A new report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) examines how cities contribute to the European Union’s green transition and the shift towards zero‑emission urban systems. The publication draws on an international workshop held in 2024, where experts explored barriers and enabling conditions for implementing major EU climate and energy policies at the local level.

The document highlights the central role of cities, which host two‑thirds of the EU population and account for around 80% of energy consumption. Their contribution is presented as essential for meeting the EU’s climate neutrality objective for 2050. Participants in the workshop identified more than 100 enabling factors that could support the implementation of European Green Deal targets, including measures linked to energy efficiency, digitalisation, and the redesign of urban infrastructure.

A key focus of the report is the need to address long‑standing structural challenges that hinder progress. These include limited policy implementation capacity, fragmented governance, financial constraints, and the rigidity of existing built environments. The findings emphasise that achieving zero‑emission goals requires coordinated action across governance levels and stronger integration of energy, mobility, and land‑use planning.

The workshop also explored how cities can use participatory processes and co‑creation tools to support the transition. The ShapEUrbe serious game, developed for the event, enabled participants to test policy options and identify gaps affecting the delivery of climate and energy objectives. The exercise showed that strategies such as active mobility, nature‑based solutions, and improved data availability can support energy‑efficient urban development.

The report notes that nearly half of the European Green Deal policy targets require direct involvement of cities, and around 65% of Sustainable Development Goal targets depend on local action. This reinforces the need for adequate financial resources, skills development, and transparent communication to support the transition towards zero‑emission and energy‑efficient urban systems.