Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has taken another important step towards Istanbul becoming a “carbon neutral” and “resilient city”. Istanbul has become one of the pioneer cities in the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission and has been awarded the “EU Cities Mission Label” award. Istanbul aims to bring the climate neutral target of 2050 to 2030.
Istanbul has achieved significant success with its commitments within the scope of the European Union’s “Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission”. Istanbul, which applied in January 2022 and was among the 100+12 pioneer cities, has gained the status of Mission City. This mission aims for cities to rapidly transform to combat climate change on a local scale. In line with this goal, Istanbul has accelerated its efforts to bring the climate-neutral target of 2050 to 2030. The “Climate City Contract” prepared for Istanbul by the Climate Change Branch Directorate of the IMM Environmental Protection and Control Department was submitted to the evaluation of the European Union Commission in October 2024. This contract includes Istanbul’s commitments, actions, and investment plans on the path to becoming carbon neutral. The “Istanbul Climate City Contract” was approved by the EU Commission as of May 2025, and Istanbul was awarded the “EU Mission Label” (May 7, 2025). This prestigious award has certified Istanbul's climate-neutral and smart city title, paving the way for new collaborations and financial resources that will make a major contribution to the city's climate-neutral goals and green transformation efforts.
A NEW PAGE OPENS IN ISTANBUL WITH THE LABEL EU CITIES MISSION
Istanbul was also represented at the “6 Cities Mission Conference” held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, on May 8-2025, 2025. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Environmental Protection and Control Department Head Prof. Dr. Ayşen Erdinçler and Climate Change Branch Directorate Director Elvin Öksüz Bayazıt attended the conference. It was announced at the conference that 39 new cities, including Istanbul, were entitled to receive the “EU Cities Mission Label” after their Climate City Agreements were approved by the EU Commission. The title, announced by EU Deputy Director General for the Environment Patrick Child, will pave the way for new collaborations and financial resources that will contribute to Istanbul’s green transformation and climate neutral goals. The EU Cities Mission Label awards were presented at the award ceremony held on May 7, 2025.
