The hydrogen cities call is a Cities Mission coordination and support action. It helps cities explore hydrogen on their path to climate neutrality. In addition, one project is expected.
About the Hydrogen Cities Call
Hydrogen can play a role in heavy transport, industry and energy storage. However, cities need guidance on where it makes sense. The hydrogen cities action will support that learning. As a result, it suits cities and innovators already working on urban hydrogen. Explore more smart city funding opportunities on the UTA funding page.
Who Can Apply to the Hydrogen Cities Call
Consortia must involve multiple cities from different countries. In addition, at least one partner must be a Cities Mission city. Therefore, city networks are central to this call.
Focus Areas and Funding
The budget is about €5m for one project. Moreover, the action focuses on coordination, knowledge sharing and support rather than large demonstrations. In short, applicants should align their project closely with the expected outcomes and impact described in the call text.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Call: Supporting the implementation of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission (HORIZON-MISS-2027-04)
- Topic ID: HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-02
- Type of action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA), funded as a lump sum grant
- Topic budget: €5 million for one project
- Submission: single stage, opening 9 February 2027 and closing 7 October 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time
Expected Outcomes
- Cities and their surroundings attract investment in hydrogen applications and infrastructure for hard-to-abate sectors, bringing cleaner air, growth and jobs.
- Communities of practice link cities, ports, industry, governments, researchers and citizens.
- The Cities Mission and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership work more closely together.
What Proposals Must Cover
- The project twins Hydrogen Valleys with cities that want to decarbonise industry, heavy-duty and long-distance transport, aviation or shipping. Hydrogen for heating is out of scope.
- It selects mentor–mentee pairs through an open procedure, such as calls for expressions of interest. Pairs may include cities in the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova.
- Each twinned city receives tailored support and a hydrogen integration roadmap.
- Activities can include feasibility studies, funding and permitting plans, impact assessments and training.
- At least one twinned city should be a Mission city.
- The project uses the Hydrogen Valley Platform and the Cities Mission Platform, and clusters with other Mission projects.
Source: the official topic page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, checked on 16 October 2026.
Why the Hydrogen Cities Call Matters
For cities, the hydrogen cities opportunity is a chance to test new solutions with trusted partners and shared funding. In addition, it helps public authorities learn from peers in other countries. Successful projects often lead to wider roll-out and new procurement. However, strong proposals need early planning, clear roles and real demonstration sites. That is why UTA brings cities, innovators and researchers together long before deadlines. Moreover, our network helps partners find the missing skills or countries a consortium needs. As a result, members can move from idea to proposal faster and with more confidence.
Deadline and How to Apply
The call opens on 9 February 2027 and closes on 7 October 2027. Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. For this reason, contact potential partners early. Read the full details on the official call page. Urban Technology Alliance can also connect you with cities in the UTA network. Contact us to discuss a consortium for this call.