What must cities and municipalities do in climate protection, In other words what is the legislation for climate protection?
Cities (municipalities) act as territorial self-governing units defined by their land and citizens. They are also often delegated the task of carrying out state functions. Thus, municipalities serve both the state and their local area and citizens.
But do cities (municipalities) have enough tools to respond to climate change? Are there any binding goals they must achieve under the law? Are local authorities required to implement measures to mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or actively participate in the development of renewable energy sources? What is the legal status of municipalities (territorial self-governing units) under constitutional law, and how do these assumptions translate into the municipalities' legal obligation under the Municipal Act to ensure the comprehensive development of their territory and meet the needs of their citizens, while also protecting the public interest?
The role of cities and municipalities is key to the future. Most people live in cities, and it is precisely cities that can reduce the impacts of climate change on human rights. Smaller municipalities provide the basis for agricultural land use, larger landscape measures, and the provision of ecosystem services.
Climate protection legislation is evolving very dynamically. Based on laws promoting renewable energy sources (LEX OZE I, II), the placement of renewable energy installations, as well as community energy projects, is now in motion.
Municipalities should respond to this development in a timely manner and incorporate comprehensive solutions (preparedness) into their spatial plans. The spatial plan enables the appropriate division of land to protect public interests such as nature conservation, water protection, and soil preservation, while also meeting the needs of local residents. Through regulatory plans and planning contracts, municipalities can set more detailed rules for planned construction or other activities, with a particular focus on ensuring (urban) blue-green infrastructure.
Attention should be drawn to the draft law on accelerating the use of renewable energy sources, which was in inter-ministerial review this summer. This joint proposal from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Regional Development implements EU law (the amended Directive 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources). The draft law anticipates the mapping of the entire Czech Republic, with the development policy designating so-called "necessary areas" (areas essential to achieving renewable energy goals). At other levels of spatial planning (development plan, regional development principles, spatial plan), areas allowing accelerated approval of renewable energy sources should then be defined through spatial measures.
Even without new legislation, cities and municipalities can prepare for climate change. Planning and timely implementation of measures are crucial.
We continue to monitor the municipal agenda for you.
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The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and is intended to provide basic orientation on the subject matter in accordance with the legal framework as of 2026. While we strive for maximum accuracy, legislation and its interpretation evolve over time. We are ARROWS Law Firm, an entity registered with the Czech Bar Association (our supervisory authority), and for the maximum protection of our clients we carry professional indemnity insurance with a limit of CZK 400,000,000. To verify the current wording of applicable regulations and their impact on your specific situation, please contact the author of this article or another qualified professional.