Riga has received significant praise at the European Union level – “"Mission Label" for its climate plan in the framework of the European mission “100 climate neutral and smart cities”. The festive awards took place on Wednesday, May 7, at the city conference in Vilnius.
“It is an important and high-quality work that confirms Riga's ambition towards climate neutrality – and it is only the beginning. Riga will now be eligible for European support for environmental initiatives, which is particularly important at a time when climate change is being felt every step of the way: warmer winters, hotter summers, stronger rains and storms. New funding will enable a planned investment in transport, building insulation, replanting and other areas. Environmental issues are no longer just radical ideas – they become an integral and essential part of the municipality's work at all levels,” – says Viesturs Zeps, the Chairperson of the Riga City Council's Housing and Environment Committee.
"Mission Label" is a quality assessment issued by the European Commission which shows that the climate neutrality plan developed by the city in question is credible, well structured and consistent with EU climate policy objectives. This award not only recognises the city's strategic readiness and commitment to climate neutrality by 2030, but also opens the door to wider access to funding from the European Union, the European Investment Bank and other international partners. The European Commission has approved the proposed conclusion of the Riga Climate City Contract (Climate City Contract) between the city and the European Commission.
Riga is included in the “100 climate neutral and smart cities by 2030” mission. So far, 92 cities across Europe have received "Mission Label" status – and Riga is one of them. From Latvia, Liepāja also received this status.
Riga's climate neutrality plan includes several important directions – the transition to sustainable public transport, improvement of energy efficiency of buildings, use of renewable energy, as well as promotion of public participation and innovation.
Europe's “100 climate neutral and smart cities” mission is one of five EU missions aimed at addressing major societal challenges by 2030. Riga was included in this initiative in 2022 and has since been actively involved in cooperation platforms and pilot projects with other European cities.
This assessment confirms that the road map developed by Riga municipality to achieve climate neutrality is qualitative, realistic and consistent with the objectives of the European Green deal. The awarding of "Mission Label" is also a signal to potential investors and partners that the city is ready to pursue ambitious climate and energy projects with a clear action plan and strategy.
Information was prepared by Sindija Grāvere, Head of the Department of External Communication, Communication Department of the Riga Municipality, e-mail: sindija.gravere@riga.lv