Filenews 29 April 2022
Limassol is included in the list of 100 EU cities that will participate in the European Cities Mission programme, with the aim of becoming climate neutral and smart cities by 2030, in areas such as energy, waste management, transport, buildings, etc. with a view to improving the quality of citizens.
According to an announcement by the Limassol Municipality, this is a significant success for the city, which essentially represents Cyprus in this pioneering European mission.
The Cities Mission brings together 100 cities from the 27 Member States, with an additional 12 cities from countries associated with or with the possibility of associating with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme (2021-2027). In total, 377 cities applied to participate in the mission, while the 100 EU cities selected now represent 12 % of its population.
Expressing an interest in participating, Limassol was first evaluated by independent experts and then successfully passed the additional criteria set by the Commission in order to ensure geographical balance and a diverse group of cities in terms of size, impact and innovative ideas.
The Cities mission, it added, will receive €360 million in funding from Horizon Europe for the period 2022-23, to launch the innovation paths towards climate neutrality by 2030.
Research and innovation actions will address clean mobility, energy efficiency and green urban planning and the possibility of creating joint initiatives and strengthening partnerships, in synergy with other EU programmes.
According to the Communication, the benefits for cities include personalised advice and assistance from a dedicated "Mission Platform" managed by NetZeroCities, additional funding opportunities as well as the ability to participate in major innovation actions and pilot projects. The mission also provides networking opportunities, exchange of best practices between cities and support for citizens' participation in the mission.
It is noted that the Commission will invite the 100 selected cities to develop climate contracts, which will include a comprehensive plan for climate neutrality in all sectors such as energy, buildings, waste management and transport, together with relevant investment projects. This process will involve the involvement of citizens, research organisations and the private sector.
CNA
