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Raising the Bar: A Database of Emerging Good Practices in Sustainability Reporting
What the Database Offers
Drawing on annual reports, the database showcases disclosure examples from companies that are setting a high bar for transparency on:
– Climate transition plans, risk assessments and greenhouse gas accounting – Double materiality assessments – Identification and management of material impacts, risks and opportunities – Sustainability due diligence and governance-related disclosures
Each entry in the database is accompanied by expert commentary from Frank Bold’s team, explaining what makes the disclosure effective and where to find the relevant information within the source report. Users can filter by topic, country and sector, making it easy to find examples that are most relevant to a company’s own context.
Why This Matters for Companies in the CEE Region
Through the Company Climate Transition project, we have seen firsthand that companies in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria are genuinely committed to improving their sustainability performance — but many feel uncertain about whether their disclosures meet the standard expected under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
Last year, EU policy-makers drastically modified the scope of the reporting legislation as part of the Omnibus 1 Simplification package. Yet reducing the number of companies covered does not diminish the underlying need for this information — if anything, that need is intensifying. Europe’s drive toward net zero, its effort to reduce fossil fuel dependence, and the imperative to secure critical supply chains are, at their core, sustainability questions. Understanding where a company is exposed to energy price volatility, raw material scarcity, or labour exploitation in distant supply chains is not a compliance exercise. It is strategic intelligence.
Business and financial associations in Poland have just come out in March with a recommendation for large companies to continue reporting voluntarily according to the simplified ESRS.
Previous research by Frank Bold showed that while CEE companies have made significant progress — particularly on GHG reporting — there remain gaps in areas such as detailed climate transition planning and value chain due diligence. Seeing how peers and sector leaders approach these topics can provide the kind of concrete reference points that guidance documents alone cannot offer. Frank Bold’s database is build on three key principles:
– The prioritisation of information – focusing on quality over quantity – Transparency and honesty about progress – A focus on the most critical aspects of companies’ exposure to risks and impacts
Decision-useful and transparent sustainability information signals to the market that a company genuinely understands its risks and opportunities — and has a credible strategy to address them. Whether a company is preparing its first CSRD-aligned report or refining an established process, this database offers a practical and freely accessible starting point.
A Living Resource
The database is designed to evolve alongside the reporting landscape. Frank Bold will continue to update it with assessments of newly released sustainability reports, so it remains a relevant and current reference for companies navigating ongoing CSRD implementation.
Access to the database is free. Register to explore the examples on Frank Bold’s website.
This database was developed as part of the EUKI Company Climate Transition project, which supports companies in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria to implement effective climate transition plans and meet EU sustainability requirements.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation on Decarbonisation in the Western Balkans
The conference was organised within the Green Kick project, implemented by the Centre for Development and Support (CRP) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with Smart Kolektiv from Serbia and FORS Montenegro – Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro.
From Planning to Implementation: Advancing Local Climate Action
The first day of the conference focused on presenting key project results and fostering dialogue on the development and implementation of local climate policies. A central highlight was the presentation of the analysis of 16 Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) from across the region, providing valuable insights into current progress, challenges, and opportunities.
During the panel discussion on the experiences of joint SECAP teams composed of local self-government units and CSOs, participants exchanged practical knowledge and reflected on common challenges such as data availability and institutional capacities. At the same time, the discussion highlighted encouraging trends, including increasing local initiative and growing commitment to climate action.
A second panel explored perspectives for strengthening cooperation between local governments and civil society, emphasising the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Contributions from private sector representatives further enriched the discussion, showcasing diverse approaches and opportunities within the green transition.
The first day concluded with a clear message: decarbonisation efforts in the region are increasingly moving from the planning phase to concrete implementation.
Showcasing Local Solutions and Defining Next Steps
The second day of the conference shifted focus towards practical solutions, successful initiatives, and future steps in advancing local green transition processes.
Participants were introduced to a range of local green solutions and SECAP pilot projects from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. These included innovative examples such as solar-powered installations, smart urban equipment, and energy efficiency programmes implemented at the local level. Additionally, representatives of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection of Tuzla Canton presented ongoing programmes supporting the renovation of public buildings and co-financing measures for citizens.
