate risk assessments, as well as project monitoring and evaluation systems. It also highlights the momentum given to Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans and the technical assistance provided by Ihobe and EVE as Covenant of Mayors support structures in the Basque Country.

The European Commission also identifies Udalsarea 2030 as an example of long-standing institutional cooperation and effective coordination among different levels of governance, a model that helps translate European climate objectives into local action in a coherent and effective way.

Udalsarea 2030’s participation in European projects such as LIFE Octopus is also particularly relevant. The initiative aims to strengthen local capacities for climate change adaptation and the implementation of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans.

In this context, Udalsarea 2030’s participation in European projects such as LIFE Octopus is also particularly relevant. The initiative aims to strengthen local capacities for climate change adaptation and the implementation of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans. In the Basque Country, this work is channelled through Udalsarea 2030, which collaborates with other European entities to develop tools, methodologies and innovative solutions that help municipalities move towards more resilient and climate-neutral territories.