Twinning learning programme
Cohort 5 (2026-2027)
Registration for Mission cities for the 5th cohort of the Twinning Learning Programme is now open!
Now entering its 5th cohort, the Twinning Learning Programme, under the EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities has already supported 180+ cities since 2023 to exchange experiences, learn from peers, and replicate what works.
This new edition is designed for two types of participants: Mission cities looking to amplify their climate journey by engaging with peers who have developed concrete solutions to accelerate climate action, and Mission-minded cities (aligned with the Mission ambition) that have developed concrete solutions through a partner project and want to keep the momentum going.

24 Twin cities
12 countries
14 partner projects
Get to know your potential twin
Explore the Mission-minded cities catalogue highlighting cities already part of selected EU-funded projects partnering with NetZeroCities, driving real climate action:
- βActive in the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) city network with a focus on Positive Energy District (PED) neighbourhoods, exchanging and developing approaches for green transition.
- βUses testbeds and living labs and citizen co-creation to design, trial, and refine climate solutions in real-life urban settings.
- βThrough PED-JUST, co-creates PED-oriented urban-regeneration strategies in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, supported by Learning and Action Alliances to embed and scale actions in wider city strategies.
- βApplies structured sustainability governance and urban-development approaches (e.g., Aalborg Charter / Aalborg Conditions) and partnership-based delivery to support climate action and implementation.
- βLearn from other Mission citiesβ challenges and approaches on climate resilience, sustainability, and green transitionβwhile sharing Aalborgβs experience from multiple EU projects and the DUT network.
- βUse the European Rising Innovative City 2026 recognition to inspire other cities and showcase practical ways to organise innovation (e.g., testbeds, living labs, partnerships).
- βStrengthen collaboration and transfer by exchanging replicable methods (co-creation, living labs, integrated urban development) through the Twinning Learning Programme.
- βOperates and scales beΓgueda, a shared electric-bike system across the municipality (22 docking stations, 69 e-bikes), including expansion and interconnection with public transport in rural areas (e.g., along the Vouga railway line).
- βUses tracking/data tools (CIVITAS TRACE and related approaches) to plan and promote walking and cycling, supporting active-mobility uptake through evidence-based measures.
- βImplements European Green Leaf 2026 actions linking active mobility, public-space measures/tactical urbanism, and citizen engagement/awareness-raising as part of a cross-cutting local climate agenda.
- βAdvances ecosystem restoration and climate-resilience actions via EU initiatives (e.g., LIFE Γgueda, LIFE REVIVE), strengthening green/blue infrastructure and nature-based approaches.
- βUse twinning as a way to accelerate climate-neutrality efforts and strengthen an implementation-oriented climate agenda aligned with the EU Cities Mission.
- βLearn from Mission Citiesβ technical expertise and governance models, especially around Climate City Contracts, integrated decarbonisation strategies, and large-scale delivery frameworks.
- βCo-develop pilot actions and shape investment-ready, scalable, measurable, and bankable climate solutions, positioning Γgueda as a testbed for small and medium-sized European municipalities.
- βImplements safety-oriented cycling infrastructure at the Bicycle Campus junction point (e.g., traffic lights, dedicated bicycle-path connections, and safe transitions for cyclists).
- βUpgrades pedestrian infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks and crosswalks) to improve accessibility and safety for all users around the campus.
- βImproves entry/exit access points to make the campus more usable for staff and visitors, including during events (inclusive, user-friendly design).
- βCo-develops and pilots solutions as part of AMIGOS Safety Improvement Areas, aiming to reduce road-safety risks and support safer active mobility in conflict areas between motorised traffic and people walking/cycling.
- βAccelerate the transition to climate-neutrality by learning from proven Mission City practices and adapting them to local conditions.
- βUse twinning to build municipal capacity and reduce implementation risk, supporting long-term transformation.
- βImplementing digital initiatives to improve public transport perception, alongside traffic measures that support higher PT use (city input).
- βInvested β¬4M in a ~100 km cycling-path network to tackle air quality, noise, and GHG emissions while promoting public-health benefits and mode shift (soft mobility).
- βUses a participatory and consultation-based approach with local actors and coordination with neighbouring municipalities to integrate cycling/soft mobility into wider planning and land-use dynamics.
- βStrengthens climate/energy transition governance via networks and commitments (e.g., Energy Cities member since 2007, Covenant of Mayors signatory since 2011, and a leadership role in Portugalβs smart cities mobility work).
- βExchange knowledge with EU Cities Mission cities to accelerate Barreiroβs pathway towards climate neutrality, especially in sustainable urban mobility.
