As the EU launched its new space programme last June, the European Committee of the Regions warns about the duplication of structures and requests that available funding focuses on the space industry and its market development

The COP24 climate talks reached its main objective: to agree on a common set of rules to put the Paris Agreement into practice in 2020. Yet, as the IPCC 1.5°C report certifies, much higher climate ambition is needed to reverse alarming global warming trends. In Katowice, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) joined forces with world networks of local governments to request a formal role for cities and regions in the Paris Agreement. The adopted rulebook opens the door to reinforced multi-level climate action and stronger cooperation between national and local and regional authorities. It invites national governments to consider the inputs of Talanoa Dialogues, amongst which is the CoR's call to include local and regional authorities in the definition of national climate strategies and action plans. Please click here for a summary of the activities and statements of the CoR members @ COP24.

Cities account for 70% of world greenhouse emissions, with local governments being responsible for more than 70% of climate change reduction measures and up to 90% of climate adaptation actions. Yet, the Paris Agreement falls short in integrating a system that monitors and reports cities and regions' commitments and achievements in reducing CO₂ emissions. The call for sub-national determined contributions to complement national pledges in the Paris rule book is gaining echo in Katowice as it is increasingly considered central to bridge the current emissions gap. The European Committee of the Regions took the floor at the plenary room of the United Nations (UN) COP24 Climate Change Conference to claim for a formal role for cities and regions in the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which is to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Click here to access the photo album of the CoR Delegation @ COP24.

On 6 December from 11am Michel Barnier, the European Union's Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the Union, will discuss Brexit and its impact on regions and cities with local leaders from all the EU's member states. His visit to the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels comes on the eve of UK parliaments crucial vote on the agreed Withdrawal Agreement