Riga’s climate action is now recognized across Europe! The capital of Latvia – Riga – has joined 91 other EU towns and cities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to climate action through rigorous plans approved by the European Commission.

“The Mission Label is an important European recognition that confirms – Riga’s climate plan is reliable, aligned with EU goals, and implementable. It is not just a symbolic award – this assessment opens doors to international collaboration, additional funding, and expert support that, like the SMARTeeSTORY project, will help implement many new, highly innovative climate-smart development projects in our city. This opportunity will bring significant benefits, help renew aging infrastructure, including the historical heritage buildings, green the city, and improve air quality, but it will require everyone’s involvement – both from the municipality and from the residents,”

- emphasizes Nika Kotoviča, SMARTeeSTORY Project's local Demo Site Coordinator and Urban Planning Expert from the Riga Municipal Agency “Riga Energy Agency”. Alongside the demos at Delft and Granada, the SMARTeeSTORY pilot at Riga City Hall is already demonstrating how smart building technologies can be deployed in historic settings to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and engage citizens in sustainable transformation.

The Mission Label has now found a permanent place at Riga’s City Hall, receiving applause from the city administration and local politicians:

In essence, the urban climate-neutrality mission implies 80% greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030 compared to 1990. This ambition can be only achieved by phasing-out fossil fuel use in energy generation, buildings and transportation as well as mitigating emissions from waste management and land use.

The recognition granted by Mission Label opens new windows for further development:

• Access to funding – Riga gains access to additional funding from EU funds, the European Investment Bank, and other strategic projects, such as the recent deal with the municipal forestry company “Rīgas Meži,”.
• Support for innovation – the city can apply for special “Horizon Europe” programs specifically designed for these 92 cities, including grants for pilot projects and the implementation of innovative solutions.
• International recognition – Riga strengthens its position internationally as one of the leaders in the field of sustainable and climate-smart development.

Riga's climate neutrality plan

The planned emission reduction measures are grouped into four main sectors: transport, energy production, municipal infrastructure, and multi-apartment housing. The plans include adoption of Riga’s Circular Economy Plan, citywide greening initiatives, transportation system transformation, and energy production improvements through expanding electrification and energy efficiency measures.

Zooming in to Riga’s municipal infrastructure, the reduction in emissions in this area should contribute to 7% of total reductions by 2030. Key actions include the renovation of public buildings, switching to renewable energy resources, the use of zero-emission vehicles, and energy-efficient street lighting. The renovation of multi-apartment buildings is projected to contribute 2% to the total reduction, with the potential for greater impact depending on the citywide pace of energy efficiency implementation.

Looking ahead

Many action areas and measures are already underway. However, a great deal of work lies ahead, including addressing an investment gap and ensuring the highly critical intensive coordination, adequate human resources, and sustained political will. The delivery of these efforts in the multi-sectoral and comprehensive strategy for economically viable GHG emissions reduction are key for the commitment.

Despite some uncertainties, Riga remains fully committed to benefiting from and contributing to the Climate Mission. With Riga's key strengths in its experience and expertise, developed through international cooperation in projects like SMARTeeSTORY, the city is eager to reach its targets and showcase climate neutrality in action.

Find out more about the EU Mission: Climate-neutral and smart cities - Research and innovation