ENVE: Andries Gryffroy calls for stronger regional influence at COPs

The last ENVE commission of this year focused on a range of topics central to environment, climate change, and energy policies. Key points on the agenda were a discussion on the priorities for the Polish Presidency on the green transition and an exchange of views occurred on mobilising public and private resources for the Clean Transition Dialogues. The meeting also included updates from CoR delegations on participation in COP16 and COP29, alongside partnerships with organisations like ICLEI and Climate KIC. The session concluded with a confirmation of future meeting dates and discussions on financial tools for the climate transition.

Andries Gryffroy outlined strategies to amplify the CoR’s influence for next COPs following the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He emphasised the need to refine the CoR’s narrative over the next year, enabling members to better advocate for regional perspectives within their respective member state’s framework. Acknowledging the CoR’s indirect role in these member states-driven events, he stressed that influencing future frameworks is key to embedding regional input in global climate policy. Gryffroy highlighted the importance of engaging national delegations and partnering with organisations to amplify the CoR’s voice in panel debates and decision-making forums. By strengthening relationships with these partners, the CoR can indirectly shape member states positions. Gryffroy urged members to focus on governance and ensure regional perspectives are represented, asserting, “That is the only way it works because we are not directly at the table”.