Source: European Parliament
As signatory to the Green City Accord[1], Zaragoza committed to enhance urban biodiversity, increase quality green areas, improve air quality, water and waste management, and reduce noise by 2030.
Zaragoza was awarded the Cities’ Mission Label[2] after concluding its Climate City Contract[3], which plans CO2 absorption from urban trees and actions on re-naturalisation and circular economy[4].
The Nature Restoration Regulation[5] requires Member States to ensure that, by 31 December 2030, there is no net loss in the total national area of urban green space and of urban tree canopy cover in urban ecosystem areas[6].
It should be noted, however, that the Green City Accord, the Climate City Contract and the Nature Restoration Regulation allow the local authorities, in line with the subsidiarity principle, to decide on the actions to carry out in urban spaces, provided they respect the above commitments.
It is therefore not for the Commission to comment on the choice of the competent authorities on the project referred to by the Honourable Member.
However, Member States must monitor the area of urban green space and tree canopy as of August 2024 and report to the Commission by 30 June 2028[7].
From August 2029, the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and to the Council. In addition, the Green City Accord signatory cities must report periodically about their progress in the run up to 2030[8] and the Climate City Contract provides for monitoring measures, which will allow the Commission to follow up on the compliance by Zaragoza with the above commitments and obligations in due time.
- [1] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/urban-environment/green-city-accord_en
- [2] EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutral-and-smart-cities_en
- [3] https://netzerocities.app/resource-4068
- [4] Ibid. cfr. Part B ‘Pathways’, pillar 3, page 73.
- [5] Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869. OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj
- [6] Compared to 2024.
- [7] Articles 20(1)(b) and 21(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2991.
- [8] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-green-city-accords-report-progress-and-achievements-2020-2023_en