LGYH is an active partner in an EU funded Interreg 4c project called ‘EU2020 Going Local’. The project involves 14 partners from across Europe developing a new programme around the delivery of the Europe 2020 strategy. There is a particular emphasis on climate change, energy and sustainable transport.

The project looks at how different regions are applying the Europe 2020 strategy and how it is linked to partners’ own local growth plans. As an Interreg project a key activity is also on the transfer of good practice on a range of environmental themes and the development of an action plan to influence future European funding calls. Following consultation with LGYH members we have focussed on the off-shore wind opportunity, the use of electric vehicles and related infrastructure, and solar photovoltaic panels. However, the aspect that really sets this project aside from many others is the political leadership from each of the partner regions and the potential to strengthen this transnationally. 

The EU2020 Going Local project is adding value to local and regional activity through the sharing of good practice, support, and development of ideas that could attract European funding in the future. Some key recent activities from the project include:

• Hosting of two workshops in Rotherham for European and regional partners on the role of electric vehicles in public service delivery
• Collecting data from local authorities on transport fleets and potential for use of electric vehicles
• Secured a free trial of an electric vehicle to interested authorities from Ford
• Held speculative talks with the European Investment Bank and the European Energy Efficiency Fund regarding investment options
• Sharing and learning from European partners on renewable technologies, skills and implementation
• Influencing and promoting to government and regional stakeholders the opportunities for green jobs from the off-shore wind industry

There is still an opportunity for interested local authorities and partners to get involved with the project. For more information please contact Sarah Tyler (electric vehicles) (sarah.tyler@lgyh.gov.uk) or Jon Clubb (jon.clubb@lgyh.gov.uk) at LGYH.

For more information please visit the project website - www.eu2020goinglocal.eu