The European Commission has awarded the prestigious EU Mission Label to 39 additional cities as part of the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
This recognition is essential for these cities as they work toward achieving climate neutrality by 2030.
Encouraging climate action in urban areas
Cities are on the front line of the climate crisis, responsible for over 70% of global CO₂ emissions and more than 65% of global energy consumption.
With the EU’s target of climate neutrality by 2050, and a goal of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030, the role of cities is more important than ever.
The Cities Mission, launched under Horizon Europe, supports 112 cities in developing and implementing Climate City Contracts (CCCs).
These contracts include a commitment to climate neutrality, an action plan, and an investment strategy. They are developed closely with local stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and government agencies.
New cities awarded
The 39 cities that received the EU Mission Label in this latest round come from across Europe, including Antwerp (Belgium), Sofia (Bulgaria), Copenhagen (Denmark), Leipzig (Germany), Athens (Greece), Paris (France), Padova (Italy), Vilnius (Lithuania), Warsaw (Poland), Helsinki (Finland), and Glasgow (United Kingdom). Cities from non-EU countries like Norway, Türkiye, Iceland, and the UK are also included.
The label was presented at the 2025 Cities Mission Conference in Vilnius, where city representatives gathered to celebrate their achievements and share their climate strategies.
Support and resources for mission cities
Receiving the EU Mission Label grants cities access to essential resources, including the Climate City Capital Hub, which connects them with international finance opportunities and advisory services. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has also made a €2 billion lending envelope available to support project implementation.
The label is a recognition of a city’s commitment and a practical step toward unlocking public and private investment. It is a gateway to additional EU, national, and regional funding opportunities.
Progress and plans
92 out of the 112 participating cities have received the EU Mission Label. Earlier rounds saw cities such as Madrid, Stockholm, Florence, Malmö, and The Hague recognised for their plans. Cities are evaluated by the European Commission, with input from the EIB and the Joint Research Centre, to ensure their plans are viable and impactful.
Eleven more cities have submitted their Climate City Contracts, which are under review. The remaining cities are expected to submit their plans by the end of the year.
Scaling local solutions across Europe
The Cities Mission emphasises the importance of moving past isolated pilot projects to scale successful initiatives across urban areas. Over 60 cities and national platforms have endorsed the Development Declaration for the Cities Mission, which promotes “scaling as the new normal.”
The 2025 conference also spotlighted Ukraine’s 12 Flagship Municipalities, part of the Mission through Horizon Europe. The SUN4Ukraine Partnership Programme aims to integrate climate goals with the country’s reconstruction plans, inviting collaboration between EU and Ukrainian cities.
Looking ahead
The Cities Mission inspires bold, coordinated action to combat climate change. With more cities joining the ranks of those awarded the EU Mission Label, the initiative is building strong momentum toward a climate-neutral and sustainable urban future for all of Europe.
