This mutirão spirit echoed across Scotland House where representatives from 11 states and regions gathered with one common goal – driving measurable climate action from the ground-up. Not only does ambitious climate action drive economic growth, create green jobs, ensure equity and create an environment that fosters good health and wellbeing – it powers and advances the transition. Across Europe, regional governments are showing that decarbonisation enhances the economy and creates a safer, greener future.
The race to net zero, while acknowledging the needs and realties on the ground, was at the heart of the Under2 Coalition’s European Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, where leaders convened to share solutions, align strategies, and call for greater recognition of subnational leadership on the global stage.
Throughout the day, three interconnected themes emerged: the need to strengthen subnational climate transition plans, the importance of aligning regional advocacy ahead of COP30, and unlocking equitable and inclusive climate finance for subnational governments to improve climate change mitigation and resilience.
A prevailing narrative continues to portray net zero targets as a threat to employment, energy affordability, and economic stability. In reality, climate action is a strategic economic opportunity as it creates jobs, enhances energy security, and strengthens local economies. To land this message with the public, it must be truly felt in and by communities, drawing on the experience of farmers, factory workers, and small business owners who are already embracing the transition.
According to a government participant:
“What the culture war leaders manage well is communication. We need to do the same and clearly articulate our industrial strategy. That message must be bottom-up, not just from subnational governments, but from communities too.”
At the same time, regions are embedding climate action into their economic development strategies. This includes supporting industrial transition, investing in clean infrastructure, and tailoring solutions for communities reliant on traditional sectors such as heavy industry and agriculture. Financial constraints remain a major barrier, particularly for regions dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or facing structural economic headwinds. Without targeted support and clear communications, these communities risk seeing the transition as a burden rather than a benefit.
With COP30 on the horizon, European regions are aligning their advocacy to ensure their collective voices are heard at the global stage. Subnational governments are not only implementing European regulations but also systematically monitoring and reporting on their application and impact. They're shaping long-term adaptation strategies and pushing for stronger, more inclusive climate frameworks.
According to a government participant:
“We have discussed this before, but there needs to be greater involvement of subnational governments at the top table of discussions. We represent a significant part of the economy and hold key solutions if we are truly empowered to implement them.”
States and regional governments in Brussels called for greater involvement in international negotiations. As key implementers of climate policies, regions bring practical insights and innovative solutions that can enrich global discussions.
This includes integrating adaptation into regional development plans and ensuring that mitigation efforts are supported by robust infrastructure and governance. Many are working to overcome institutional silos by fostering whole-of-government approaches including through projects like Next Generation Budgets which enhances cross-ministerial coordination within our governments to support the creation of green budgets
Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for subnational governments. Many regions lack the visibility, capacity, or regulatory support to engage with major financial institutions. Delegates at the meeting made a strong case for a dedicated mechanism to unlock direct investment for regional authorities. This would involve co-designing financial instruments with multilateral banks, donors, and private investors to ensure their investments are tailored to regional needs.
According to a government participant:
“Industrialised regions such as ours are normally in the place of donors in a global perspective, but we are also vulnerable ourselves. Just like frontline regions, we see ourselves being in a difficult trap of development.”
There was also strong consensus on the need for a quantified global goal on climate finance which also includes support for subnational governments that reflects the scale of the crisis and the differentiated responsibilities of regions.
The 2025 European Ministerial Meeting was a true declaration of intent. Europe’s regions are ready to lead, to invest, innovate, and inspire. By reframing climate action, aligning advocacy, and unlocking finance, subnational governments are turning ambition into action.
Looking ahead, three closely linked priorities offer a clear path for continued regional leadership and collaboration:
The path to net zero runs through our regions, and they're ready to deliver.