The Viable Cities Champions 2025 are Elena Simion and Marcos Ros Sempere. They both received the award for their outstanding efforts in promoting climate transition in cities. The award was presented by programme director Olga Kordas during European Viable Cities Day on December 5.
To honor outstanding climate heroes, Viable Cities Champions are selected each year. Candidates are found among important partners and key players who are highly significant for climate transition in cities. This year, the award and tribute go to individuals who are working to accelerate transition within the EU.
Marcos Ros Sempere is a Spanish politician, professor, and architect. He is a member of the European Parliament and has been actively involved in the EU Policy Agenda for Cities, which was presented in early December.
The justification reads:
For your exceptional leadership in advancing the EU Policy Agenda for Cities, and your instrumental role as Member of the European Parliament in fostering support for climate transition in cities that is both ambitious and socially just.
Elena Simion from Romania is the coordinator of the EU initiative CapaCITIES, where she leads the work to facilitate the establishment of national platforms in all EU member states (similar to Viable Cities).
The justification reads:
For your impactful efforts to support the
development of national platforms for the EU Cities Mission across Europe, not
least in your role as Program Manager for CapaCITIES and M100, the Romanian
national platform for the Cities Mission.
Last year, attention was drawn to climate transition efforts in Ukraine, which are continuing despite the ongoing war. The award has been presented since 2019.
