The DACO project was launched on 15-16 February 2012 at a meeting in Chieti, Italy. This event brought together representatives of the Energy Charter Secretariat, the Local Energy Agency of the Province of Chieti (ALESA), the European Commission and the mayors of the cities participating in the project: Novogrudok (Belarus), Somoniyon (Tajikistan), Sumgayit (Azerbaijan) and Taraz (Kazakhstan).