According to the “Cities Mission” of the European Union (EU), Sofia and Gabrovo in Bulgaria are among 100 cities in the European Union chosen to take part in the European Union Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.
A total of 100 countries from all 27 EU countries, with 12 other cities coming from countries associated or with the possibility of being associated with Horizon Europe, as per the EU’s research and innovation programme.
As per the EC, the urban areas were home to nearly 75 percent of EU citizens.
Furthermore, EC stated that the total worldwide consumption of the urban areas is more than 65 percent of the world’s energy, accounting for up to 70 percent of CO2 emissions.
Therefore, it is essential that cities act as investigation and innovation ecosystems to help all others transition to becoming climate-neutral by 2050, said EC.
According to the EC President, Ursula von der Leyen, “The green transition is currently making its way from all over Europe.
Furthermore, Von der Leyan stated that they always have a need for trailblazers who set higher goals for themselves, and these cities are showing us the healthiest future options and ways, and we will support them in this. Let’s begin the work today.
The Cities Mission will acquire 360 million euros of Horizon Europe funding covering 2022-23 to create paths towards climate neutrality by 2030.
The aim of the research and innovation acts or actions will address the clean mobility, energy efficiency and urban planning for a green atmosphere and also offers the possibility to build joint initiatives and ramp up collaborations in synergies with other EU programmes, said EC.
The EC stated that uses for cities include tailor-made advice and help from a dedicated Mission Platform run by NetZeroCities, more funding and financing options and the possibility to join significant innovation actions and pilot projects.
The government’s Mission also delivers the best networking opportunities, exchange of their best practices between cities and support to engage citizens in the Mission.