- βLearn how Mission Cities plan and deliver implementation (governance, financing, stakeholder engagement) to reduce risks and strengthen local capacity.
- β3. Share Barreiroβs own experience (e.g., large-scale cycling network rollout, participatory planning, public transport improvement measures) and adapt proven practices to local needs..
- βParticipates in MULTIGINATION (DUT Call 2022), piloting a participatory method for the 15-minute city in BaΕakΕehir to support urban-transition actions that reduce car use and COβ emissions.
- βDeploys open, digital participation tools in MULTIGINATION (co-imagination tool, online voting, and crowdfunding/mixed-financing support) to connect bottom-up ideas with city-scale decision-making.
- βEngages in CoEnerBuild (CET Partnership selected project) focused on Digital Twin-enabled approaches for buildings/energy-system optimisation toward carbon-neutrality and grid resilience.
- βContributes to METABUILDING Labs, using a Living Lab/testbed network to lower barriers for testing innovative building technologies and support the transition toward near-zero/zero-emission buildings.
- βSpeed up progress toward Net-zero goals by learning from other citiesβ proven practices and adapting them locally.
- βStrengthen capacity by applying Digital Twin techniques to support higher-impact, lower-risk implementation.
- βDeveloping a Net Zero Neighbourhood Framework for a just, place-based transition, focused on the Linen Quarter and surrounding communities (Market, Donegall Pass, Sandy Row, Barrack Street).
- βStructuring neighbourhood interventions around retrofit, greening, and active travel, linking decarbonisation with resilience and a fair and just transition.
- βEmbedding the framework into future regeneration by integrating tree planting/green infrastructure and co-design approaches (including engagement with young people).
- βBuilding a replicable model to scale net-zero neighbourhood approaches across the city and improve coordination/governance for delivery.
- βHaving recently completed UP2030, Belfast wants to continue building capacity and networks and identify funding pathways for capital delivery.
- βAs a coastal city, Belfast faces increasing climate pressures (water, wind, ecosystems/biodiversity) and wants to learn from Mission Cities on practical delivery approaches.
- βAs a post-conflict city with segregation and duplicated resources and barriers that separate communities from services, amenities and infrastructure, Belfast wants to find practical entry points to accelerate net zero.
- βContributes to CONFLICTEDSTREETS to understand and manage conflicts around street-space transformation in the transition to the 15-minute city (e.g., car space vs. βspaces of placeβ), including guidance on participation, experimentation, and impact monitoring.
- βParticipates in JiM (Justice in Minutes) to embed social + environmental justice into 15-minute city planning by analysing movements/access, localisation of services, and integrating environmental data into planning tools and guidance.
- βRuns local engagement activities via Bodrumβs Climate Change & Zero Waste structures, including project-related meetings and stakeholder exchanges linked to 15-minute city work.
- βBuilds on its SECAP work and focuses on strengthening delivery mechanisms (governance, monitoring, and financing pathways) to turn plans into implementable actions (city input).
- βStrengthen institutional capacity to move from planning to delivery, improving data management, project governance, stakeholder coordination, and monitoring so climate actions become measurable and bankable.
- βUse twinning as a structured way to learn how Mission Cities organise delivery (coordination across departments, implementation structures) to avoid trial-and-error and accelerate implementation.
- βSupport the update and strengthening of the SECAP by learning practical governance, monitoring, and financing approaches from a Mission City.
- βHosts an Urban Living Lab around Bademlidere Cumhuriyet Park and its surrounding area as a real-world testbed for circular, regenerative neighbourhood renewal and climate resilience.
- βCo-creates neighbourhood-renewal strategies with stakeholders to increase circular practices and balance environmental and socio-economic trade-offs in urban renewal.
- βDevelops a decision-making / decision-support instrument for municipalities and developers to design and implement circular solutions at neighbourhood scale.
- βBuilds a mapping system and user-friendly indicators (including environmental + socio-economic) to assess benefits of circular solutions (e.g., energy, water, materials), validated through co-creation and tested in Living Labs.
- βTurn climate commitments into concrete, locally grounded delivery, using peer learning to operationalise Γankayaβs SECAP through stronger governance, coordination, monitoring, and implementation practice.
- βLearn from Mission Citiesβ implementation experience while contributing Γankayaβs strengths in participatory urban-governance, energy efficiency, nature-based solutions, and climate justice.
- βThrough Re-Value, develops and tests integrated climate-neutral urban-planning approaches for waterfront areas, focusing on accessibility, resilience, and place-based transformation.
- βImplements nature-based and innovative urban-planning solutions, using co-creation and participatory processes to shape public spaces and review climate policies/governance models with stakeholders.