Further sessions highlighted successful projects led by CSOs and local authorities, demonstrating tangible results already achieved in practice and reinforcing the importance of collaborative approaches.
The conference concluded with an interactive workshop dedicated to improving cooperation between local governments and CSOs. Through group work, participants formulated concrete recommendations, including the need to:
establish continuous and structured cooperation mechanisms,
strengthen partnerships in project preparation and implementation, including access to financing,
actively involve citizens, the private sector, and other stakeholders,
promote knowledge exchange through joint campaigns, training, and events,
prioritise practical local measures such as energy communities, information centres, and co-financing programmes.
The final conclusion of the conference underscored that effective decarbonisation requires sustained, structured cooperation and a strong focus on implementation.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Climate Action
The Green Kick conference confirmed the importance of regional cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing climate challenges in the Western Balkans. The presence of EUKI representative Martin Vallejo further emphasised the relevance of such initiatives and the continued support for collaborative climate action in the region.
The event concluded with a certificate award ceremony, joint reflections, and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and accelerating decarbonisation efforts across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Advancing Building Renovation in Bulgaria: REDESIGN Drives MEPS Implementation
A major milestone in this process was the national conference “Financing Energy Efficiency: The National Building Renovation Plan and the Role of Local Authorities”, held on 17 March 2026 in Sofia and organised by the Center for Energy Efficiency EnEffect and the EcoEnergy Municipal Network. The event marked the beginning of a broader public consultation process on the plan, bringing together representatives of national institutions, municipalities, European organisations, financial institutions, and experts.
Establishing the Framework: A Long-Term Vision for Renovation
A central moment of the conference was the presentation and first expert discussion of the draft National Building Renovation Plan, designed as a long-term policy framework with a horizon of 25 years.
The discussions highlighted the scale and urgency of the challenge. Bulgaria currently has around 267.5 million m² of residential floor area, with a significant share requiring renovation, alongside approximately 76 million m² of non-residential buildings.
To meet national and European targets, the country must renovate more than 79 million m² of residential space by 2035, while achieving a 20-22% reduction in primary energy consumption in the residential sector.
These figures clearly demonstrate that building renovation in Bulgaria is not a short-term programme, but a structural transformation requiring long-term planning, stable policies, and coordinated action across institutions.
Introducing MEPS: Targeting the Worst-Performing Buildings
A key pillar of the draft plan is the introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for non-residential buildings.
The proposed approach focuses on the gradual renovation of the least efficient buildings, targeting:
the worst-performing 16% of the building stock by 2030,
and 26% by 2033.
This staged implementation allows for a realistic transition, while ensuring that the buildings with the highest energy consumption and savings potential are addressed first.
MEPS are therefore positioned not only as a regulatory requirement, but as a strategic tool to accelerate decarbonisation and improve overall building performance in a structured and measurable way.
The analysis provides practical guidance for implementing MEPS in Bulgaria, highlighting several critical conditions for success:
improved availability and quality of building data;
establishment of a robust monitoring and control system;
clearly defined institutional responsibilities;
introduction of step-by-step renovation pathways to support building owners.
These renovation pathways are particularly important, as they offer flexibility – allowing building owners to progressively meet requirements instead of facing immediate, high investment costs.
Importantly, these approaches have already been reflected in the draft National Building Renovation Plan, demonstrating the direct contribution of REDESIGN project to national policy development.
Mobilising Investment: The Role of the National Decarbonisation Fund
A strong emphasis during the conference was placed on financing as a critical enabler of renovation.
The planned National Decarbonisation Fund was highlighted as a key instrument that will combine grants, guarantees, loans, and technical assistance to mobilise significantly higher levels of investment.
The fund is expected to support households, public buildings, and businesses, while shifting the current model from one-off programmes to a long-term, sustainable financing framework.
As emphasised during the discussion, unlocking private investment and providing accessible financial solutions will be essential, especially given the estimated over EUR 19 billion in total investment needs by 2035.
Strengthening Governance: The Role of Municipalities and Coordination
Beyond financing and regulation, the conference highlighted the importance of governance and institutional coordination.
