NetZeroCities (NZC) is currently offering two opportunities for Mission-Minded-Cities that are not part of the 112 EU Cities Mission to engage in tailored peer learning, capacity building and technical collaboration, accelerating their journey towards climate neutrality.
1. Twinning Learning Programme
The Twinning Learning Programme is a 12-month peer learning journey, beginning in November 2025. Selected Twin Cities will be paired with one of 19 Mission Cities based on their shared learning objectives and climate ambitions. Mission Cities brings together a wide range of experiences, from Padova’s innovative financing schemes for energy upgrades and Dunkerque’s free public transport model to Gabrovo’s citizen-led energy communities and Stockholm’s carbon capture initiatives. They are looking to gain insights into areas such as inclusive citizen engagement, sustainable mobility, district heating and innovative funding solutions, to help them scale up their efforts towards climate neutrality. Other cities in the programme also offer and seek diverse expertise, creating a rich and collaborative environment for mutual learning and impactful climate action.
The Mission Cities taking part are: Aachen, Bristol, 2nd District of Bucharest, Dunkerque, Eindhoven-Helmond, Elbasan, Gabrovo, Guimarães, Ioannina, Kozani, Liberec, Padova, Reykjavik, Sarajevo, Sofia, Stockholm, Torino, Umeå and Warsaw.
The Twin Cities that are selected will benefit from:
- Tailored peer exchange and co-development of climate actions
- Onsite visits supported by the NZC budget
- Expert facilitation and feedback
- Access to structured tools and a dedicated partnership framework.
The Twinning Programme is designed to develop practical solutions, foster meaningful partnerships and support cities in delivering systemic climate transformation.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the Twinning Guidelines and the offers and needs of Mission Cities, as well as attending an upcoming info session.
Info session dates:
- 6 August 2025, 12:00–13:00 CEST
- 26 August 2025, 12:00–13:00 CEST
- 2 September 2025, 12:00–13:00 CEST.
The application deadline is 12 September 2025.
More information and application here.
2. Online Discussion Groups
The Online Discussion Groups will bring cities from across Europe together to exchange ideas with leading Mission Cities on key climate topics, strengthen capacities and co-develop solutions through four themed learning groups:
- Innovative Financing: Florence and Malmö
- Decarbonising the energy sector and district heating: Pécs, Lund and Espoo
- Built environment (including circular construction and renovation): Helsinki and Oslo
- Citizen engagement and behavioural change: Helsingborg and Grenoble Métropole.
Participants will follow a structured peer learning path consisting of:
- Orientation sessions in September 2025 to introduce new cities to the EU Cities Mission and its support structures;
- Phase 1 (November–December 2025): Learning from actionable climate solutions from Mission Cities, including city showcases and thematic exchanges.
- Phase 2 (January–February 2026): Problem-solving technical sessions tailored to the needs of the participating cities.
Cities that actively participate in the entire process will be eligible to apply for group study visits to mission cities (e.g. Mannheim, Guimarães and Bucharest), with travel costs covered and support provided.
The registration deadline is 15 September 2025.
Kick-off: 14 October 2025, 11:00–12:00 CEST
Register here.
These opportunities are part of NZC’s wider efforts to support all European cities in scaling up their climate action, regardless of their mission status. Cities are strongly encouraged to apply and join an ambitious, collaborative journey towards climate neutrality.
For questions, contact: infocities@netzerocities.eu