- βUnder CLIMABOROUGH, pilots (Re)Vestir Cascais to promote textile circularity (collection of used textiles + digital tools to track impact + incentives linked to local commerce/engagement).
- βAdvances its Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2050 and efforts to raise household recycling rates (including textile and biowaste streams, and better tracking/collection approaches).
- βAccelerate progress toward climate neutrality through hands-on exchange with Mission Cities, adapting proven approaches to Cascaisβ local context (city input).
- βStrengthen local governance and cross-departmental coordination, while deepening citizen and stakeholder engagement to support delivery (city input).
- βScale what works and reduce implementation risk by learning from cities already implementing ambitious climate actions and transferring practical methods (city input).
- βParticipates as an AMIGOS Twin City, replicating and adapting active-mobility and road-safety solutions already validated in AMIGOS Living Labs / Safety Improvement Areas.
- βWorks to strengthen safe and sustainable urban mobility by reducing motorised individual traffic (and its space/land requirements), improving traffic safety and quality of life, and increasing area efficiency.
- βAddresses growing mobility on limited road space, managing competition between modes (especially during rush hour) in a major transport hub with high commuter volumes.
- βSupports behavioural change and accessibility by encouraging shifts toward sustainable modes (walking, cycling, public transport and shared micromobility), building on structured knowledge exchange and capacity-building.
- βLearn from Mission Citiesβ implementation experience, with a focus on the climate actions in their Climate City Contracts.
- βUnderstand βwhat worksβ in practice (governance, delivery, scaling) to adapt proven actions to Frankfurtβs local context and reduce implementation risk.
- βIntegration of public transport with other mobility services
- βDevelopment of a multimodal hub at Gdynia Central including improved connections with Bike & Ride and Park & Ride facilities
- βImplementation of bus priority systems and dedicated bus lanes to increase public transport speed and eficiency
- βIntroduction of a parking management scheme in the city centre
- βDevelopment of on-demand free-of-charge mobility service will be developed to support transportation for refugees, including transportation between camps and schools.
- βPreparation of a strategic document on public transport prioritisation
- βAccelerate Gdyniaβs climate neutrality transition by learning from experienced European cities
- βAdapt proven climate actions to the local context and strengthen internal capacities
- βSupport sustainable mobility and foster long-term partnerships
- βAs a partner city in the Neutralpath project, Ghent has established a Living Lab to accelerate the Muide Meulestede neighbourhoodβs transition to a fossil-free, sustainable energy system in an affordable and rapid manner. The LL has the following objectives:
- βDevelop an implementation plan and collaborative organizational model for an inclusive Positive Clean Energy District (PCED), including business models and exploitation strategies
- βStrengthen institutional capacity and stakeholder engagement using a participatory approach
- βGovernance: Build civil-private-public partnerships for collective heating and energy systems; ensure strong leadership, public involvement, and clear division of responsibilities
- βData-driven planning: Identify, collect, and analyze relevant neighbourhood-level energy transition data for effective strategy development
- βCitizen engagement: Develop inclusive and socially just neighbourhood energy action plans; involve both committed citizens and vulnerable residents in collective heat projects
- βFinance: Explore financial models and instruments to leverage investment, manage risks, scale up projects, and attract public and private funding
- βIn the AMIGOS Living Lab (Hamburg-LohbrΓΌgge), tests soft measures (awareness-raising and behaviour-change) to complement infrastructure and support safer, more inclusive active mobility.
- βIn the AMIGOS Safety Improvement Area, pilots Hamburgβs first βschool streetβ concept in EimsbΓΌttel (Rellinger StraΓe), in collaboration with Interreg North Sea βActive Citiesβ.
- βDeploys data-collection technologies plus a shared co-creation/public-participation methodology to strengthen evidence-based decision-making for street and school-area safety measures.
- βTargets reduced car-dominance, improved intermodality, and higher street liveability/safety (especially for vulnerable groups) through scalable measures.
- βFollowing a citizen referendum, Hamburg is now legally committed to reach net COβ-neutrality by 2040 and wants to exchange good practices and innovative approaches with peer cities.
- βHamburgβs climate plan will be revised by November 2027; twinning supports learning and benchmarking as the city updates measures (including in the transport sector).
- βAs part of GreenInCities, Hersonissos is:
- βPiloting natureβbased solutions to address energy poverty and heat stress in a local neighbourhood by reducing urban heat island effects through added vegetation and multifunctional green spaces.
- βPromoting new technologies and bioclimatic building approaches to lower energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
- βEngaging the local community, especially vulnerable groups, in coβcreation and awareness activities.
