Today, October 16, 2025, European mayors, regional leaders, and EU officials are gathering in Brussels for the 2025 EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony, a key annual event celebrating cities and regions driving Europe’s clean energy transition and strengthening local resilience.
At a time of mounting climate risks and geopolitical uncertainty, this year’s ceremony underscores how local governments are central to securing Europe’s sustainable future — ensuring clean, affordable energy for citizens while building stronger, more resilient communities. The event features high-level speakers including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and regional and municipal leaders from across the continent.
A highlight of the ceremony is the presentation of the 2025 Covenant of Mayors Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in heating and cooling decarbonisation. The three winning cities, Mechelen (Belgium), Lappeenranta (Finland), and Domokos (Greece), stood out for their innovative and inclusive approaches to reducing emissions and advancing energy efficiency.
Mechelen was honoured for its large-scale rollout of green district heating and its strong stakeholder coalition. Lappeenranta impressed the jury with its commitment to energy sovereignty and pioneering use of AI to optimise thermal storage. Domokos was celebrated for engaging its community and prioritising energy upgrades in schools, setting an example for small municipalities across Europe.
The awards highlight the growing momentum among European cities to lead the clean heat transition, a vital step toward achieving climate neutrality and a fair, people-centered energy future.