What it is
The EU Covenant of Mayors is the European Commission’s initiative under which local authorities commit to the EU’s climate and energy goals. Since its launch in 2008 it has signed up more than 10,000 cities and towns. Its yearly ceremony in Brussels is the one day when the signatories meet the Commissioners responsible for energy and climate. The 2026 ceremony took place on 15 October in the Charlemagne Building, under the theme “Local Leaders for Affordable Energy and Climate Resilience”.
How the day works
The ceremony mixes political dialogue with practical sessions. According to the 2026 announcement, the programme included a workshop on climate disinformation, a hands-on training on turning Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) into investment plans, and a separate discussion for the Covenant’s supporters and coordinators on linking the Covenant to regional and national planning. Networking areas were open all day, and participants could pitch projects from their own city. The speakers page lists two Executive Vice-Presidents, Teresa Ribera and Raffaele Fitto, and Commissioners Dan Jørgensen and Wopke Hoekstra.
What came out of recent editions
The 2026 report records the launch of a new Covenant action, Places Made for People. The examples it cites are specific: Leuven pools renewable energy projects so they are financially viable, Matosinhos is investing 5 million euro of EU funds in data collection to prepare for climate risks, and decentralised energy systems have helped Lviv keep essential services running during attacks. Emil Boc, mayor of Cluj-Napoca and a Covenant Board member, used the day to call for EU climate funding that reaches the local level.
The 2025 ceremony, held at the European Parliament on 16 October, drew over 150 mayors and 700 participants. It also hosted the Covenant of Mayors Awards, which went to Domokos, Lappeenranta and Mechelen for decarbonising heating and cooling, a sector where fossil fuels still supply 70% of buildings’ heating in Europe.
Why it matters for cities
For a signatory city the ceremony is less about announcements than about access: a day with the Commissioners who shape energy, climate and cohesion funding, and with peers who have already turned an action plan into financed projects. Readers of our Thessaloniki and Antwerp profiles will recognise the same themes of local energy and resilience. Cities wanting a network-run alternative can look at the Energy Cities Annual Forum.
Going, or following from home
The 2026 ceremony has taken place, and the 2027 date has not been announced. We could not find a fee published for attending, or recordings of the 2026 sessions. The Covenant’s news pages are the best place to watch for the next call for registrations.