- βTargeting both human and nonβhuman groups (e.g., nesting birds) in project planning to improve inclusivity and biodiversity.
- βBuild and strengthen the involvemnet in GreenInCities and broader strategic efforts to achieve a holistic approach to sustainability
- βThrough Elaborator, Issy-les-Moulineaux is
- βEnhancing cyclist and pedestrian safety in high-traffic areas, facilitating access to offices and nearby recreational spaces.
- βPromoting sustainable transport modes, aligned with the cityβs urban redesign of major roads to prioritise bikes and pedestrians
- βCollaborating with city departments, associations, companies, and road users; use measurement campaigns and ground-level light technology to reduce collisions and foster a long-term cultural shift toward sustainable transport. Through CLIMABOROUGH, the city is: - enhancing their existing climate budget strategy and Zero Carbon Challenge to accelerate its transition toward nearβzero emissions
- βInterest in learning how other European cities approach climate neutrality, aligning with Issy-les-Moulineauxβs goal and annual climate budget
- βFocus on the use of green hydrogen as a key area of interest
- βEmphasis on developing soft mobility modes (e.g., cycling, walking, public transport) as current city priorities
- βAdvancing local energy strategies (SPARCS): Kifissia has developed concrete energy-focused strategies and pilot concepts to support its transition toward climate neutrality.
- βEngaging in inclusive mobility planning (ELABORATOR): As an Observer City, Kifissia participates in technical meetings and exchanges knowledge on data-driven, inclusive urban mobility design aligned with SUMP and climate goals.
- βPreparing circular economy actions (DUT): Kifissia is engaging in DUT activities focused on circular economy, resource reuse, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption, while connecting to funding opportunities and research partnerships.
- βKifissia wants a fast track to implement tested climate mitigation and resilience solutions by learning directly from Mission Cities already delivering a Climate City Contract.
- βBuild internal capacity and lasting partnerships: Through structured peer learning, municipal staff can translate successful practices into local projects and governance improvements, while strengthening long-term collaborations.
- βDevelop a tailored replication plan: The city aims to gain the knowledge and tools needed to create a context-specific climate action and replication plan Kifissa.
- βCity of Maribor is implementing and testing an integrated climate adaptation solution to combat urban heat islands at public transport stops. The solution combines:
- βNature-based solutions, including green roofs on bus shelters,
- βDigital monitoring, through the installation of IoT sensors measuring air temperature, humidity, air quality and other microclimatic indicators;
- βData integration, with collected data being integrated into the existing municipal spatial and data platforms to support evidence-based decision-making;
- βCitizen engagement, through surveys and awareness-raising activities before and after implementation.
- βGain insights from other Mission Cities on integrated urban climate governance, data-driven planning, and scaling pilot projects to city-wide implementation.
- βContribute Mariborβs experience with micro-scale urban heat mitigation measures, including lessons on regulatory, institutional, and technical aspects.
- βAlign local pilots with long-term climate neutrality strategies and co-develop scalable action or replication plans for medium-sized cities.
- βAs a follower city in GreenInCities, matosinhos is expected to: - Create green infrastructure such as ecological corridors, sustainable leisure areas and multifunctional spaces for people and biodiversity. - Implement nature-based solutions to increase climate resilience, biodiversity and air quality. - Use digital twins and augmented reality to predict and visualise interventions. - Strengthen active community participation through digital and in person surveys for co-creation of solutions. These actions follow the principles of the New European Bauhaus, promoting quality, aesthetics, inclusion and sustainability.
- βInterested in exchanging knowledge with EU Mission cities, accelerate innovative solutions for urban sustainability, and strengthen local capacity to address climate challenges, fostering greener, more resilient, and inclusive urban development.
- βAs part of UNCHAIN, Mechelen is implementing data-driven tools to support sustainable urban logistics planning, including SUMP/SULP guidance, freight-efficient land use, UVARs, and shared IT management platforms to improve collaboration and decision-making As part of GreenLog: the city is piloting zero-emission last-mile logistics, through a city hub and cargo bikes, and a Logistics-as-a-Service platform that bundles deliveries. Together these projects aim to reduce delivery traffic and emissions while making urban logistics more efficient and sustainable.
- βMechelen wants to join the twinning programme to learn directly from Mission Cities that are already implementing advanced climate-neutral solutions. This collaboration helps the city strengthen its own climate planning and speed up local implementation.
- βAs part of URBEATH, Pilsen is revitalizing the Republic Square by introducing NbS solutions such as greenery, permeable paving, rainwater management systems. This will help to improve air quality, biodiversity, microclimate regulation, and resilience to heat and flooding, while enhancing pedestrian and cyclist comfort, public transport flow, safety, and residential quality in its central historic square. In CLIMABOROUGH, the city is working with selected primary schools to introduce calming measures to support sustainable modes of transport in school trips
- βInterested in exchanging knowledge with Mission Cities to acclereate adoption of climate neutral solutions and strategies.
