The Hague has been recognised with a Mission Label by the European Union. This label is part of the EU's Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, an initiative under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme, aiming to help 100 European cities to accelerate their transition to climate neutrality.
On 15 November 2024, an EU delegation and representatives of the municipality will visit some of The Hague's climate initiatives to mark the award of the label.
According to the European Commission, The Hague is among the 20 new cities to receive the label with its climate plans which acknowledges their commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2030. These include initiatives to phase out natural gas, enable zero-emission transport, create green spaces, and reduce waste and resource consumption. The Hague can now call itself one of the ‘100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.’
Cities and CO₂ emissions
Cities account for over 70% of global CO₂ emissions and consume more than 65% of the world's energy. The EU Mission Label is awarded to cities that have demonstrated ambitious plans to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt sustainable urban practices. With the inclusion of these 20 new cities, the total number of cities holding the label has now risen to 53.
“The EU Mission Label celebrates the bold steps these 20 cities are taking towards climate neutrality. Their commitment paves the way for a sustainable and resilient future for all our communities.”
The Hague Climate Agreement
To receive the label, The Hague submitted a Climate City Contract to the EU earlier this year. This outlines the city’s actions to become climate-neutral more quickly. The Commission also values how the city involves its residents in the process. The Hague Climate Agreement is a prime example of this collaboration. The agreement contains 38 commitments from 115 parties to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and work together towards a climate-resilient future for The Hague.
As a recipient of the label, The Hague will benefit from access to the Climate City Capital Hub, an international financial resource aimed at supporting cities in developing and financing climate-related projects. For The Hague, this means greater potential to develop and scale up projects that reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents. The city will also be eligible for part of a lending envelope of €2 billion from the European Investment Bank.
The International City of Peace and Justice
The Hague has a leading ImpactCity ecosystem for entrepreneurs and market leaders that combine doing good and doing business. The city has become a haven for impact entrepreneurs, NGO’s and investors from around the world. In the Hague, entrepreneurs that work on innovations to create a better world, will find strong support and an ideal network to help them achieve their goals.
The Hague is widely known as the International City of Peace and Justice. Ever since the first International Peace Conference was held in 1899 in The Hague, the city has been a global beacon for peace and justice. Nowadays, more than 500 international organisations in The Hague work towards creating a peaceful, just and secure world.
"As the first city in the Netherlands to be awarded the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Label, The Hague stands at the forefront of sustainable urban innovation. This recognition reflects our dedicated efforts and the collaborative spirit of our residents, businesses, and partners. We are proud of this recognition, yet it’s only the beginning. By 2030, we aim to be fully climate neutral, pioneering green solutions that will inspire other cities to join us on the path to a sustainable future."
EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
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The Hague Climate Agreement
The Hague has its own climate agreement. It contains deals to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and to work together towards a healthy and green city.
Sustainable Development Goals of The Hague
In The Hague there are many initiatives contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals created and adopted by all 193 member states of the United Nations and serve as a call to action.
The Hague Is World’s First City to Ban Oil and Air Travel Ads
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