Introduction to the project
The NetZeroCities project supports the EU Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 (Cities Mission), launched in 2021 under the Horizon Europe programme. The Mission tasks cities with leading the transition to a net-zero future, and the NetZeroCities project is designed to help them overcome structural, institutional, and cultural barriers. By offering innovative support and solutions, the project aims to enable cities to achieve their climate neutrality goals in a socially inclusive way. Through the Mission Platform, which supports the 112 selected Mission Cities on their journey toward climate neutrality by 2030, NetZeroCities develops and promotes both new and existing tools, resources and expertise, while also providing hands-on support.
Project in Action
The NetZeroCities project supports the 112 Mission Cities in developing and implementing their Climate City Contracts (CCCs), a key instrument for accelerating their journey to climate neutrality by 2030. To support this journey, the project has developed the Climate Transition Map, a framework that presents a transformative and systemic approach to accelerate decarbonisation. The Mission Platform, managed by NetZeroCities, supports cities through the various steps of the Climate Transition Map by providing tools, resources and expertise, alongside hands-on support, various funding opportunities and peer-learning programmes. Additionally, the Mission Platform provides opportunities for cities beyond the 112 Mission Cities to benefit from the experiences and insights gained by the Mission Cities.
ERRIN's Role
ERRIN is leading the work on establishing strategic partnerships between NetZeroCities and other initiatives, projects and EU Missions. Additionally, ERRIN is actively supporting the Climate City Contract (CCC) activities, including through its two Climate Neutral City Advisors who assist Mission Cities in developing and implementing their CCCs. Furthermore, ERRIN plays a key role in advancing multi-level governance within the Cities Mission, including the identification and analysis of innovative governance instruments and approaches, and facilitating collaboration across various levels of government. Finally, ERRIN contributes to the citizen and stakeholder engagement activities and facilitates twinning partnerships between Mission Cities and other European cities.
Benefit for members and Links with ERRIN’s WGs and priorities
ERRIN has been actively involved in the development and implementation of the EU Missions over the past several years. The Smart Cities Working Group, alongside the broader Low Carbon Cluster, has led ERRIN’s efforts on the Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, including the development of input papers and organising meetings with the European Commission. ERRIN’s participation in the NetZeroCities project ensures that Low Carbon Cluster members receive first-hand information about the opportunities the project offers. Additionally, it allows them to provide feedback through ERRIN on the activities and services delivered to cities via the Mission Platform. The project offers an opportunity for ERRIN to collaborate closely with its members, supporting them in developing and implementing their Climate City Contracts, while also ensuring that the experiences and learnings of the Mission Cities are shared with the wider membership.
Project Outputs
National/Regional CCC Engagement Cluster Situation Report
This NetZeroCities report presents an overview of regional and national support structures that had been set up in the 27 EU Member States and eight Associated Countries (by summer 2023) to support cities in the implementation of the EU Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.
Latest Updates
- By Martina Campajola
Strong regions, strong Europe: ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
ERRIN spent the European Week of Regions and Cities moderating sessions, following debates and meeting more than a dozen member delegations. Here is a selection of the moments closest to our priorities, from the EU Missions and the next MFF to talent, culture and competitiveness.
- By Ana Nava
City-to-city learning through NetZeroCities Twinning Learning Programme: insights from Wolfsburg and Paredes
The NetZeroCities Twinning Learning Programme pairs Mission cities for structured site visits and meaningful exchanges. ERRIN has facilitated exchanges between Eindhoven and Wolfsburg, and Elbasan and Paredes.
- By Marco Grippa
NetZeroCities Twinning Programme: Site visit to Samsun, Turkey
On 24–25 September 2026, for NetZeroCities, ERRIN, with executives from the Municipality of Kozani and ANDHKO SA (Organisation for Local Development), visited Samsun, Turkey, returning a visit that Samsun's delegation had made to Kozani. The exchange was part of the Twinning Learning Program under the EU's Climate Neutral - Smart Cities (NetZeroCities) mission. Both cities want to fast-track climate action in energy, mobility and waste management by showcasing their best practices to each other.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
The European Commission publishes the EU Missions mid-term assessment
On 14 September, the European Commission published its mid-term assessment of the EU Missions, highlighting progress across all five Missions and recognising the mission-oriented approach as an effective model for addressing complex societal challenges. For ERRIN, the assessment reinforces the case for maintaining and strengthening the Missions in the next EU long-term budget, while ensuring that the next phase is better equipped to translate research and innovation into deployment, scale-up and territorial impact.
- By Marco Grippa
NetZeroCities opportunity: Scaling climate-neutral solutions by Enabling City Transformation call
Within NetZeroCities project, Enabling City Transformation Programme is a 22‑month programme designed to help Mission Cities unlock city-wide climate-neutral transformation by addressing systemic barriers slowing progress towards climate neutrality. Through a challenge‑based approach, Mission Cities will address critical systemic barriers and test enabling innovations that strengthen the conditions needed for city‑wide transformation.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
Discover ERRIN's autumn 2026 activities
ERRIN’s revised Annual Plans for 2026 are now available, outlining the upcoming activities, priorities and opportunities for engagement across ERRIN’s Working Groups for the remainder of the year. Each year, ERRIN’s member-led Working Groups develop Annual Plans that set out their strategic priorities, planned activities and key objectives. Shaped by members’ feedback and expertise, these plans ensure that ERRIN’s work remains closely connected to the needs and priorities of its regional and local innovation ecosystems.