The transition of European cities towards climate neutrality is an urgent and multi-layered challenge that requires collaboration, innovation, and systemic change.
In this context, the Limassol Municipality is organising the international conference “Climate Neutral Blue Cities by 2030: Accelerating Local Change under the EU Cities and Ocean Missions – Limassol on the Path to Climate Neutrality.” The conference will take place on the 19th and 20th of March 2026 at The Warehouse by IT Quarter in Limassol, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. It will focus on crucial thematic areas shaping the future of coastal cities, linking strategic vision with practical implementation.
A rich and diverse thematic agenda
The conference’s central theme is sustainable urban mobility, with a focus on reducing dependence on private cars, developing smart and shared mobility solutions, strengthening multimodality, and designing mobility hubs that facilitate low-carbon movement. At the same time, the role of user behaviour change is examined as a key success factor.
The role of coastal cities on the front line of climate action also features prominently. The discussion focuses on the restoration of the marine and coastal environment, the reduction of emissions, and the development of new models of coexistence between ports and cities, with an emphasis on sustainability, functionality, and quality of life.
Particular emphasis is placed on the transition from vision to the governance of change. The conference highlights the need for effective coordination models, mission-oriented governance, and cross-sector collaboration, enabling cities to translate the transition toward climate-neutral blue cities into practical action.
How to finance the green transition is a central theme of the discussions. The conference focuses on mobilising public and private capital, innovative financing instruments, and investment models that can support climate-neutrality projects at both the urban and port level.
The energy transition of cities and ports represents another core theme, focusing on renewable energy systems, smart and decentralised grids, energy storage, and energy communities as enablers of social participation and a just transition. Particular emphasis is placed on the connection of ships to clean energy and on optimising energy consumption within port ecosystems.
The social dimension and urban redesign
At the same time, the conference highlights the importance of the social dimension of the transition, focusing on energy justice, addressing energy poverty, the creation of resilient and inclusive neighbourhoods, as well as the role of the New European Bauhaus in designing public spaces that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and social cohesion.
Finally, the thematic areas conclude with a focus on redesigning cities for climate neutrality and coastal resilience exploring how urban planning, architecture, and innovation can contribute to the creation of cities that can withstand climate pressures while remaining sustainable and vibrant.
Why participate
Participation in the conference is free and offers unique learning and networking opportunities with leading representatives of the European Commission, Mission Cities, national authorities, research institutions, industry, investors, and civil society organisations.
Participants will gain practical insights into the implementation of policies and projects, understand how public and private funding can be mobilised for climate-neutral investments, and actively contribute to shaping the policies and partnerships that will define the future of European cities by 2030.
The conference is expected to attract strong local, regional, and international interest, hosting leading figures from governance, policymaking, research, and key economic sectors, while strengthening Limassol’s role as a reference point for climate neutrality and sustainable urban development in Europe.
Information
The official language of the conference is English, with simultaneous interpretation into Greek.
For more information and free registration click here.
Under the Auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU
Organiser: Limassol Municipality
Silver Partner: Ad Tech Holdings
Bronze Partners: Cyprus Ports Authority, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Limassol Marina, PwC,
Venue Sponsor: The Warehouse by IT Quarter, Limassol
Academic Partners: Frederick University, The Cyprus Institute, University of Cyprus
Transportation Partners: nextbike, WeeDrive
Communication Sponsor: CyBC
Supporters: Aqua Crystal, Climanet, Friends of the Earth Cyprus, Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MaaSLab, Oxygen for Democracy, Zero Waste Alliance Cyprus
