CITYnvest strives to introduce innovative financing models (revolving funds, EPC,TPF, cooperative models, etc.) in 3 Pilot Regions (partners Liège (BE), Rhodope (BG) and Murcia (ES)) and conduct a wide-scale capacity building programme in 10 focus countries concerning specific financial instruments/business models. The assessment of innovative financial models is integral to discovering opportunities and identifying and overcoming barriers that specifically local and regional levels face. The project aims to develop a web-based portal that provides diverse practical guidance and match-makes experienced forerunners with less-experienced first-timer authorities. CITYnvest will spread the under-utilized financing models that enable project bundling and aggregation by mobilising the entire value chain at the regional/local level towards Horizon 2020’s energy efficiency goals. To succeed, the project will first tackle public authorities’ lack of understanding and knowledge on innovative financing models for sustainable energy services, especially retrofitting the building stock. Second, CITYnvest’s concrete guidance will ensure in-depth capacity building and training. Third, close collaboration with authorities will trigger innovative financing schemes implementation and mobilise finance for energy efficiency services. Organization of consistent follow-up will monitor progress towards the objective of 37,5 GWh savings/year and other commitments. Finally, the national structures (of CEMR and CA) and invited experts will liaise with the participating public authorities in the capacity building programs to achieve CITYnvest’s goal of ensuring long-term engagement. CITYnvest partners liaise with an Advisory Expert Group and pool of experts to provide the expertise and guidance/training. CITYnvest will further create synergies with other wide-spread initiatives, such as the Covenant of Mayors, linking SEAPS to innovative financing models for energy efficiency.

SUN4Ukraine aims to bring together Ukrainian cities with the EU 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, through capacity building, technical expertise, twinning, multi-level governance and policy to support them in adopting climate neutrality targets and incorporating climate neutrality into reconstruction plans. SUN4Ukraine will select and work closely with 10 Ukrainian frontrunner cities who will receive technical support and participate in a capacity building programme to develop Climate Neutrality Plans, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. A needs assessment will be undertaken to understand the specific needs of each of the frontrunners informing detailed design of support. Technical support will guide frontrunners through the process of setting targets and the gap to be filled, identifying mitigation actions, engaging citizens and establishing new governance, designing Climate Neutrality Plans, and funding/financing their implementation. Connections with funders and financiers will also be made to facilitate implementation. The capacity building programme will build the skills and capabilities of frontrunners, and include at its core, the peer learning, exchanges and study visits of frontrunners to Mission cities. A Ukrainian Cities Climate Hub will be established to bring frontrunners and other Ukrainian cities together to encourage mentoring, ongoing partnerships and replication. The lessons learned from technical support and the capacity building programme will be synthesised into guidance made available via the Hub and Mission Platform. Policy dialogues and recommendations, and good practices on multi-level governance will be developed to ensure Ukrainian cities can become climate neutral by 2050. A targeted communication and dissemination strategy will complement and support implementation. SUN4Ukraine will bring increased visibility to the Cities Mission and achieving its second objective of all European cities becoming climate neutral by 2050.