Liepāja

The City of Liepaja in Latvia has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in its territory. Since 2006, we have successfully decreased emissions by 45%. By joining the EU Mission "100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030," the city aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, becoming one of the first municipalities in Latvia to do so.

Over the past 15 years, the city has collaborated with various stakeholders to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, leading the way in testing innovative solutions to address climate change challenges. The main motivations for reaching climate neutrality include reducing the municipality's negative impact on climate change, aligning with EU and national climate policies, and serving as a model for other municipalities in Latvia, the Baltic region, and Europe. To ensure success, the city emphasizes the integration of horizontal aspects and collaboration with stakeholders.

We recognize the importance of engaging industries, service providers, residents, and others in the process of achieving climate neutrality. Principles such as "energy efficiency first" and "green procurement" will be integrated not only within the municipality but also in broader contexts, including the industry sector. The city will assess the social, economic, financial, and other impacts of policies and measures while adopting a cross-sectoral approach throughout the process.

Overall, joining the EU Mission "100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030" provides the city of Liepaja with financial support, collaboration opportunities with other municipalities across the EU, visibility, policy alignment, and access to innovative solutions. These benefits can accelerate the city's transition towards climate neutrality, promote sustainable development, and position Liepaja as a leader in the global fight against climate change. 2 Goal: Climate neutrality by 203