Published on 1 June 2022
Parma had responded to the European Commission’s expression of interest last January along with 376 other cities. Europe was looking for 100 climate neutral and smart cities willing to participate in one of the Missions of the new Horizon Europe program. Europe’s support for these programs is significant: about 360 million euros will be added to what has already been allocated in the current programming of EU funds for 2021-2027 for environmental projects in this area.
The European Commission has analysed waste separation systems, the promotion of cycling, energy efficiency work in public buildings and the plan to renew a large part of the local public transport fleet, and projects to be implemented by 2030, such as the new Green Area to limit vehicle access in the urban area, the development of a real-time city management platform and the continuation of energy and seismic efficiency work in school buildings.
The 100 cities selected by the European Commission, including Parma, will have the opportunity to start working to achieve the green transition goals by becoming sustainable innovation hubs in their systemic transformation to climate neutrality by 2030. Selected cities will be supported technically and in terms of guidance in finding funding calls and innovative solutions for accessing private financing. A key element of participation in the Mission will also be the Climate Contract that the Mayor will sign on behalf of the city with the European Commission and national and regional authorities: a visible and tangible commitment that the municipality will make above all with its citizens, who will be called upon to be an integral part of the climate transition, playing an active role in both the planning and implementation of the projects that will be carried out.