SMART CITIES ┃The EU is looking for 100 model cities
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Registration is open to the list of European cities aiming to become climate neutral and intelligent. The EU will choose among these the 100 best cities that will be helped, supported and funded. Any city can join and be selected.​

Bruxelles, 28 December 2021
The EU will select 100 European cities that aim to be climate neutral and smart by 2030. And then they can qualify as centers of experimentation and innovation and then allow all European cities to follow suit by 2050.​

Smart Cities: what are they?
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"Smart Cities" are cities that manage resources with the most suitable technologies, to become economically sustainable and energy self-sufficient.
As the fight against climate change increasingly turns to the implementation of solutions, cities are in the best position to be the first to adopt policies to achieve climate neutrality, i.e. net zero CO2 emissions. The process offers multiple benefits to communities in terms of reduced air and noise pollution, less congestion, lower energy bills and healthier lifestyles. And the fields of intervention are numerous: construction, roads, traffic management, heating, resource management, etc.
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Updated EU objectives and programs
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The EU initiative for 100 cities

The European Commission launched a call for expressions of interest to become one of the 100 "Smart Cities" model, at the end of October 2021, and cities can join the pre-selection within January 31, 2022. The first step is to go to the Smart Cities Marketplace Platform, where there are already many european cities.

On this Platform there are many opportunities to draw information, exchange experiences and find the advantages available to cities.​

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The advantages offered and the help available

Cities participating in the Mission will prepare and implement a "Climate City Contract" that will be created with local stakeholders and citizens.

The advantages offered by the EU:

  • Tailor-made advice and assistance from a "Mission platform", i.e. for the development of an investment plan to draw on external financing
  • Unlock additional funding opportunities through a "Mission Label"
  • Funding opportunities for cities to participate in major innovation actions, pilot projects and demonstrators
  • Support through a national coordination network
  • Opportunities for networking, learning and exchange of experiences between cities
  • Buy-in and involvement of citizens and local communities for climate-neutral solutions
  • High visibility - increased political profile and attractiveness for investments and skilled workers
How to apply

Cities are now invited to declare their interest in becoming climate neutral by 2030 as part of the Mission and to submit information on their current situation, ongoing work and future plans on climate neutrality.

Cities can register for the call for expressions of interest by going to this page of the European Commission. You can respond to the call until January 31, 2022.

You need to sign up on EU Login if you don't have an account yet.

After an evaluation by independent experts, the Commission will announce the list of selected participating cities by March 2022. The first cities will be able to start working on their Climate City Contracts with the support of the Mission Platform as soon as the selection process is completed.

Request the free Smart Cities Information Kit here.​

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