- βPromoting walking and cycling: Expanding pedestrian zones, safe crossings, protected bike lanes, and secure parking to make active mobility the main mode of transport in the city center.
- βImproving public transport: Increasing bus frequency, enhancing connectivity between neighborhoods, and linking key hubs like the airport, train station, and university.
- βImplementing smart and low-emission mobility: Deploying real-time transit info, digital ticketing, shared mobility (bikes, e-scooters, e-car sharing), and supporting electric vehicles with charging infrastructure and incentives.
- βPisa is motivated to join a twinning programme to accelerate its transition toward a more sustainable and innovative city. By learning from Mission Cities, Pisa can adopt proven climate-neutral and smart-city solutions, strengthen its digital and mobility strategies, and enhance collaboration with local universities and European partners.
- βThe city is developing and testing concrete solutions to support the transition towards Positive Clean Energy Districts (PCEDs), with a strong focus on integrated energy planning, smart neighbourhood concepts, and replication potential for other urban areas. Specifically, as part of ASCEND, Prague is implementing and developing:
- βDeveloping a Smart Neighbourhood in DolnΓ PoΔernice: Prague is piloting advanced data-driven district management, participatory mobility planning, and co-designed public spaces on 13 hectares, including 4 hectares of green space.
- βImplementing a comprehensive Energy Master Plan: The city is focusing on high-efficiency buildings, renewable heating/cooling, seasonal energy storage, and a photovoltaic microgrid to reduce heat demand by 30% and electricity demand by 25%.
- βEstablishing renewable energy communities with clear governance, ownership, and technological frameworks.
- βParticipatory approaches to analyse energy-related transport behaviour and to co-design mobility and public space solutions, including the development of approximately 15,000 mΒ² of pedestrian-oriented streets; - Creating replication and investment frameworks: Lessons from the district-scale pilots inform guidelines for other Prague districts and generate transferable knowledge for climate-neutral urban planning.
- βCommitment to climate neutrality: Prague aims to achieve net-zero COβ by 2050, reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, and implement its Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan, supported by governance structures, energy efficiency, renewable energy, low-emission mobility, and circular economy measures. Learning from peers and practical implementation: The city joined the EU Cities Mission Twinning Programme to exchange experience, test solutions in real urban contexts, and adapt proven approaches to accelerate local climate action. Complementing ongoing projects: Participation builds on Pragueβs involvement in ASCEND project, enhancing expertise in integrated energy planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement for climate-neutral districts.
- βRethymnoβs mission is to strengthen micro-mobility options for both residents and visitors while balancing safety and public space concerns.
- βThe city engages stakeholders, implements pilot actions, and organises community activities to encourage acceptance of innovative mobility solutions.
- βBy integrating local identity with sustainable transport, Rethymno aims to serve as a model for Greek municipalities, easing congestion, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting collaborative urban planning for long-term mobility improvements.
- βStrengthening sustainability and resilience: Rethymno aims to optimize existing municipal plans (SUMP, SULP, SECAP) and implement high-impact interventions to build a climate-neutral and resilient urban environment. Balancing tourism and climate goals: The city focuses on addressing seasonality challenges while promoting sustainable urban development and reducing environmental impact. Learning through peer exchange, gain knowledge, share good practices, and improve planning by adopting proven approaches from other Mission Cities.
- βImplements measures to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and -55% GHG by 2030, with a strong focus on energy and transport.
- βAmbitious policies to expand and improve heating networks and reduces energy consumption, supported by local coordination (including a climate agency to support stakeholders and residents).
- βPromotes sustainable mobility through incentives and services such as car-sharing, carpooling, and active mobility, alongside a robust public transport system (incl. tram network) and intermodality.
- βInvests in cycling and walkability (extensive cycling infrastructure, bike parking/racks, pedestrian-priority approaches) to shift trips away from private cars.
- βA strong opportunity to upscale competencies, strengthen ongoing projects, and learn faster through peer-to-peer exchange with cities facing similar net-zero challenges.
- βExchange practical experience on how to deliver net-zero and keep momentum toward ambitious local targets through regular, dynamic collaboration.
Disclaimer – Information presented here is not exhaustive and only gives an overview.
Ready to take part?
Are you a Mission city interested in the opportunity? Register to the Matchmaking days and meet your potential future twin:
Still have questions? Feel free to contact twinning@netzerocities.eu

