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, May 2022
The EU has selected 100 European cities that aim to be climate neutral and smart by 2030.
They have qualified to become centers of experimentation and innovation to allow all European cities to follow their example 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 has launched a call for expressions of interest to become one of the 100 model "Smart Cities" at the end of October 2021, and the cities have joined the preselection by 31 January 2022. They have registered in the Smart Cities Platform Marketplace, where any European city can register.

On this platform there are many opportunities to draw information, exchange experiences and discover 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 they applied

Cities were 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 have signed up for the call for expressions of interest by going to this page of the European Commission. You need to sign up on EU Login if you don't have an account yet.

After an evaluation by independent experts, the Commission announced the list of selected participating cities in 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.​

Go to the EU Energy Platform

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