Local authorities were recognised as key actors in implementing renovation policies on the ground. At the same time, speakers stressed the need for:
stronger interinstitutional coordination,
better support mechanisms for building owners,
and accessible “one-stop-shop” services to facilitate the renovation process.
As noted during the opening of the conference, municipalities have already proven their capacity to act as stable and effective partners, but require clear roles and long-term support to fully unlock their potential.
Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Renovation Transition
The conference marked not only a technical discussion, but the beginning of a broader public dialogue on the future of building renovation in Bulgaria.
The transition ahead requires more than regulatory measures – it calls for a combination of:
clear policy direction,
effective financial instruments,
institutional coordination,
and active engagement of citizens and local authorities.
In this context, REDESIGN project stands out as a key contributor, bridging analytical work and policy implementation, and supporting Bulgaria in translating European requirements into practical, workable solutions.
As the country moves forward, the insights and tools developed through REDESIGN will continue to play an important role in enabling a more energy-efficient, resilient, and inclusive building stock.
EU Methane Expert Roundtables: Romania and Czechia
The roundtable format proved particularly effective in facilitating open, solution-oriented dialogue among key stakeholders. By enabling direct exchange between institutions responsible for implementation and actors affected by the regulation, the events created a structured space to clarify regulatory requirements, identify bottlenecks, and explore practical pathways for strengthening enforcement and compliance.
The events brought together representatives from public authorities, industry, academia and civil society to discuss the practical challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation at national level.
The project aims to facilitate structured dialogue, strengthen institutional readiness, and support effective enforcement of the Regulation in both countries.
Bucharest Roundtable – 9 December 2025
The roundtable in Bucharest, organized by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), convened 42 participants and focused on the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation in Romania, with particular attention to the energy sector, and its implications for the investment community.
The ensuing panel discussion displayed a great variety of voices, not only between the two countries, but also between the different policy levels: from ministerial representatives to city councilors and members of civil society. The new Czech government vertebrated the first few exchanges, with an inimical position towards climate action and non-governmental climate policy actors being the most probable scenario in the coming years.
Furthermore, the discussions highlighted that one of the major barriers to making methane emission reduction a material issue for investors is the limited availability of precise measurement equipment. Participants stressed the importance of direct measurement methodologies rather than reliance on emission factors, noting that advanced instruments capable of converting concentration into flow rates remain insufficiently available at operator level. A key solution identified was stronger engagement of the research sector to reduce data ambiguities and support the development of robust and harmonised methodologies.
Methane reduction is already part of investor dialogue, and participants emphasised that introducing clear performance indicators – such as methane intensity disclosed in sustainability reporting – would significantly enhance comparability between producers and suppliers.
The discussion highlighted the need for more accurate calculations of the internal rate of return (IRR) for methane abatement investments in order to increase investor and policymaker interest. It also emphasized the importance of including financing opportunities for methane reduction technologies—particularly satellite-based monitoring solutions—under initiatives such as the Net-Zero Industry Act.
Prague Roundtable – 11 December 2025
The roundtable in Prague, hosted by the Centre for Transport and Energy (CDE), brought into dialogue 12 invited participants and examined the state of play and key challenges in implementing the EU Methane Regulation within the Czech legal and institutional framework. Although the Regulation is directly applicable across the EU, its effective national implementation requires clear institutional arrangements, enforcement mechanisms, and technical guidance.
Participants discussed the allocation of responsibilities, including the role of the Ministry of the Environment in establishing a sanctioning framework and overseeing imports, as well as the potential involvement of national inspection authorities in enforcement. Concerns were raised regarding administrative capacity, particularly in light of recent governmental changes and planned staffing constraints.
A significant portion of the discussion addressed methane emissions from the coal sector, given that a substantial share of reported methane emissions in Czechia originates from active and closed coal mines. Full implementation of mandatory monitoring and reporting obligations for both active and inactive mines was identified as essential, with estimates indicating that comprehensive enforcement could lead to considerable emission reductions, especially from closed sites.
