Description
The European City Facility (EUCF) was set up under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation of the European Union, and is currently being funded as part of the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme. The EUCF is an initiative that supports municipalities, local authorities and local public entities in implementing sustainable energy projects. The ultimate objective of the EUCF is to build a substantial pipeline of sustainable energy investment projects across cities in Europe. The EUCF aims to achieve this by providing targeted financial, technical, legal and capacity building support to overcome critical barriers, develop credible investment packages and mobilise finance.
level of support
EU-wide
type of funding
Grants
Funding amount
In form of a EUR 60,000 grant, the EUCF finances services and activities to support the development of investment concepts, such as (technical) feasibility studies, market analyses, stakeholder analyses, legal, economic and financial analyses, risk analyses and further supporting tasks. The grant is not meant to directly finance investments. It is used to access services and develop an investment concept, which might become a door-opener for many follow-up investments (such as from ELENA, to PDAs to private investments).
Eligibility criteria
Open to municipalities/local authorities, their groupings, as well as local public entities aggregating municipalities/local authorities.
Application Process and Timeline
The EUCF grant application process consists of 2 steps: The eligibility check and the full application on its website.
Evidence Of Success
Mor than 400 local al authorities are receiving financing to kick off their sustainable energy actions. Each EUCF beneficiary receives a lump sum of 60.000Eur for the development of an investment concept on sustainable energy.
Expert Opinion
The European City Facility empowers local authorities with €60,000 grants to create investment-ready plans for sustainable energy projects, bridging the gap from vision to implementation. While energy communities aren't direct applicants, they can partner with local authorities to shape these projects, ensuring community-driven renewable energy initiatives benefit local residents.
