The Basque Government shared its strategy today at COP31 for supporting and accompanying municipalities in advancing the energy and climate transition. This model combines planning, funding, capacity building, and tools to translate climate action into concrete territorial initiatives. This was communicated by the Deputy Minister of Environment, Josu Bilbao, at the event “Just transition: empowering local governments and communities,” organized by BC3 as part of the Antalya Climate Summit.
Euskadi's experience stems from the conviction that the energy and climate transition can only be considered just if it reaches all territories and considers diverse local realities. Euskadi's Climate and Energy Plans integrate mitigation, adaptation, and just transition, encompassing areas such as the protection of vulnerable groups, energy poverty, green training and employment, and the promotion of green financial instruments.
According to the latest data from the Basque Network of Sustainable Municipalities-Udalsarea 2030, 140 Basque municipalities have a Climate and Energy Plan or are working on its development. Of these, 69 have approved them, and another 71 are in the process. Furthermore, 51 municipalities have joined the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, with eight more in the process of adhesion.
Funding is another key instrument. The Basque Government has just published a new call for grants for sustainability projects promoted by local entities, with an allocation of 4 million euros, the largest amount in recent years and almost 54% higher than the previous call. The application period will be open from October 30 to November 30, 2026.
Additionally, Adolfo Uriarte, Director of Natural Heritage and Climate Change Adaptation for the Basque Government, participated in the session “Using artificial intelligence to boost climate data, electricity grid management, and climate finance,” organized by BBVA. He presented the digital twin design for the Nervión estuary, intended to integrate climate scenarios, early warning systems, and modeling.
In the afternoon, the Basque Government delegation participated in the celebration of the 10th anniversary of RegionsAdapt, organized by the international network Regions4. Euskadi has been part of this movement since its launch in 2015, which now brings together over 85 states and regions.
