Valencia

Spain

Mission city Pilot city
Spain National Platform
Valencia Mission City Label
Population 810k
City Area 120.0 km²
City active since June 2022

Improving the lives of the people who live and interact in València and the legacy for future generations are the two main motivations for València to join the European Union's Cities Mission.

València has recently been named European Green Capital 2024 thanks to the city's commitment to an ecological and just transition in its fight against climate change.

In recent years, the city of València has become one of the first European cities to adopt the European Mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, approving it in the Plenary Session of its City Council in February 2021 with the broad support of the political parties of both the government and the opposition. This broad consensus is known in València as the "València 2030 Climate Mission".

Certainly, this motivation and commitment to the European Cities Mission has been decisive in the recognition of València as European Green Capital for 2024 and also in the recent repeated acknowledgments as one of the most innovative European cities through the editions of the European Capital of Innovation in 2020 and 2022.

However, the city has not stopped here in its commitment and capacity for experimentation in city governance. València has promoted its "València 2030 Urban Strategy" which merges the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, the Urban Agenda and the European Innovation Missions into a single framework for action. València has learned that they are two sides of the same coin and that they complement and need each other to ensure the desired impact. The València 2030 Climate Mission is incorporated into the heart of this urban strategy that articulates public policies and innovation to achieve a healthier, sustainable, shared, prosperous and entrepreneurial, creative and Mediterranean city. A friendly city where people want to live and feel proud to do so.

Key Learnings

Local Energy Communities

The Valencia City Council is promoting Local Energy Communities providing legal advisory and mediation skills to promote agreements among neighbours around Local Energy Communities, under the legal form of Association. The public involvement is guaranteeing inclusive access and sustainability in the initial phase.

The region as a signatory of the Climate City Contract - Region of Valencia, Spain

This case study investigates the role of the regional level in the Mission, focusing on the Region of Valencia as a signatory of the Climate City Contract. It is part of a series of resources aiming to shed light on innovative multi-level governance approaches.

Valencia: creating a more democratic and sustainable energy system - Covenant of Mayors Europe

The city of Valencia has developed a strategy to involve the whole community to reach its energy transition targets, while also supporting those at risk of energy poverty through the creation of energy communities. Link https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/node/345 
View all Valencia Resources

Latest updates from the city

Pilot project spotlight
Visit Valencia City Website Read Valencia Climate City Contract Cologne City Profile (Twin City) Soria City Profile (Twin City)

External projects

City involvement in related European initiatives