European Mission Cities are invited to join an exciting new Partnership Programme, working hand-in-hand with Ukrainian cities to accelerate the journey to climate neutrality.
This unique opportunity is led by SUN4Ukraine, an EU-funded project supporting Ukrainian cities in aligning their recovery plans with the goals of the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.
Running from October 2025 to April 2027, the SUN4Ukraine Partnership Programme will bring together Mission Cities and Ukrainian Flagship Municipalities for meaningful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared innovation towards a climate-neutral future.
Why participate?
European Mission Cities will be paired with one of the 12 SUN4Ukraine Flagship Municipalities, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Kalush, Kharkiv, Konotop, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Novovolynsk, Pervomaisk, Vinnytsia, and Zviahel, to jointly explore solutions for climate neutrality.
By participating, Mission Cities will gain international visibility, foster cross-border cooperation, and build long-term partnerships.
They will have the opportunity to share experiences on Climate City Contracts and resilience planning, access valuable insights from Ukrainian cities’ crisis management and recovery strategies, and take part in a dynamic learning journey supported by SUN4Ukraine experts.
What’s involved?
The Partnership Programme will include:
- An in-person launch event;
- Thematic online sessions;
- Study visits by Ukrainian Flagship Municipalities to their EU partners;
- A final review session bringing together Mission Cities and Flagship Municipalities to reflect on lessons learned and achievements.
Mission Cities are expected to dedicate an average of 4 hours per month by at least one staff member. While the programme is voluntary and unpaid, travel costs for the in-person launch event will be reimbursed.
Who can apply?
This call is open to all cities participating in the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.
Municipalities especially encouraged to apply are those with experience in areas such as climate mitigation and adaptation, urban development, energy, transport, waste management, finance, strategic planning, multi-level governance, stakeholder and citizen engagement, and data collection and monitoring.
The matching will be based on the relevance of the Mission City’s expertise to the needs of the Ukrainian partner and its capacity to participate in the programme.
How to apply
Interested Mission Cities must fill in this Expression of Interest form by 20 June 2025.
