EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030

Transforming Urban Life for a Sustainable Future

EU Missions are large-scale initiatives under Horizon Europe designed to tackle major global challenges, such as climate change, cancer, soil health, ocean restoration, and the development of climate-neutral and smart cities. They set clear, time-bound goals and bring together research, policy, and stakeholders to drive innovation and deliver concrete solutions for societal benefit.

The EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities aims to support European cities in their transition towards climate neutrality by 2030. This ambitious initiative empowers cities to become innovation hubs, adopting sustainable solutions and smart technologies to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and enhance the quality of urban life. The mission connects local authorities, citizens, businesses, and research organisations, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices across Europe. By achieving climate neutrality, participating cities will lead the way in environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and digital transformation, creating vibrant, healthy, and sustainable urban spaces for all.

 

 

The Municipality of Limassol is one of the cities selected as part of the European Commission’s Mission and submitted in 2023 the Climate City Contract which is Limassol’s road map towards climate neutrality. The Climate City Contract was evaluated by the European Commission and awarded Limassol the Mission Label, i.e. the credential for access to community, regional and national funding sources, for the implementation of the Contract. The Climate City Contract is dynamic, will be evaluated on a frequent basis and will receive feedback through the result that will be produced; will be enhanced and adjusted according to the city’s needs. Already since September 2024 the Climate City Contract was enriched with the proposals of the new municipal authority “Limassol 2024-34”.

 

The innovation path towards climate neutrality in the context of the Mission offers the possibility of developing joint initiatives, synergies with other programs of the European Union, and scaling up collaborations with other European cities. With citizens actively participating in the transition process, Limassol will become a modern, European, Mediterranean city, sustainable and humane, green and clean, without traffic congestion, since there will be options for green, alternative modes of transportation and better connectivity.

The Cities Mission contributes to Europe’s clean and digital transition, aligning with the European Green Deal and the Policy Agenda for Cities, and the Clean Industrial Deal. It contributes to Industry Dialogues, bringing cities and industries together to advance clean technologies, circular economy practices, and energy efficiency. Moreover, the Mission contributes to the EU’s strategy in support to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, through the association of 12 Ukrainian municipalities that will develop climate neutrality plans for 2050. The Mission also contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through local climate-neutrality strategies.

Learn more: For more information Climate-neutral and smart cities – European Commission

 

EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030

Safeguarding Aquatic Ecosystems for Future Generations

The EU Mission on Ocean and Waters is a flagship initiative under Horizon Europe, targeting the pressing challenges facing our marine and freshwater environments. With clear, time-bound objectives, this Mission aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters by 2030, fostering innovation and uniting research, policy, and stakeholders in a collective effort. By emphasising the interdependence of healthy waters and climate resilience, the Mission supports the implementation of the European Green Deal, Biodiversity Strategy, and Zero Pollution Action Plan.

The Mission seeks to prevent and eliminate pollution, regenerate biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of aquatic resources. It mobilises local authorities, coastal and riverine communities, businesses, and research organisations to co-design and implement solutions—ranging from nature-based approaches to advanced monitoring technologies. Participating regions commit to Mission Charter actions, opening access to EU, national, and regional funding, and benefitting from a collaborative network of knowledge and best practice exchange.

By restoring rivers, lakes, wetlands, and marine ecosystems, the Mission aims to build climate resilience, secure water quality and supply, and boost the blue economy, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and jobs. The Mission also contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), ensuring the well-being of communities and the preservation of natural heritage for generations to come.

Learn more: For more information Restore our ocean and waters – European Commission