New Calls open for cities to advance climate neutrality and urban sustainability

NetZeroCities and the European Commission announce two new Calls for cities to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality: the third Call for Twin Cities and a Horizon Europe Call on 'changing urban spaces and mindsets to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality'.

Third Call for Twin Cities

The Third Call for Twin Cities invites ambitious cities, including signatories of the Green City Accord and finalists of the EU Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards, to join the 18-month Twinning Learning Programme. Participating cities will collaborate with Pilot Cities and develop an Action Plan to advance climate neutrality using key learnings.

Cities interested in the Call should apply by 31 October 2024. 

Horizon Europe: Changing urban spaces and mindsets to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality 

The Horizon Europe Call, launched by the European Commission, aims to transform cities and shift mindsets to reduce their climate impact. The Call has a total budget of EUR 98 million and focuses on four key areas:

1. Rethinking urban spaces towards climate neutrality – Redesigning cities to reduce their carbon footprint, aligned with the Green City Accord’s vision for sustainable cities by 2030.
2. Zero-pollution cities – Supporting innovative urban solutions to reduce pollution and improve quality of life, in line with EU environmental standards, the Green City Accord, and the Zero Pollution Action Plan.
3. Mobility management plans and behavioural change – Fostering sustainable cities by reducing the environmental and social impacts of transport, linked to changing residents’ behaviour to achieve the Green City Accord’s objectives.
4. Integrated peri-urban areas in the transition towards climate neutrality – Promoting sustainable transport, emissions reduction, and green spaces in suburban areas, supporting the Green City Accord’s goals beyond city centres.

The deadline to apply for this Call is 11 February 2025. 

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.