The HARMONMISSIONS project, “Harmonisation of Missions in the Danube Region,” concluded on June 30, 2026. HARMONMISSIONS developed sustainable tools and partnerships for the more effective implementation of climate missions under the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” program. Between January 2024 and June 2026, HARMONMISSIONS brought together 11 partners from 9 countries in the Danube region—Slovakia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
Better Coordination to Address Climate Challenges
The main objective of HARMONMISSIONS was to contribute to the harmonization of the implementation of European missions at the regional level by reducing existing differences in their understanding, management, and practical implementation across the countries of the Danube region.
The project focused on two of the EU’s missions that are directly relevant to the region’s sustainable development:
- Mission 1 – Adaptation to Climate Change.
- Mission 4 – 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.
These challenges require coordinated action by institutions, scientific organizations, the business sector, cities, and civil society. HARMONMISSIONS placed a strong emphasis on international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
A New Model for Governance and Cooperation
One of the project’s key outcomes is the development of a model and strategy for managing European climate missions in the Danube region, which lays the groundwork for better coordination among stakeholders and countries.
Within the framework of the project, mechanisms were established to involve representatives from various institutional levels, including through a Steering Committee and Advisory Groups. The goal is for the structures and connections created to support dialogue and joint action even beyond the lifespan of the project.
Online Platforms in Support of the Climate Missions
Among the most visible outcomes of HARMONMISSIONS are three online platforms that facilitate access to information, the exchange of knowledge, and the identification of opportunities for collaboration:
- SHARED – a platform for sharing knowledge, projects, best practices, and resources related to climate missions.
- European Mission Observatory (EMO) – a space for information, interaction, and collaboration on European missions.
- Climate City Contract (CCC) – tools and information to support cities on their path to climate neutrality.
Investment in Knowledge and Capacity
HARMONMISSIONS placed significant emphasis on building the capacity of local and regional stakeholders to participate in initiatives related to European missions and the Horizon Europe programme.
As part of the project, training sessions, workshops, information sessions, and matchmaking events were organized to promote a better understanding of funding opportunities, consortium formation, and project development in the areas of climate adaptation and climate-neutral cities.
The final event laid the groundwork for continued cooperation.
On June 16–17, 2026, the final HARMONMISSIONS forum—the Missions Forum & Brokerage Event—took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. The event brought together representatives of partner organizations, institutions, researchers, innovation organizations, and other stakeholders from the Danube region.
During the forum, the project’s main results, the model for regional management of climate missions, and the developed online platforms were presented. Discussions also focused on future opportunities for coordinating Missions 1 and 4, as well as on building new partnerships.
We remain committed toward a greener and more sustainable Danube Region.
The tools developed, the knowledge gained, and the partnerships forged during the implementation of HARMONMISSIONS provide a foundation for continuing our joint efforts to address climate challenges in the region.
HARMONMISSIONS has demonstrated that an effective response to climate change requires shared knowledge, coordinated actions, and cooperation across national borders. Building a stronger regional ecosystem around the European Climate Missions is an important step toward a sustainable, climate-resilient, and innovative Danube Region.
The project was implemented with financial support from the European Union through the Interreg Danube Region programme.
More information about the project, its results, and the platforms developed can be found at www.harmonmissions.eu.
