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Lahti awarded EU Mission Label and signs climate agreement with European Commission

Lahti has been awarded the EU Commission's Mission Label for its climate efforts, allowing the city to fully benefit from the EU 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart cities Mission. Environmental Director Elina Ojala received the recognition in Brussels on March 21, 2024.

Lahti was selected in 2022 to be among the one hundred climate-neutral and smart cities participating in the EU Mission. Since then, the city has been preparing a climate agreement, known as the Climate City Contract, as part of the EU Mission. The Mission Label seals the climate agreement, which Lahti will sign with the European Commission.

– After receiving the Mission Label, we will be able to fully enjoy the benefits of the EU Mission. We expect the Mission Label to bring advantages in EU funding applications and, later on, in arranging private investments and funding, says environmental director Elina Ojala.

The climate agreement is based on the city’s climate program. Currently, the agreement includes a total of 17 local companies and organizations committed to supporting Lahti in its climate goals. Progress towards the agreement’s objectives will be monitored annually, with updates scheduled every two years.

The purpose of the EU 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart cities Mission is to accelerate selected cities towards carbon neutrality and share best practices widely with other cities.

In summary

  • Lahti was selected in 2022 to be among the 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities  EU Mission.
  • Lahti submitted the climate agreement for pre-inspection to NetZeroCities, the organization coordinating the EU Urban Mission, on September 15, 2023.
  • Upon the Commission’s approval of the agreement, the city was awarded the Mission Label on March 21, 2024.
  • Progress towards the agreement’s objectives will be monitored annually, with updates scheduled every two years.