Municipalities across Europe are taking important steps towards climate neutrality thanks to a new initiative by the Smart Cities Marketplace and the Covenant of Mayors Europe. The campaign, "From Idea to Action: Tailored support to bring your city's vision to life", offered direct, free-of-charge technical assistance to help local authorities overcome key challenges in delivering their climate and energy plans.
This first-ever edition of the campaign was the result of a strengthened collaboration between the two EU-funded initiatives, aimed at improving services for committed local governments and making practical support more accessible. Whether you're facing legal barriers, governance issues, or difficulties in business planning, the campaign is designed to help you bridge the gap with the right expertise to move from planning to implementation.
Eighty-eight local governments from 12 countries responded to the call, with a strong showing from smaller municipalities—a group that was especially encouraged to apply. Yet applications also came from larger cities, confirming that the need for tailored support is shared across the board.
Most requests focused on:
- Building and renovation projects
- Sustainable mobility
- Heating and cooling systems
The Smart Cities Marketplace team has reviewed all submissions and is currently contacting applicants to identify the best expertise for each case.
This initiative is not just about providing answers—it's about building your capacity to lead the green transition locally. With tailored, one-on-one guidance, the campaign helps municipalities like yours bring climate strategies to life and into action.
If you are a city representative and would like to contact the Smart Cities Marketplace for technical assistance, please reach out to our matchmaking experts Matchmaking | Smart Cities Marketplace