From 6 to 8 May, more than 100 European cities gathered in Vilnius for the annual NetZeroCities conference – a key meeting point for the EU’s ‘mission cities’ working towards climate neutrality. Leuven was there as an active contributor – and as an ambassador for stronger city involvement in Europe’s future.

Together with other leading cities, Leuven launched a joint call to Europe: involve cities not just in delivering climate policy, but in shaping it. The message was laid out in a position paper initiated by Leuven 2030 and the City of Leuven, and supported by many peers at the conference.

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The paper responds to a shifting global reality: Europe wants to become more self-reliant and competitive – and rightly so. But high energy prices, also due to our reliance on imported energy, is making that difficult. European cities can help turn the tide.

By investing in locally produced renewable energy, we can reduce Europe’s dependency, strengthen our communities and tackle the climate challenge at the same time.

But we need support. That’s why we’ve proposed four actions, outlined in the position paper:

1. Recognise climate-ambitious cities as allies in Europe’s Green Industrial Deal and in its security strategy. Climate action comes with many co-impacts that actually strengthen our resilience – and cities are ready to help.
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2. Update EU rules so cities can organise local energy systems more easily – and shift support away from fossil fuels towards clean alternatives. European budget rules are also so strict, they limit green investment. But investing in smart climate measures pays off in the long run.
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3. Give cities a seat at the table when EU laws are made. Many cities, including Leuven, currently lack meaningful input in EU decision-making. Europe wants cities to contribute, but if a member state fails to set up robust processes to do so... nothing happens. In countries where national and regional governance structures can get pretty complex (yes, like Belgium) and cities voices are not heard, Europe must ensure participation is not just promised, but delivered.
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4. Facilitate the necessary investments. To make climate action happen on the ground, cities need more than ambition – they need the means to act. That’s why we’re calling for direct access to investment, for instance through a European investment pact for green urban infrastructure. Think heating networks, public transportation, and nature-based projects. These investments aren’t just necessary – they’re smart. Every euro used to reduce risk can attract five to eight times more in private funding.

These proposals were presented to several Members of the European Parliament in Vilnius, and were backed by the full NetZeroCities Mayors Advisory Group – the official body representing all 112 mission cities in discussions with the European Commission. The MEPs we spoke with expressed support and a willingness to help promote these ideas within EU institutions.

The message is clear: climate investment is not a cost – it’s a strategic investment in Europe’s future.

That’s why we’re asking the EU to invest in the Leuven Climate City Contract. With this plan, Leuven 2030 and the City of Leuven have already brought over thirty local partners together around a shared ambition. The result? Dozens of breakthrough projects in renewable energy, green heat, renovation, circular construction and urban greening. But to make these a reality, we need over €1 billion in investment. An investment that in time will pay for itself many times over. Because what’s good for the climate, is good for our society as well.

We'll breathe cleaner air, thanks to the shift to electric vehicles. Our well-insulated homes will generate their own energy, cutting energy bills and reducing energy poverty. Greater energy independence will protect us from volatile prices. And crucially: job creation, now and in the future.

In Leuven, we’re already seeing the benefits. The local Materials Bank collects and reuses recovered building materials – cutting emissions, keeping materials affordable, and creating employment, including in the social economy.

Leuven’s work in Vilnius is part of a broader strategy: by joining forces with other cities and partners, we make the climate transition achievable.