Press releases

The European Commission today awarded the Aachen Climate City Agreement the label of the EU mission "100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030". A total of 20 European cities have received the seal of quality. Aachen is - alongside Münster - one of the two selected municipalities from Germany.

This means that the Aachen Climate City Contract (CCC) is now officially classified as a viable roadmap to climate neutrality by 2030. A huge success on Aachen's path to climate neutrality and a reason for the entire city society to celebrate. Mayor Sibylle Keupen commented: "We are delighted to have been awarded the EU Mission Label. We are pulling together with 100 cities in Europe to implement climate neutrality in the cities, because climate protection is a joint task. With a solid plan, clear goals and, above all, a strong alliance in the city, we are boldly moving forward to make our contribution to climate neutrality." The EU will present the Mission Label at a ceremony on October 22.

The positive assessment of the Urban Climate Agreement by the European Commission's experts should now facilitate access to specific support services. In particular, the aim is to support the 146 signatories of the Climate City Agreement in implementing the individual measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Aachen will thus be able to increasingly act as a model city for innovative climate protection measures at European level.

Aachen is part of the EU mission to support 100 European cities in becoming climate-neutral by 2030. These cities are role models for climate-friendly change and should inspire other cities to follow this path by 2050. The central instrument for climate neutrality is the Climate City Agreement.

Together with Aachen's city administration, numerous companies, institutions, associations, schools, initiatives and other stakeholders have signed the Climate City Contract CCC. In addition to the public commitment to climate neutrality, the Climate City Contract bundles all the necessary measures and includes an investment plan. The city of Aachen submitted its application for the Mission Label in March 2024 with 135 signatures; Aachen now has 146 signatures for the contract. Participation in the city contract is still possible. Information can be found at www.aachen.de/klimaschutz.