Five Greek Municipalities Aim to Join EU’s ‘100 Climate Neutral Cities by 2030’ Venture

Ioannina in Epirus, Greece.

Five Greek cities – Heraklion, Ioannina, Kalamata, Trikala and Kozani – have filed a nomination to be part of the European Commission’s “100 Climate Neutral Cities by 2030” venture.

Reaching 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030 is the objective identified by the EU’s Mission Board for climate-neutral and smart cities. The Mission supports, promotes and showcases 100 European cities in their systemic transformation towards climate neutrality by 2030.

As underlined in an announcement by the Greek Environment Ministry, the EU will select the 100 cities through a demanding process. “Therefore, the proper preparation of the five Greek cities is considered of significant importance,” the ministry said.

The 100 European cities will participate in a comprehensive plan of holistic interventions with a defined budget and a timeline of 10 years. They will also have the opportunity to redefine their identity (city re-branding) as well as carry out large-scale investments and create new jobs with the use of EU funding tools.

Photo source: Municipality of Trikala

The goal of the Mission Board is for these cities to cooperate and operate as innovation hubs for all European cities by developing a set of good practices and full-scale investment projects.

In addition, the Mission Board will cover the regeneration needs of urban areas in efforts to contribute to the improvement of energy efficiency and quality in buildings and the urban environment as well as to the reduction of pollution from daily transportation.

Furthermore, it will help save natural resources and facilitate the digital transformation of urban areas.