Introduction of our Partners: The Municipality of Cluj-Napoca

Municipality of Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is one of Romania’s most dynamic and innovative cities, with over 286.000 inhabitants, according to the official census. However, more than 500k people live in Cluj-Napoca and its outskirts (metropolitan area). As a major economic and academic hub, the city is combining rapid development with strong commitments to sustainability, digital transformation and civic involvement.

Cluj-Napoca is actively investing in green mobility, energy efficiency, urban renewal, and circular economy projects, many of which are supported through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and EU funding. It is also leading strategic initiatives like the Regional Excellence Center for Creative Industries and the Cluj Science Campus, a major development that will host three universities in a shared academic space.

Selected as one of the EU Mission 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030, Cluj-Napoca received the EU Mission Label in 2023, recognizing its ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2030 and become a testing ground for innovative climate solutions. The city is expanding green spaces, integrating smart technologies, and working closely with citizens and stakeholders to co-create a more resilient and livable urban environment. Key goals include: planting 100.000 trees, modernizing over 215 green spaces and achieving a fully electric public transport fleet.

With solid experience in EU programmes like Horizon Europe, NetZeroCities, Interreg, EEA and Norway Grants and the New European Bauhaus, Cluj-Napoca continues to position itself as a forward-looking city committed to sustainable development, innovation, and European collaboration.