The City of Zagreb today officially received in Brussels the European Union Mission Label for a climate‑neutral and smart city (EU Mission Label), confirming its position as one of the leaders on the path toward climate neutrality and sustainability. The prestigious Label was awarded to Zagreb by the European Commission as the only city from Croatia, during the European Week of Regions and Cities on 15 October 2025.
Among the European cities that received the Label today, such as Amsterdam, Bratislava, Rome, Munich and Rotterdam, Zagreb has joined the group of 100 European cities leading the transition toward a sustainable, decarbonised and climate‑resilient future.
“Receiving the Label confirms that Zagreb has chosen the right path toward becoming a city that is sustainable, resilient and focused on the well‑being of its residents. This recognition is the result of the dedicated work of all city departments and the REGEA agency, but also an incentive for us to continue acting swiftly together in the fight against climate change,” said Tomislav Tomašević, Mayor of the City of Zagreb, on the occasion of the award.
The awarding of the Label is the result of the process of developing the Climate City Contract - a strategic planning document that defines a set of activities needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030. The quality and ambition of the Contract were confirmed through a detailed evaluation carried out by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the European NetZeroCities consortium.
The Mission Label opens access for Zagreb to technical assistance from the European Investment Bank, faster approval procedures for co‑financing, and more favourable financial arrangements for decarbonisation projects, sustainable mobility, green infrastructure and climate resilience - for both the public and private sectors. Although the Label is not a formal requirement for financing, it significantly accelerates access to special financial instruments intended for climate‑neutral cities.
“Our Climate City Contract is not just a document, but a kind of commitment to future generations. It is a promise that we will work collaboratively, innovatively and persistently toward a more sustainable, resilient and fair future for all. Together we will undergo transformation and build a city that we can proudly pass on to our children and grandchildren,” emphasised Mayor Tomašević.
On behalf of the City, the plaque was received by Julije Domac, Director of REGEA, the Regional Energy and Climate Agency of Northwest Croatia. The document development process was overseen by REGEA and climate lead Miljenko Sedlar, with the support and supervision of city advisor Vlatka Berlan Vlahek from the NZC consortium / energy‑cities.
Colleagues Vlatka and Miljenko regularly support the implementation of the ActGREEN project - Activation of Green Courtyards for Carbon Neutrality.
Source:
City of Zagreb
Images: NetZeroCities
