Dublin recognised as climate action leader with new EU award

Dublin has been officially recognised as a European leader in climate action, after being awarded the prestigious EU Mission Label in a ceremony held this morning in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The award is a major milestone for Dublin City Council and its many partners,including national government, academic institutions, businesses, and most importantly, the people of the city, who have all played a role in building a more climate-friendly, sustainable future for the capital.

The EU Mission Label is granted to cities that demonstrate ambitious, collaborative plans to achieve climate neutrality.

Dublin is one of just 112 cities selected by the European Union as part of its “100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” initiative, launched in April 2022.

Since joining the EU Mission, Dublin City Council has developed a Climate City Contract.

This includes a climate action plan and an investment roadmap setting out how the city intends to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

The contract was carefully assessed by the EU for its ambition and its commitment to deliver change through partnerships with stakeholders across every corner of the city.

From reducing food waste to developing sustainable infrastructure like district heating systems, the council’s strategy is designed to bring every citizen on board—because achieving climate goals, it says, will take collective effort from the ground up.

Receiving the EU Mission Label means Dublin will now gain access to additional supports from the EU to help unlock funding and accelerate climate innovation projects already underway or in planning.

It’s a big step on Dublin’s journey to becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2030.

Reacting to the announcement, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, said:
“Dublin is proud to have received the EU Mission Label. It is an acknowledgement of the progress we have made together as a city to address the climate crisis.

“2030 is a few years away and more work needs to be done—the city council is committed to working closely with you to accelerate action.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also welcomed the news, highlighting Ireland’s growing leadership role in tackling the climate emergency:

“Having encouraged both Dublin and Cork to participate in the very worthy EU Mission for 100 Climate Neutral Cities, I am delighted that both cities have achieved this milestone.

“The Mission Label affirms Cork and Dublin, and more broadly Ireland, as leaders in climate action.”

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien added:

“While the challenges we face are significant, moments like this remind us of the strength and resilience within us.

“The awarding of the EU Mission Label to Dublin and Cork is a powerful symbol of our shared hope and determination to build a better future—one where we continue moving forward and taking meaningful action to protect our people today and for generations to come.”

Dublin City Council Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare described the award as a testament to collective effort and called on all sectors to maintain the momentum:

“The Mission Label is a recognition of the power of collaboration to achieve a common goal.

“This is a marathon, and there are many more miles to go.

“We will continue our momentum and work together with academia, the private sector and citizens to make this city vibrant, innovative and resilient.

“Join us in making Dublin a global leader in climate action.”