SUN4Ukraine links Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction to its longer-term climate goals. The four-year Horizon Europe project began in May 2024 and is scheduled to run through April 2028; Eurocities coordinates it.27 Its aim is to help Ukrainian municipalities develop Climate Neutrality Plans and incorporate them into reconstruction strategies, with a stated goal of climate neutrality by 2050.2
The project pairs Ukrainian municipalities with cities in the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, creating opportunities for practical exchange and mentorship.35 Its support combines technical assistance with a capacity-building programme covering emissions data and baselines, governance, citizen and stakeholder engagement, climate actions across sectors, and financing.812 The programme is organised around Foundation, Twinning and Replication tracks, using workshops, mentoring and city partnerships.
The project’s initial Eurocities description referred to selecting ten Ukrainian frontrunner cities. Later project and EU sources report that 12 Ukrainian municipalities were selected and paired through 12 partnerships with 14 Mission Cities.35 The project’s consortium brings together organisations from across Europe and Ukraine, including Eurocities, Energy Cities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Ukrainian urban and environmental organisations, and research institutions; the United Nations Development Programme is an associate partner.911 The programme is intended to leave participating municipalities with stronger planning capacity and Climate Neutrality Plans, though the available sources describe these as expected outcomes rather than completed results.12