The new call for the Twinning Learning Programme is now open! All Mission-minded cities (meaning beyond the 112 EU Mission Cities) are welcome to join this new cohort. 

What is the Twin Learning programme?

The Twinning Learning Programme is a 12 to 20-month peer-learning initiative of the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, facilitated by the Mission Platform, currently managed by NetZeroCities. It promotes the exchange of knowledge, experience, and good practices between selected Twin Cities and Mission & Pilot Cities. 

Starting in November 2025, the programme enters a new phase: Building on feedback and lessons learned from earlier rounds, a new group of interested cities will be selected to join the programme. This time, they will collaborate with one of 19 Mission Cities over a 12-month period, with knowledge exchange focused on priority climate actions identified in Mission Cities’ Climate City Contracts. These exchanges will help Twin Cities design replication activities tailored to their local context, while providing Mission Cities with fresh perspectives and locally driven innovations to strengthen the implementation of their strategies.

Informed by previous Twinning activities developed as part of Cities Mission, this new 12-month programme provides targeted feedback, structured partnerships, and access to practical tools. Through tailored and flexible knowledge exchange, workshops and site visits, cities can refine their strategies, accelerate progress toward key climate milestones, and strengthen their leadership role in driving urban climate action.

Who can participate?

The call is open to local authorities that are aiming for climate neutrality by 2050 or earlier, but are not part of the EU Cities Mission (i.e. cities who are not listed among the 112 cities participating in the EU Cities Mission). 

This includes small, mid- and large-sized cities, metropolitan areas, districts, any other public administration linked to the city. Your local authority must be based within either EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, or a country in final stage of Horizon Europe association (list here).

How to apply?

The call is open now: The deadline for applications is on 12 September 2025 at 17:00 CEST. You can submit your application through this online form.

Where can I learn more?

Ahead of the application deadline, NetZeroCities is organising four info sessions to provide you with an understanding of what you can expect of the programme, and offers the space to answer your questions. You can now register to a session by clicking on your preferred date: 

• Session 1: Thursday 3 July, 12:00-13:00 CEST
• Session 2: Wednesday 6 August, 12:00-13:00 CEST
• Session 3: Tuesday 26 August, 12:00-13:00 CEST
• Session 4: Tuesday 2 September, 12:00-13:00 CEST