The ECR Group in the CoR was represented in Dubai at COP28 by Vice-President Oldřich Vlasák. As part of the delegation of the European Union and member of the LGMA (Local Governments and Municipal Authorities) constituency, the CoR delegation was present at COP28 to continue advocating for the recognition of the crucial role of subnational governments in international climate negotiations.

Speaking as a panellist on an event where potential frameworks for an international free market climate agreement was the topic, our Vice-President discussed how trade development is not only a way to improve the common efforts to decarbonise the economy but it is also an opportunity for economic growth. But he also highlighted that subnational government budgets are insufficient on their own to finance and fund the scale of climate action needed to transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 – "there is therefore a crucial need to support subnational governments in mobilising public and private finance", he stated.

In between participating in events on the importance of nuclear energy and its role in addressing the climate crisis, our COP28 delegate also attended a meeting with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra who debriefed the European Parliament delegation and the CoR delegation on the state of play of negotiations.