The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) initiative is proud that 23 Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) cities have been selected for the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 (Cities Mission). Through this Mission, cities will act as experimentation and innovation hubs to work towards the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030. The Mission will receive around €350 million of investment from Horizon Europe by 2023 and cities will receive specific advice, support and access from a dedicated Mission Platform run by NetZeroCities.
After passing the selection stage, which saw 377 expressions of interest, the chosen cities will now start their work. The ICC initiative is pleased that the work done with the participating cities has inspired, raised the level of ambition and prepared many cities for successful applications.
For instance, ICC cities are required to deploy Local Green Deals, that shape concrete local strategies and implementation plans to deliver the European Green Deal locally, through decarbonisation of buildings and transport, energy systems, waste and water management. Coalitions with local businesses, industry, social economy actors and civil society are key in shaping and implementing these Deals. In a similar vein, the Mission cities will prepare Climate City Contracts, that will include an overall plan for climate neutrality across all sectors such as energy, buildings and transport. Numerous stakeholders will be consulted during this process – from citizens to private sector representatives to research institutes.
The ICC congratulates all successful cities and looks forward to seeing their progress on this exciting new programme. The good news is that the cities that have not been selected will have many possibilities to remain connected and work with the Cities Mission. A number of elements will be available to a much larger group of cities, such as the services from the Mission Platform.
Further synergies will be developed among ICC and the Mission Platform with a view to spread info on EU legislation, guidance, best city practices and experiences and matchmaking for joint actions in order to pave the way for many other cities to follow the sustainable growth and climate neutrality path in their own pace.
The list of selected ICC cities is shown below and the press release can be found here.
Belgium:
Bulgaria:
Denmark:
Finland:
Germany:
Greece:
Hungary:
Ireland:
Italy:
The Netherlands:
Portugal:
Slovakia:
Slovenia: