Izmir and the EU walk together towards a net zero future
In a world increasingly shaped by the realities of the climate crisis, Izmir, a city on the shores of the Aegean Sea, is taking firm and hopeful steps towards a sustainable future. Izmir is not only imagining a cleaner, greener tomorrow – it is building it today, hand in hand with the European Union (EU).
Izmir proudly holds the EU Cities Mission Label, a prestigious recognition awarded to only 23 cities across Europe in March 2024. This label not only celebrates past achievements but also provides the city with increased visibility and access to vital green funding for its bold path to climate neutrality. At the heart of this commitment is a shared agenda with the EU: to achieve ‘net zero’ – the delicate balance between greenhouse gases emitted and those removed from the atmosphere.
On 14 May, the city welcomed the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski. His first official visit to Izmir signifies a growing harmony between European and Izmir’s climate ambitions.
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski and Governor Süleyman Elban
Courtesy visits to the Governor and Mayor
Ambassador Ossowski began his visit with a courtesy call on İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban, where they explored opportunities for practical cooperation. The day continued with a strategic dialogue with Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Dr. Cemil Tugay, known for his science-based and people-centred governance. The two parties discussed Izmir’s roadmap to climate neutrality and how the EU and Izmir can work more closely together on shared environmental goals.
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski and Mayor Cemil Tugay
Ambassador Ossowski said: “The Gulf of Izmir is truly stunning, and the city itself is remarkably impressive. We are keen to build close strategic ties with Izmir and to strengthen our economic cooperation. We also take a strong interest in Izmir’s environmental and climate initiatives. We fully recognise the significance of its 2030 carbon neutrality goal, especially given its designation as a Mission City.”
Mayor Tugay said: “We attach great importance to our relations with the European Union. İzmir is a modern city, a historic port and has played an important role throughout history. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions, and we have started by putting together a strong and capable team.”
The Peynircioğlu River has been transformed into a green corridor as part of the EU-funded Urban Green UP project under the Horizon 2020 programme
Accompanied by Mayor Tugay, the EU delegation led by the Ambassador visited the heart of one of Izmir’s pioneering climate adaptation projects: The Peynircioğlu River. The river has been transformed into a green corridor as part of the EU-funded Urban Green UP project under the Horizon 2020 programme. The project is an example of how nature-based solutions can revitalise urban spaces while enhancing climate resilience.
Mayor Tugay presents Ambassador Ossowski with a certificate representing the equivalent of 10 trees in carbon reduction
The delegation then visited the Zero Carbon Point, a vibrant hub of renewable energy systems and community engagement. It highlights the power of local solutions in a global climate movement.
Sibel Köse – Kamil Erdem European Quartet performing at the Europe Day concert in İzmir
Europe Day concert in Izmir
As the day drew to a close, the spirit of cooperation found a cultural expression at the Europe Day Concert, organised by the European Union Information Centres, at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Arts Centre. The evening featured a mesmerising performance by Sibel Köse – Kamil Erdem European Quartet and the EU Izmir Philharmonic Orchestra.
In his welcome speech the Ambassador underlined: “We cannot build a strong future if we lose sight of the values that made this journey possible. The values which are the DNA of the European integration: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and freedom. Not as slogans, not as lip service, but as living principles. The kind of fresh air that allows societies to breathe, to grow and to thrive.”