Industry representatives pointed to uncertainty caused by delays in adopting national legislation and clarifying sanctions. The need for detailed technical and methodological guidance – particularly regarding measurement standards, reporting requirements, and the interpretation of key concepts such as venting – was repeatedly emphasised. From an economic perspective, accurate measurement and transparent data were recognised as critical not only for regulatory compliance but also for ESG assessments and investment decision-making, especially in the absence of a dedicated pricing mechanism for methane emissions.
Overall, both roundtables confirmed that the successful implementation of the EU Methane Regulation depends on clear institutional responsibilities, adequate administrative capacity, effective and proportionate enforcement, and continued dialogue among government, industry, investors, and civil society.
Methane Action Workshop for Civil Society in Romania
The event, organized by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) on 13 November 2025, brought together 11 NGOs and 6 expert speakers, representing a diverse cross-section of Romania’s environmental and energy policy landscape. Participants included major national organisations active in environmental advocacy, as well as local organisations from Ploiești and the Jiu Valley, regions significantly affected by oil refining and coal mining activities. The workshop also engaged a Romanian energy policy think tank specialising in energy transition and climate policy analysis, alongside organisations working at the intersection of science communication and creative engagement.
The technical sessions benefited from contributions by recognised experts in methane emissions mitigation from institutions including Utrecht University, UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), Ember and Clean Air Task Force. Discussions covered the regulatory framework of the EU Methane Regulation, monitoring and reporting requirements, measurement methodologies, and the broader climate and energy policy implications. Participants remained highly engaged throughout the sessions, raising substantive questions and contributing to in-depth exchanges.
Beyond the technical dimension, the workshop included a dedicated communication and advocacy session, designed to support NGOs in mainstreaming methane emissions into their ongoing campaigns. The objective was to enable participants to act as message multipliers within their own networks and to communicate methane-related topics in accessible, non-technical language. The session emphasised the social, health, environmental, economic and climate impacts of methane emissions, moving beyond an exclusive focus on CO2.
The interactive format included practical exercises and structured brainstorming aimed at identifying concrete follow-up actions and integration pathways for methane-related advocacy. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants completed an assessment questionnaire regarding their communication needs. The results will inform the development of tailored support materials and capacity-building resources.
Following the workshop, several organisations expressed a clear willingness to engage in methane mitigation advocacy and signalled strong interest in participating in field-based awareness campaigns. Joint actions and follow-up cooperation are planned for 2026.
More information is available on the events section of the project website.
Kick-off Meeting of the AGRIC Project
The meeting started with partner organizations presenting themselves. During the meeting, the following objectives were discussed: Project management, Financial management, Monitoring project progress, Internal management, Communication & branding guidelines, and Upcoming activities.
The AGRIC project directly strengthens the institutional capacity and investment readiness for adopting Agri-PV solutions in Bulgaria, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Serbia. To achieve this, AGRIC delivers dedicated trainings, disseminates best practices through training materials and demonstration farm videos, a funding guide and an interactive impact assessment tool, as well as policy recommendations. Building on these activities, AGRIC aims to showcase the benefits and opportunities of integrating Agri-PV as a dual-land use solution in the agricultural sector.
The activities of the project are related to fostering awareness of climate resilience in the agricultural sector and accelerating the energy transition in rural regions through cross-regional learning.
The Kick-off meeting concluded with a discussion of the upcoming in-person event of the project, which will be organised in Ruhstorf, Germany, on 21st April 2026.
During the project’s second in-person meeting, hosted in Romania, discussions highlighted the main challenges currently facing the transition to electromobility. These include the high upfront costs of electric vehicles, the lack of predictable financial support schemes and insufficient charging infrastructure often located at unreasonable distances from residential areas. Participants also pointed to the fragmented user experience at charging stations, where different providers require separate applications and complex payment systems.
At the same time, several urban governance challenges were addressed. These range from the loss of parking spaces due to their conversion into charging points, to the lack of secure areas for parking and charging electric bicycles, as well as regulatory barriers that hinder rather than encourage micromobility. Such regulations disproportionately affect young people (given the minimum age of 14 for bicycle use) or people with reduced mobility.
