PRESS RELEASE
A unique opportunity for cities to accelerate their local climate action and learn from leading cities in Europe is now open for applications, as part of the Twinning Learning Programme.
The programme is part of the EU Cities Mission and is facilitated by the Mission Platform, currently managed by NetZeroCities.
Cities with a commitment to reaching climate neutrality by or before 2050 can apply to join as ‘twin cities’ with cities Aachen, Bristol, 2nd district of Bucharest municipality, Dunkerque, Eindhoven-Helmond, Elbasan, Gabrovo, Guimarães, Ioannina, Kozani, Liberec, Padova, Reykjavik, Sarajevo, Sofia, Stockholm, Torino, Umeå and Warsaw, offering successful applicants access to invaluable insight and collaboration with peers from cities at the forefront of urban climate action.
The programme is offered through the EU Cities Mission and supports its second objective to ensure that the 112 Mission Cities act as experimentation and innovation hubs that enable all European cities to become climate-neutral by 2050.
This latest edition of the 12-month programme (beginning in November 2025) is designed to help cities deepen their climate knowledge and co-develop practical solutions, aided by structured learning and expert guidance as well as the powerful city-to-city partnerships themselves.
Selected cities will be matched with Mission Cities based on shared climate priorities, challenges and learning needs, giving the greatest value for participants.
The programme is open to all EU cities and from associate countries of Horizon Europe that aren’t already part of the EU Cities Mission. Applications are open until 12 September 2025.
Successful applicants will also have access to financial support for a site visit to and one from the partner Mission City, as well as assistance from a dedicated facilitator from NetZeroCities, the consortium that manages the Mission platform, to ensure high-quality exchanges and follow-up work.
This is the fourth call for cities to join the Twinning Learning Programme, which has been updated following feedback from many of the previously participating cities. So far, 78 cities have become twin cities through the programme.
Eligible cities must have a formal climate neutrality commitment for 2050 or earlier and capacity to dedicate time and staff to the programme.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit this page.
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