Brussels Capital Region takes part in the EU Mission for climate-neutral & smart cities by 2030

In September 2021 the Commission launched the Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. EU Missions are a novelty of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme (2021-2027). There are 5 EU Missions that support several Commission priorities, such as the European Green Deal, Europe fit for the Digital Age, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, An economy that works for people, and the New European Bauhaus. The Missions present a new way to bring concrete solutions to some of Europe’s greatest challenges and have ambitious goals and will deliver tangible results by 2030.

Climate City Contracts

Cities were invited to express their interest to become part of the Mission Cities in a call that closed on 31 January 2022. In total 377 cities applied to be part of the cities mission. After a careful evaluation process, the Commission has now selected 100 cities, including the Brussels Capital Region.

The cities are invited to develop Climate City Contracts, which will include an overall plan for climate neutrality across all sectors such as energy, buildings, waste management and transport, together with related investment plans. This process will involve citizens, research organisations, and the private sector. The clear and visible commitments made by the cities in the Climate City Contracts will enable them to engage with the EU, national and regional authorities – and most importantly with their own citizens to deliver on this ambitious objective.

The Cities Mission will receive €360 million of Horizon Europe funding covering the period 2022-23, to start the innovation paths towards climate neutrality by 2030. The research and innovation actions will address clean mobility, energy efficiency, and green urban planning, and offer the possibility to build joint initiatives and ramp up collaborations in synergies with other EU programmes.

Benefits for cities include tailor-made advice and assistance from a dedicated Mission Platform run by NetZeroCities, additional funding and financing opportunities, and the possibility to join large innovation actions and pilot projects. The Mission also provides networking opportunities, exchange of best practices between cities, and support to engage citizens in the mission.