EU Cities Mission: climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030

EU Missions are a new way to bring concrete solutions to some of our greatest challenges. They have ambitious goals and will deliver tangible results by 2030.

By harnessing research and innovation in new ways, combined with new forms of governance and collaboration, and actively involving citizens, these missions are set to make a real difference.

The EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission aims to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. These cities will serve as hubs for experimentation and innovation, setting the stage for others to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The EU Cities Missions central feature is the “Climate City Contract” which includes three components: Commitments, an Action Plan, and an Investment Plan. Although not legally binding, these contracts represent a significant political commitment to the European Commission, national and regional authorities, and the citizens of each city.

Cities that sign a Climate City Contract will earn a Mission Label, recognising the quality and feasibility of their commitments. This label will also open doors to targeted funding opportunities in EU programmes.

Irish Mission Cities

In April 2022, Dublin City and Cork City were selected to be part of the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. Galway City also achieved success in the initial round of the EU Mission Pilot Cities Programme and secured €1 million in funding to demonstrate methods for rapid retrofitting and decarbonisation for existing housing. Dublin and Cork have also secured €1 million in funding under the third cohort of the Pilot Cities Programme for the Build CAPA-Cities project, which focuses on three shared pilot activities to tackle key climate objectives at the EU, national, and local levels.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication plays a crucial role in supporting this Mission. DECC has established a National Mirror Group to assist the mission and work directly with Irish cities, offering guidance and support.

This National Mirror Group, an inter-departmental and inter-agency body, ensures a national focus on the mission and provides robust support for the cities' ambitions to achieve decarbonisation by 2030. This governance model is inspired insights from other EU mission cities and research.?

Ireland’s First National Mirror Group Meeting

On the 22 May 2024, Minister Eamon Ryan attended Ireland’s first National Mirror Group. The meeting included senior representatives from a number of Departments, agencies, and social organisations.

Rosalinde Van Der Vlies, Deputy Manager of the EU Cities Mission, joined the meeting to voice her support for the three Irish cities involved and to give an overview of the Mission. Additionally, Jordi Peris Blanes, General Director for Urban Strategy in Valencia, shared insights from his experience in establishing a similar platform in Spain.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for Dublin, Cork, and Galway to discuss the support they need to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. This led to productive discussions on how members can collaborate and support the cities' efforts.

Two more meetings are planned for this year to continue fostering this partnership approach and multi-level governance, aiming to reach our climate goals in Ireland’s three largest cities.