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.
