Representatives of the Diputació de Barcelona, the Barcelona Provincial council, today handed over the first 39 Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) of the Covenant of Mayors signatories in the Province to European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. Today's meeting marks a step change from preparation to action, as signatories have a year from signature to submission of their SEAPs. "The Covenant of Mayors has reached the stage of maturity," says Commissioner Piebalgs. "With 900 cities on board and 40 Supporting Structures, I am proud to say the Covenant has become an unprecedented movement of local and regional authorities. The first 39 Sustainable Energy Action Plans delivered today by the Barcelona Province clearly demonstrate that regions and provinces play a crucial role in changing our energy landscape and make a key contribution in the fight against climate change. It is a breakthrough, as we are moving from preparation to action."

In a solemn ceremony that has taken place today on in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament, more that 350 cities across Europe have committed, by signing the Covenant of Mayors, to go beyond the EU's energy objective of reducing 20% CO2 emissions by 2020. With this initiative of the European Commission in partnership with the Committee of Regions, the representatives of over 60 million citizens will work together to achieve the common goal of changing our environment and using energy more wisely.

"Most of the energy produced in Europe is consumed in urban areas. The battle against climate change will have to fought and won in the cities. This is why, the commitment shown by Mayors across Europe by signing the Covenant of Mayors send us a strong message of hope, particularly in the difficult times that we are facing", said Commissioner Piebalgs.