NetZeroCities was created to support over 100 European Mission Cities reach their goal of climate neutrality by 2030. But with many of those cities now implementing their ambitious plans, how can their experience be deployed to help the many cities that will follow their lead? Meline Gonzalez-Piloyan and Ida Jusic from Eurocities, one of NetZeroCities’ main partners, write here about an important shift in the trajectory of the EU Cities Mission.

Connecting new cities more closely with the Mission Cities is crucial for fostering Europe-wide exchange on climate solutions. By building stronger links, cities can learn from the pioneering efforts of the Mission Cities, accelerating their own climate action with proven strategies and solutions.

In a survey of cities’ support needs in April 2024, cities themselves expressed a high interest in exchanging with like-minded cities and learning through short study visits, further highlighting the value of these connections.

The Mission Platform is therefore expanding its support to all cities across Europe aspiring to reach climate neutrality before 2050 and, by the end of 2025, we will run three group study visits as part of our offer of learning activities for them.

Cities won’t reach climate neutrality on their own 

Interested cities had the opportunity to join thematic online discussion groups, facilitated by NetZeroCities, and took part in four learning phases over five months. There they gained an understanding of the climate solutions planned by Mission Cities across different sectors:

  • energy
  • buildings
  • sustainable mobility
  • circular economy
  • nature-based

After completing these phases, Mission-minded cities deepen their knowledge about the climate solutions they have been discussing online. A group study visit, each lasting two and a half days, will take place in the Mission Cities of Bucharest, Guimaraes and Mannheim between May and October 2025. Nine visiting cities, three per Mission City, will be accompanied by a facilitator from the NetZeroCities consortium to explore and learn from innovative climate practices – from sustainable mobility, NZEB, and urban regeneration in Bucharest, to renewable energy integration and urban greenery in Mannheim, and nature-based solutions and energy transition in Guimarães. They will finally reflect on how to transfer these learnings into their local context.

Hands-on learning through city exchanges

Group study visits offer cities invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning and practical exchanges between Mission Cities and Mission-minded-cities. Participants can gain inspiration and identify transferable practices by witnessing tangible climate actions first-hand and develop practical action plans tailored to their local ecosystems. This two-way learning process benefits Mission-minded-cities and allows Mission Cities to enhance their understanding of how systemic transformations and innovative climate actions can be adapted to diverse contexts. The visits focus on priority emission sectors, addressing systemic barriers and exploring pathways to climate neutrality. By focusing on these key areas, cities can identify impactful climate practices that address their specific challenges, accelerating their transition to climate neutrality.

From our experience in the Twinning Learning Programme for Cohort 1, we know that site visits are crucial for strengthening collaboration between European cities and inspiring them to replicate climate action solutions.

Sites visits of Cologne to Vitoria, and Vari-Voula Vouliagmeni to Cluj-Napoca, under the framework of the Twinning Learning Programme, in autumn 2024.

Cities committed to climate neutrality by 2050 are invited to join the upcoming cohort launching in Autumn 2025!

Whether your city is already pursuing ambitious climate targets or just beginning to explore the possibilities, our programme offers invaluable access to information and support to propel you forward. NetZeroCities is committed to also helping cities across Europe who are starting to navigate their unique paths towards climate neutrality.

This new cohort will provide targeted guidance and resources to help cities advance more rapidly towards climate neutrality. The Mission Platform extends an open invitation to new cities to learn from the established best practices and collaborative approaches developed by the Mission Cities.

Cities will gain access to the NetZeroCities Portal, peer-learning groups, direct exchanges with Mission Cities, and expert support — all designed to foster collaboration, share proven climate solutions, and support cities to reach climate neutrality. Our programme will include a mix of learning activities at EU and national level, online learning, best practices examples, training on tools and approaches used by Mission Cities, and direct city-to-city exchanges.

Stay tuned for further information about our upcoming Group Study Visits and the future cohort 2 opening!