European Viable Cities Day

 

On December 4, 2026 Viable Cities is pleased to join forces with the European Commission’s Representation in Sweden to invite you to the ninth edition of European Viable Cities Day—an annual event that brings together Swedish, European, and global efforts toward climate-neutral cities by 2030.

From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., there will be a live broadcast that everyone is welcome to join. During the session, decision-makers at various levels (such as municipal council chairs, directors-general at government agencies , and other key figures in the transition) will take the stage. The event will also feature the signing ceremony for the “ Climate City Contract ” 2030.

You can watch the broadcast on the Viable Cities YouTube channel. A direct link will be added to this page. If you’d like the link sent directly to your email, sign up by clicking the green button above.

This year has been marked by increasingly severe climate-related disasters. The consequences of a warmer climate are being felt around the world. Europe has been plagued by droughts and wildfires, and excess mortality linked to extreme heat has risen sharply. The effects of a warming climate are also impacting the global food supply. The war in Iran highlights the economic consequences that dependence on fossil fuels has for the world’s economies.

Cities are transforming to secure our future. To fully leverage the potential of cities, their vital role in the climate transition must be prioritized—both within the EU and at the national level. Cities’ climate transition helps meet several of Sweden’s and Europe’s most important goals and needs: increasing the competitiveness of the business sector, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, ensuring reasonable and predictable energy prices, improving public health, and reducing the risks of flooding, heat waves, and food shortages.

Right now, the EU’s long-term budget is being shaped, while a new government is taking office in Sweden following the election. The event will therefore focus on the leading role that cities play in Sweden’s and the EU’s climate transition and how this contributes to competitiveness, resilience, and preparedness. 

Welcome to European Viable Cities Day 2026!

More about Climate City Contract 2030

The first Swedish contracts were signed in 2020, and the movement to accelerate climate change in cities is growing and gaining momentum. In 2026, Viable Cities continues to mobilize alongside cities and government agencies, including now 48 cities across Sweden, home to approximately 50% of the country's population. On December 4, 2026, for the sixth year, 48 Swedish municipal council chairpersons and directors-general from six government agencies will gather to sign a revised and more ambitious Climate City Contract , or a letter of intent. For the first time, cities are also coordinating their efforts in joint commitments to accelerate climate change.

Welcome to European Viable Cities Day 2026!
Annika Wäppling Korzinek
Head of the European Commission's Delegation to Sweden

Olga Kordas
Program Director
Viable Cities