site.btaSofia Signs Joint Declaration with European Capitals on Sustainable Development and Climate Change Adaptation

Sofia signed a joint declaration with European capitals during the 14th Direct Dialogue between EU capital city mayors and the European Commission on Friday in Warsaw, the press centre of Sofia Municipality said.  The commitments in the document include sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.

The forum, titled "Secure, resilient, prepared – European cities in times of crises" was organized by the Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski. Sofia Municipality was represented by Deputy Mayor for Finance and Health Ivan Vasilev.

The declaration adopted in Warsaw expresses the commitment of the capitals to progress in sustainable development, adaptation to climate change and the transition to green energy; ensuring sufficient funding for cities by preserving cohesion policy and creating new instruments for metropolises; enhanced role of cities in the development and implementation of European policies, including innovation and scientific research.

The mayors of European capitals, representatives of the European Commission and experts discussed key challenges and policies to strengthen the resilience and preparedness of cities in times of crisis.

A main focus was the need for direct financing of projects at the city level by the European Commission in order to overcome delays caused by national procedures or political conflicts, the Sofia Municipality said.

Deputy Mayor Ivan Vasilev noted that it is important to work towards greater financial decentralization and to provide opportunities for cities to directly negotiate funding from the European Commission.