The NetZeroCities project is launching a dedicated Policy Lab for cities this autumn, offering a strategic platform to shape the future of the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy and the Electrification Action Plan.
Running over a four-week sprint between October and November 2025, the Policy Lab is designed not only to support cities in raising their challenges around decarbonising heating and cooling, but also to provide an influential channel for their voices at the EU level. With the European Commission’s public consultation on both policy files open until 20 November 2025, this is a crucial moment for Mission and Mission-minded Cities to engage.
Further details, including objectives and timeline, can be found in the two-pager leaflet.
The Policy Lab will feature two main sessions:
- Session #1 – Tuesday 21 October, 14:00–15:30
- Session #2 – Tuesday 4 November, 10:00–11:30
Participation is open to Mission Cities as well as Mission-minded Cities, particularly those:
- Developing or expanding district heating and cooling networks;
- Replacing individual fossil fuel boilers;
- Tackling legal bottlenecks in defining local renewable energy sources (e.g. urban waste heat);
- Facing grid constraints linked to electrification.
The Smart Cities Marketplace encourages all eligible cities to register and contribute to this strategic effort. Your input will be invaluable in ensuring city needs are reflected in the upcoming EU policies.