These barriers are not only technical, but also social in nature. Changing mobility-related behaviours, building trust in new modes of transport, and ensuring the ongoing involvement of citizens remain key challenges for any community-based electromobility initiative.
Starting from these realities, the purpose of the meeting was to introduce participants to key concepts related to community-led initiatives, present inspirational local and national case studies and support them in shaping and co-creating in their teams, their own ideas. The learning environment combined knowledge transfer with hands-on reflection, laying the groundwork for future community mobility initiatives in Romania.
From idea to solution
Currently, six teams from across the country are competing for a €10,000 grant that will support the implementation of a community-based electromobility initiative. The teams come from diverse backgrounds, including academia, homeowners’ associations and their communities, as well as cycling groups representatives. While their ideas differ, they all share a common principle: mobility solutions must be designed around people and their specific local contexts.
In the medium term, initiatives like these can help increase the use of alternative modes of transport, strengthen a sense of belonging and civic responsibility within communities and ultimately reduce dependence on private cars.
Applications for the funding call are open until 15 February and can be submitted by completing the following form
Next Steps: funding, mentorship and local testing
In the coming weeks, project proposals will be submitted and evaluated as part of the funding competition. The selected initiative from Romania will receive financial support, hands-on mentorship and assistance in testing the proposed model within their local community.
The transition to sustainable mobility can begin with dialogue, collaboration and the courage to test new solutions at the local level.
ELCA: Climate Action and Resilience through Nature-Based Solutions
Why Output 3 – Policy Recommendations & Assessment Results – is a Critical Step
Policy Recommendations and Assessment Results form the strategic culmination of the ELCA cycle and mark the transition to political and practical impact. While Output 1 focused on capacity building for local climate protection managers and Output 2 established stable regional structures through the ELCA Community Support Centers for Climate Action, Output 3 translates all accumulated knowledge and discussions into tangible, verifiable, and policy-ready results. This step is also where one of the central priorities of European climate policy comes into play: integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as core instruments of modern local climate governance.
Nature-Based Solutions in ELCA: Why Now and Here?
Nature-Based Solutions are no longer a peripheral topic in European climate policy. They are firmly embedded in key EU strategies and regulations, including the Green Deal, the Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021, the LULUCF Regulation, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy and the Water Resilience Strategy. NBS function as multifunctional climate instruments, simultaneously addressing ecological, social, and economic goals. They are cost-efficient, environmentally compatible, and socially accepted, linking mitigation with adaptation measures. Literature distinguishes three types of NBS: (1) minimal intervention to preserve (semi-)natural ecosystems, (2) sustainable management of multifunctional landscapes, and (3) intensive interventions or newly created artificial ecosystems. In all cases, the focus remains on human benefits. NBS make climate action tangible, connecting environmental transformation with Europe’s ambitious 2050 climate targets. In cities and municipalities, their full potential becomes visible: green roofs, urban forests, restored floodplains, ecological land-, ressource- and water-management, all improve quality of life, enhance biodiversity, they create spaces for community engagement and local economic cycles. The ELCA Community Support Centers act in this context as hubs for information, collaboration and knowledge transfer, connecting administration, science, civil society, and practitioners and facilitating co-creative problem solving.
ELCA Showcases Climate Action Support Centers and Climate Action Plans at Land4Flood 2025 in Romania
In September, the international Land4Flood 2025 conference at Politehnica University Timișoara, brought together participants from across Europe and the USA, including researchers, practitioners, and representatives from municipalities and civil society. Discussions centered on Nature-Based Solutions and the role of private land in flood risk management. The conference was organized by the Support Center for Climate Actions (SCCA-UPT), established under the EUKI ELCA project, and marked the first major international event fully coordinated by the center. UPT’s participation in prestigious events such as EGU 2025, ECCA, IEES, and SGEM, Land4Flood 2025 represented a major milestone in establishing SCCA-UPT as a regional Romanian knowledge and networking hub. Six months before the project’s conclusion, the ELCA consortium presented in the “Empowering Local Climate Action” workshop, jointly organized by ELCA partners GNE (Germany), PIN (Czech Republic), and UPT (Romania) key achievements, including the full operationalization of two Support Centers, the training content of the new ELCA- Climate Protection Manager (CPM) training, and the facilitation of local co-creation sessions with public administrations, regional stakeholders, and educational institutions. The conference also featured the ELCA project approach as a best-practice example for supporting local climate action and highlighted the development of municipal Climate Action Plans (CAPs).
