The Sustainable Urban Net Zero Network for Ukraine (SUN4Ukraine) is a four-year Horizon Europe project launched in May 2024. Its aim is to align Ukraine’s recovery plans with ambitious climate neutrality goals, advancing the climate transition.
UKRAINE’S COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE ACTION
Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to climate action through the signing of its Environmental Security and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in 2022 and its aspirations for EU membership. The commitment is reflected in its determination to integrate reconstruction efforts with environmental reforms.
Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to advance towards climate neutrality by 2060 were disrupted by Russia’s war of aggression in 2022. Nevertheless, Ukrainian cities remain determined to integrate climate goals into their reconstruction plans as part of the country’s post-war recovery strategy.
With an estimated recovery cost of €452,8 billion, the country needs a comprehensive strategy centered on cities as leaders of transformative change.
WHY A STRATEGY CENTERED ON CITIES FOR CLIMATE LEADERSHIP?
Cities play a pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality, the goal of the European Green Deal. Responsible for over 65% of global energy consumption and more than 70% of CO2 emissions, their role in climate mitigation is crucial.
The EU Mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 aims to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 and ensure that these cities act as experimentation and innovation hubs to enable all European cities to follow suit by 2050. NetZeroCities, managing the Mission Platform, supports these Mission Cities on their journey to climate neutrality.
SUN4Ukraine will assist Ukrainian cities in accelerating their climate transition through a Capacity Building Programme and a Partnership Programme.
EU COLLABORATION WITH UKRAINE
European cities have united in solidarity to support their Ukrainian counterparts. Leading this effort, the SUN4Ukraine consortium brings together a broad range of expertise and direct connections to the EU Cities Mission and NetZeroCities. Through its Partnership Programme, SUN4Ukraine will select Ukrainian cities pursuing the climate transition and pair them with Mission Cities to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration in this exciting journey.