As cities across Europe strive to meet the ambitious climate goals set by the European Green Deal, Milan is emerging as a model for urban sustainability, thanks in large part to strategic use of EU subsidies. My name is Elizabete Klause from Alpine International Subsidies in Switzerland, and I’m excited to share how these financial instruments are driving significant reductions in CO2 emissions in Milan.
Milan has long been a vibrant economic and cultural hub, but like many major cities, it has also faced challenges related to pollution and traffic congestion. In response, the city has embraced the EU’s vision for a greener future, leveraging substantial funding to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy.
A cornerstone of this transformation is Milan’s focus on green mobility. The city has tapped into the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), a key component of the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). This program has provided significant financial support for the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across Milan. Specifically, Milan has received part of the €424 million allocated in 2024 for the installation of 4,200 electric charging points and 48 hydrogen refueling stations across Europe. This infrastructure is crucial in promoting the use of electric vehicles, which are expected to play a pivotal role in reducing the city's transport-related CO2 emissions.
At Alpine International Subsidies, everyone in our company is committed to contributing to a greener world, and we drive electric cars. We have thoroughly explored the benefits Milan offers to electric vehicle users, and it’s impressive. Electric cars in Milan enjoy free parking in many areas, particularly in blue-striped zones that typically charge conventional vehicles. Additionally, electric vehicles are exempt from access restrictions in the city’s Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), allowing drivers to freely navigate and park in Milan’s historic and central districts without incurring extra fees.
Furthermore, electric car owners in Milan benefit from a full exemption from the annual circulation tax for the first five years after vehicle registration, followed by a 75% reduction in the tax rate compared to standard vehicles. The city also offers discounted electricity rates at many public charging stations, making it even more cost-effective to maintain and operate an electric vehicle in Milan.
Beyond transportation, EU subsidies are also helping Milan tackle emissions through urban regeneration projects. The React-EU program, designed to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, has directed €250 million towards enhancing the city’s energy efficiency. These funds have been used to retrofit public buildings with energy-efficient technologies, reducing their carbon footprint by up to 30%. This initiative alone is expected to cut CO2 emissions by over 10,000 tons annually.
Moreover, the EU’s Horizon Europe program has played a crucial role in advancing Milan’s sustainability agenda. Milan's universities have been at the forefront of innovation, benefiting from €100 million allocated through Horizon Europe for research projects focusing on energy management, sustainable urban planning, and green technologies. These projects not only contribute to immediate emission reductions but also lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
In total, Milan’s CO2 reduction efforts, supported by EU subsidies, represent a comprehensive approach to combating climate change. The city is on track to achieve a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, aligning with the broader EU targets. This progress would not be possible without the strategic use of EU funds, which have enabled Milan to implement cutting-edge solutions at scale.
At Alpine International Subsidies, we are proud to assist our clients in securing funding for projects that contribute to CO2 reduction and environmental sustainability. For more information on how we can help your project access EU subsidies, visit our website at www.aisubsidies.com. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future.
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