Role of local governments in EU member states' climate policy and legislation

This article provides a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that local governments have in achieving climate objectives, both within EU member states' national climate policy and national climate law, and how this relates to the literature on multi-level governance. More specifically, the differences and similarities between the national climate plans and national climate legislation of four selected member states (Germany, Ireland, Netherlands and Spain) have been examined. The findings relate to multi-level governance literature on opportunities and challenges regarding the role local governments fulfill. On the one hand, local governments are often seen as potential key drivers whose involvement can lead to more effective climate governance. On the other hand, local governments are legally and financially dependent on higher levels of government for the implementation of climate-related tasks and responsibilities.

Robert Kastelein