27. November 2025 | News
Recently the European Commission has officially recognized Riga’s climate efforts by awarding Latvia’s capital city the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission Label. This places Riga among 92 EU cities committed to ambitious climate action through approved plans and strategies.
By Nika Kotoviča (University of Latvia/Riga Energy Agency)
The EU mission sets a bold target: an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Achieving this requires phasing out fossil fuels in energy generation, buildings, and transport, while also cutting emissions from waste and land use. To prepare, Riga spent nearly three years refining its GHG inventory, designing a comprehensive set of measures, and developing an investment plan worth EUR 2.8 billion. This work involved municipal departments, external experts, partner organizations, and citizens.
“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 MULTICLIMACT 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,”
Nika Kotoviča
MULTICLIMACT Project Coordinator and Urban Planning Expert at the Riga Energy Agency
Riga’s Climate-Neutrality Plan
By 2024, Riga had already cut emissions by 62% compared to 1990. Between 2019 and 2030, the city aims to avoid at least one million tons of CO₂e. Key sectors and targets:
Additionally, Riga will maintain 300 kt CO₂e sequestration in municipal forests managed by Rīgas Meži.
The Mission Label now proudly occupies a permanent spot at Riga City Hall, celebrated by the Mayor, City Council members, and the Riga Energy Agency.
Benefits of the Mission Label
International recognition – Riga strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable urban development.
Access to funding – Riga can tap into EU funds, European Investment Bank financing, and other sources. A major contract with municipal forestry company Rīgas Meži is already signed, and more strategic projects are in development.
Support for innovation – Dedicated Horizon Europe programs will provide grants for pilot projects and innovative solutions.
Next Steps
The Climate City Contract and accompanying Action and Investment Plans were finalized in early 2025, with updates scheduled every two years. While progress is visible—such as the successful certification of Riga’s energy management system—challenges remain, including an investment gap of over EUR 1 billion and the need for strong coordination and political will.
Despite these hurdles, Riga is determined to scale up efforts in urban greening, low-emission mobility, and building renovation, reinforcing its role as a Baltic leader in climate-smart development. These actions are crucial not only for Riga but also for Latvia’s national climate and energy goals.
Riga’s experience, partnerships, and innovation capacity will drive projects that showcase climate neutrality in practice. The city is ready to turn plans into action and deliver a sustainable future.
Find out more about the EU Mission: Climate-neutral and smart cities – Research and innovation
About MULTICLIMACT:
MULTICLIMACT is an EU-funded project aimed at safeguarding Europe’s built environment against the increasing threats of natural and climatic hazards. By uniting 25 leading European organisations, MULTICLIMACT aims to enhance resilience, sustainability, and safety for communities across the continent. Through innovative strategies, including a toolkit of 20 reliable methods and digital solutions, the project targets the urgent need for adaptive measures against floods, earthquakes, extreme weather conditions and heatwaves. Tested across four pilot sites with diverse climatic conditions, MULTICLIMACT embodies a shared vision for a safer, more resilient future, focusing on actions to reduce the impact of climate change on the built environment. For more information, please visit www.multiclimact.eu
MULTICLIMACT is a Horizon Europe project supported by the European Commission under grant agreement No 101123538. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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