Leipzig celebrates EU award: Climate neutrality is our goal!

Leipzig celebrates EU award: Climate neutrality is our goal!

Leipzig received a significant award on May 7, 2025: The city was one of 112 European cities honored with the European Commission's seal of quality for climate neutrality. This honor took place in Vilnius as part of the EU mission “100 climate-neutral and smart cities”. Leipzig's Mayor Burkhard Jung described the Mission label as a crucial milestone for the city on its path to climate neutrality, a goal that has been pursued since the introduction of the Energy and Climate Protection Program (EKSP 2030) in 2022.

A celebratory climate conference to recognize this award will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in the Alte Handelsbörse. Partners of the Climate City Agreement are invited. “Implementing a climate-friendly approach requires the participation of the entire city society,” explained Jung. The Climate City Agreement, which brings together more than 50 local companies, scientific institutions and municipal businesses, bundles numerous climate protection measures and promotes innovative solutions.

Synergies between digitalization and climate protection

The Leipzig concept focuses on combining smart city solutions with climate neutrality measures. Digital technologies such as intelligent traffic control and connected buildings play a central role in achieving more efficient energy use and minimizing CO2 emissions. Such technologies are not only environmentally friendly, but also offer economic opportunities through new business models and future-proof jobs.

A significant highlight of the conference will be a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Anders Levermann from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. He will present perspectives on climate-neutral urban development and corresponding economic trends.

Challenges and support from the EU

In addition to the award in Leipzig, the city of Dresden was also recognized with the Mission label. Mayor Dirk Hilbert emphasized the city's innovative strength and the associated financial and structural challenges. Both cities are seeking support from the EU, federal and state governments to achieve their climate goals.

The EU's NetZeroCities mission will support 100 cities, with cities playing a central role in the EU's plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Over 75% of EU citizens live in urban areas, which requires specific approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The mission label provides access to funding through the Climate City Capital Hub, which will be operational in 2024 and will offer numerous new funding opportunities.

The upcoming climate conference in Leipzig will not only be a testament to the successes to date, but also a platform to plan future steps on the ambitious path to climate neutrality and to involve the broader society in the implementation process.

For more information about Leipzig's award and the climate conference on June 10th, please visit the articles from L-IZ and Location Saxony.