From citizen energy and new EU policy momentum to flagship events, fresh leadership and practical support for cities: discover what 2026 has in store for the EU Covenant of Mayors and how you can be part of it.
The new year for the EU Covenant of Mayors comes with many exciting opportunities and new priorities, all focused on empowering local governments to lead the energy and climate transition. Building on the momentum of a strong 2025, the year ahead promises a rich programme of activities and unmissable moments for our CoM-munity, offering fresh resources, practical guidance, new ideas, and valuable opportunities to contribute to EU policy discussions and exchange with peers.
Key EU policies of 2026
2026 will be a pivotal year for EU climate and energy policy. On the energy front, the European Commission is expected to publish a Citizen Energy Package in the first half of the year, followed by an Energy Security Package later in 2026, which will include a dedicated Heating and Cooling Strategy.
In the second half of the year, the Commission will also propose a new Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience. As consultations are currently open, it is crucial that the local level—often on the front line of climate risks—shares its insights, experiences, and recommendations. We invite our Covenant community, with its strong expertise in local climate adaptation planning and implementation, to actively contribute.
Following the adoption of the new 2040 climate target, the Commission will begin shaping the climate and energy framework for the decade ahead. This will include reopening the Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action in the second half of the year. A public consultation is already underway, and we strongly encourage the CoM-munity to make its voice heard.
Spotlight on Citizen Energy
Each year, the EU Covenant of Mayors puts the spotlight on a key EU policy priority with strong local relevance. This focus helps raise awareness, foster peer exchange within the CoM-munity, and strengthen the connection between EU and local action.
After highlighting decarbonised heating and resilience to heat waves in 2025, the Covenant will shift its focus in 2026 to one of the European Commission’s key priorities for the year: citizen energy. In parallel with the publication of the Commission’s Citizen Energy Package, the EU Covenant will explore how municipalities can empower and enable citizen energy initiatives in their territories—actively involving residents in the energy transition while ensuring affordable, locally produced energy for all.
With a particular emphasis on community energy, the year will feature inspiring practices, practical insights, and hands-on tips to help energy communities take shape across Europe. We aim to connect local authorities with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to turn ideas into action.