About CapaCITIES 2.0

Advancing national support for climate-neutral cities

 

CapaCITIES 2.0 is designed as a support action for national and regional authorities, aiming to strengthen governance structures and provide dedicated assistance to cities in implementing the EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.Building on the achievements of the first CapaCITIES project, CapaCITIES 2.0 brings together a consortium of over 70 organizations, with the ambition to expand its reach across the entire continent.As a central initiative to promote and consolidate national narratives for the EU Mission Cities, the project coordinates actions within the European zero-carbon cities movement, aligning and accelerating efforts toward achieving the Mission’s goals.CapaCITIES 2.0 also contributes to shaping a favorable European environment for urban transitions toward climate neutrality, supporting national, regional, and local authorities. It aims to initiate and strengthen transformative processes at the national level by establishing and maturing national networks, platforms, and multi-level governance structures.

 

 

Objectives

  • Strengthen and expand the transnational alliance of public authorities to accelerate urban transitions toward climate neutrality;
  • Co-design and develop effective multi-level and cross-sectoral governance structures, along with tailored, demand-driven interventions to facilitate and accelerate national and regional transition processes;
  • Leverage synergies and complementarities with national, European, and international initiatives on climate-neutral and smart cities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of project outcomes.

 

What CapaCITIES 2.0 Contributes To

  • Building capacity and preparedness among public authorities to engage in and lead urban climate transitions;
  • Addressing country-specific challenges—such as regulatory, financial, and governance barriers—through shared learning and practical guidance;
  • Creating stronger links between research, innovation, and practice, connecting with European initiatives like the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership and NetZeroCities (NZC), the EU Mission Platform.

 

Approach

Building on the success of the first CapaCITIES project, CapaCITIES 2.0 expands the network of countries and organizations that have already built trusted collaboration frameworks. It draws on tested formats like Transition Labs and a challenge-based learning portfolio, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors to co-create and exchange knowledge.

CapaCITIES 2.0 is designed around specific national challenges and needs, supporting countries in translating the Mission’s goals into local and regional action. By identifying barriers, documenting successful models, and encouraging collaboration, the project helps authorities learn, adapt, and accelerate their transitions toward climate neutrality.

 

Coordination & Support Measures

  • Transnational collaboration and peer learning among ministries, agencies, and national platforms;
  • Continuous knowledge exchange with NetZeroCities and other relevant initiatives;
  • Regular meetings and workshops to share experiences and strengthen mutual learning;
  • Capacity-building opportunities such as webinars, tailored materials, and training sessions.
By connecting people, knowledge, and initiatives, CapaCITIES 2.0 builds the foundation for a stronger European movement toward sustainable, climate-neutral cities.