May 3, 2023: A new Twinning Programme is poised to support cities in getting to climate  neutrality – one that will team cities up according to shared challenges, opportunities, and  emissions domains as they make the systemic changes needed to get to net zero. This call is  open to cities based in EU Member states or Horizon 2020 Associated Countries. The definition  of the persons or categories of persons which are eligible to apply: local authorities or city  administrations. Any city can apply, selected as one of the 100+12 Mission Cities or not. 

The call will pair selected cities with NetZeroCities Pilot Cities, and remains open from 3 May  until 30 June 23.59 CET. 

Working with NetZeroCities Pilot Cities, selected Twin Cities will embark on a tailor-made learning programme. Over the course of 20 months, Pilot and Twin Cities will be brought  together to exchange and build capacities of the latter group, with the help of facilitation support  from NetZeroCities. Not only will Twin Cities learn from the innovative activities driven forward  by Pilot Cities, but the reverse will also take place: A peer learning framework will ensure that  both groups benefit from being matched up. The learning programme will cover three facilitated  modules to guide the conversation toward impact: Getting started, Co-creating and  Capitalising. At its end, the shared journey will result in a Replication Plan for each Twin City,  which they can implement in their own local context. 

Once cities have applied, NetZeroCities partners will lead a tailored matching process to  maximise the shared benefits of the programme. Twin Cities learning needs in line with the  selected pilot activities, emissions domains and opportunities for systemic transformation will  be among the top metrics for this matching. Common challenges from both sides and good  practices to be shared with Pilot Cities, will also play a key role for the matching. From there,  Pilot Cities and Twin Cities will meet up multiple times to get a closer look at how each group 

is facing barriers to change, brainstorming mutually beneficial solutions during online meetings,  workshops and site visits. In addition to this continued engagement, Twin Cities will benefit  from support provided by NetZeroCities partners, as well as resources on the NZC Mission  Portal. 

When it comes to finding climate solutions, cities are in this together. The NetZeroCities  Twinning Programme is the latest step forward to help cities collaborate as they move the  needle on climate action. 

NetZeroCities is a project consortium consisting of 33 partners from 27 European countries,  managing the EU Cities Mission platform. The project supports the 112 European cities known  as the Mission Cities in drastically reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to achieve climate  neutrality. The EU Cities Mission supports the European Green Deal in building a low-carbon,  climate-resilient future through research and innovation.

NetZeroCities has received funding from the H2020 Research and Innovation  

Programme under the grant agreement n°101036519.