16 Oct Mayor Aras Engages in High-Level Talks on Democracy, Climate, and Sustainability in Brussels
Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras held a series of important meetings in Brussels, the heart of the European Union institutions. During his visits to the European Parliament, the European Committee of the Regions, and the Brussels-Capital Region, discussions focused on democracy, sustainable development, climate diplomacy, and cultural cooperation.
Mayor Aras emphasized that strengthening local government networks across Europe enhances solidarity among cities, adding that cities should no longer act merely as implementers of climate policies but should become global actors actively involved in decision-making processes.
Muğla Engages with European Local Authorities on the Axis of Democracy
Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras held a meeting in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with Nacho Sánchez Amor, Turkey Rapporteur of the European Parliament and Member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D Group). The meeting addressed the overall political situation in Türkiye, the state of democracy, and the future of Türkiye–European Union relations. The discussions also highlighted the decisive role of local governments in democratic processes and underscored the importance of strengthening local democracy as a cornerstone for societal development.
Local Governments Hold a Key Position in the EU Accession Process
During the meeting, Mayor Aras emphasized that strong cooperation with local governments will play a vital role in revitalizing the European Union accession process. The discussions also addressed potential areas of joint work, including access to international financial resources, green transition initiatives, and sustainable development projects
Muğla’s Cultural Heritage Promoted in Europe
As part of his Brussels engagements, Mayor Aras also held a meeting at the European Committee of the Regions with Luca Menesini, President of the Party of European Socialists (PES) Group.
During the meeting, Muğla’s strategic location and regional significance as one of Türkiye’s prominent cities were highlighted. The discussions focused on potential areas of cooperation to be developed within the framework of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the PES Group.
Sustainable Tourism and Environment-Based Cooperation
The meeting highlighted Muğla’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, and its open, cooperative identity as a city engaged with the wider world. Within the framework of the theme “Legacy of Muğla,” references were made to the city’s historical and cultural richness. The discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among cities in the Mediterranean Basin on the basis of environmental protection, sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and climate-friendly policies.
European Committee of the Regions Meeting Proposed to Be Held in Muğla
The meeting also included a proposal to host a future session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Muğla.
Mayor Aras Speaks at the European Climate Summit Ahead of COP30
Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras participated as a speaker in the session titled “Cities and Regions Shaping Global Climate Action ahead of COP30,” held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, within the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
Europe’s Climate Diplomacy Leaders Convene in Brussels
The session was organized in cooperation between the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, Europe.
Prominent speakers included Jan Dusík, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA); Annalisa Corrado, Member of the European Parliament’s COP30 Delegation; Laurence Tubiana, European Special Envoy for COP30; and Kostas Bakoyannis, Chair of the CoR Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) and former Mayor of Athens.
The Global Role of Local Governments Discussed
The meeting focused on the role of local governments in global climate diplomacy and Europe’s multi-level climate governance approach ahead of COP30.
Mayor Aras emphasized that Muğla and other Mediterranean coastal cities stand on the front lines of the climate crisis, drawing attention to the importance of regional solidarity and local-level climate action.
Muğla Progresses toward Becoming a “Climate-Neutral City” by 2050
In his speech, Mayor Aras highlighted the significance of the Town Hall COP (Local Conference of Parties) meeting organized by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and announced the city’s goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
He also referred to Türkiye’s candidacy to host COP31, emphasizing that cities in both Europe and Türkiye should work together to develop a shared vision for the Mediterranean climate region.
“Climate Diplomacy Is Now the Domain of Cities”
Recalling that Muğla, with its 1,500-kilometer coastline, stands on the front line of the climate crisis, Mayor Aras noted that cities are now at the heart of climate adaptation policies.
“Climate diplomacy is no longer the sole domain of national governments; it now belongs to cities as well. As Muğla, we take pride in being an active part of this struggle that extends from the local to the global level.”
Mayor Aras Meets with the Brussels-Capital Region on Sustainable Cooperation
During his visit to Brussels, Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras met with Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships in the Mediterranean region, as well as on sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly urban development.
Cultural and Tourism-Focused Events on the Agenda
During the meeting, the parties exchanged ideas on jointly organizing cultural and tourism-oriented events in Brussels to enhance Muğla’s visibility.
Both sides expressed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation with European cities and reinforcing solidarity among municipalities.
Joint Steps in Climate and Energy
The meeting also addressed potential joint initiatives on combating climate change, promoting sustainable tourism, advancing the use of renewable energy, and developing urban policies.
In this context, the cooperation potential between Muğla and Brussels was discussed in areas such as environmentally friendly practices, green mobility, and the reduction of carbon emissions.
Mayor Aras: “Muğla Will Be Part of the Transformation from Local to Global”
In his closing remarks, Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras emphasized that his Brussels engagements were not merely a diplomatic visit, but also a strategic step that strengthens Muğla’s European vision.
“Being among the cities that shape the future of Europe reflects our belief in Muğla’s potential, its nature, and its people. We believe that local governments will become much stronger and more resilient through international cooperation.
As Muğla, we are determined to build a shared future with European cities in every field — from green transition to the preservation of cultural heritage, from democratic participation to sustainable tourism.
Our city, which stands on the front line of the climate crisis, is not merely an observer of this process but an active representative of solution, change, and hope. Muğla will continue to be part of this transformation that extends from the local to the global.”
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