European Commission approves the Tampere Climate City Contract
The city of Tampere has been awarded the official EU Mission Label for its ambitious and wide-ranging Climate City Contract. The label was launched today in Brussels at the European Research and Innovation Days, attended by Commissioner Iliana Ivanova.
The European Commission describes the label as a fundamental step in the "100 climate neutral and smart cities" Mission. The Climate City Contract includes the Action and Investment plans and Commitments to work with local partners. The City of Tampere commits itself to climate-friendly measures in the areas of construction, housing, transport, energy and consumption. The agreement was approved in a two-stage verification process.
The label confirms that the city's climate action plans are comprehensive and justified, making it easier to attract EU, national, regional and private funding.
Patrick Child, Deputy Director General of the Commission's Environment Department, congratulates Tampere on its vision to move quickly towards a just, green, digital transition. Child believes that Tampere is leading the way for many other cities.
Kalervo Kummola, Mayor of the City of Tampere, is proud and delighted with the recognition for climate work.
─ It is great to have the Commission's endorsement for our long-term work. I hope that businesses, citizens and other stakeholders will continue to work together with the city to achieve carbon neutrality. The power of the city's plan and commitment lies precisely in collaboration.
Mission recognition reinforces the climate work being done
The Commitment reinforces Tampere's existing Climate Neutral Tampere 2030 Roadmap and Climate Budget. Indirectly, the commitment will also increase equality, security, health and promote biodiversity.
In particular, Patrick Child commends Tampere for its careful planning and monitoring.
─ The Climate Budget creates synergies with climate change adaptation and the circular economy.
The Investment Plan included in the Contract is based on the Climate Budget and the Climate Neutral Tampere 2030 Roadmap, which the city has been implementing since 2020 and which is updated every two years. The update is currently underway; the updated roadmap will be presented to the City Council in September.
What is the Mission?
The European Commission's mission are to inspire different regions of Europe to work together to tackle big, challenging problems like climate change. In the Climate Mission, cities develop their policies and share learning with each other. 112 cities have been selected. In Finland, six cities are involved: Tampere, Helsinki, Espoo, Turku, Lahti and Lappeenranta.
The Finnish Mission cities together form the Climate Mission Finland 2030 co-operation network. The cities are committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2030 at the latest and are working together to accelerate progress. Today, Espoo, Lahti, Lappeenranta and Turku also received the official mission designation. Climate Mission Finland is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