Group photo of the conference consortium in Timișoara, September 2025, featuring ELCA project coordinator Dr. Rares Halbac-Cotoară-Zamfir (front right).
Natural Resilience Resonating Across Europe – Aachen 2025
In October, Aachen became the European hub for the future of Nature-Based Solutions during the LAND4CLIMATE Mid-term Forum, hosted by RWTH Aachen. Again experts, scientists, municipalities, and EU project partners, including ELCA representatives, discussed how to integrate NBS into municipal practice and political decision-making processes. The forum was part of the NBS4EU Cluster initiative, linking seven Horizon Europe projects. In his opening keynote, Professor Erik Andersson (University of Helsinki) emphasized that successful NBS rely on broad collaboration – from urban planning and science to local communities. He also highlighted key gaps, such as insufficient private sector involvement, the lack of prioritization for ecosystem restoration, and technological and institutional hurdles for scaling. Four thematic sessions followed, focusing on evidence and scalability, spatial requirements, funding and policy frameworks, and implementation barriers and solutions. The forum made clear that while NBS are gaining importance across Europe, their real impact depends on stable structures, shared responsibility, and long-term strategies. Full article: LAND4CLIMATE: Natural resilience resonating across Europe (Natural resilience resonating across Europe – People in Need)
The Czech Experience: Recovery After a Tornado and Flash Floods as an Opportunity
The Czech ELCA team presented the municipality of Moravská Nová Ves, struck by a tornado in 2021. In cooperation with the local government, People in Need developed a climate action plan using nature-based measures for both recovery and prevention of future risks. Deputy Mayor Jiří Fila noted: “After the disaster, we didn’t want to simply rebuild what was destroyed – we wanted to create something more resilient.” The project demonstrates how combining biodiversity, community engagement, and impact assessment turns NBS into environmental and social innovations. Roman Klecker from the Hodonín Community Support Center presented specific NBS flood protection projects in Dolní Bojanovice and discussed challenges in implementation. The topic sparked lively exchanges and brainstorming sessions, demonstrating the growing interest in scalable, effective NBS solutions.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions
Evaluating NBS is complex, as ecological, social, and economic factors must be considered simultaneously. Long-term monitoring, replication, and scaling are essential because the effectiveness of NBS evolves over their lifecycle. Optimal results are achieved by expanding successful projects and adapting institutional frameworks, legal regulations, and societal norms. The methodology, derived from the completed EU project OPERANDUM (2018-2022), combines Open-Air Laboratories with numerical models, monitoring systems, climate projections, land use data, socio-economic contexts, and social acceptance. Hazards reduction, co-benefits, risk assessment, cost-benefit analyses, and knowledge transfer are integrated to capture the complex interactions between NBS and climate risks. In this way, it becomes clear how practical experience combined with structured methodologies transforms Nature Based Solutions into reliable instruments that deliver not only ecological benefits but also socio-economic and political value, driving the implementation of resilient and sustainable climate action at both local and regional levels.
Transforming Mobility in our Communities
From a National Webinar to a €10,000 Financing Call
Participants across Romania and from abroad attended the webinar on electromobility, organized by Energy Cities Romania (OER) within the Community Mobility Co-operatives (CoMoCo) project. Through this initiative, the CoMoCo team proposes a clear model: communities no longer need to wait for top-down solutions, they can become co-authors of change.
OER invited Reinhold-Lehel Stadler, an urban planner with over 15 years of experience in sustainable mobility, as a guest speaker to the webinar, showcasing how cities are rethinking their transport priorities based on cost (infrastructure or travel), CO₂ emissions, health impacts and the efficiency of urban space planning. He emphasized that electric cars are most beneficial when powered by renewable energy, while walking, cycling or using e-bikes remain the most efficient travel options.
The meeting’s centrepiece was a funding opportunity of up to €10,000 set to empower a community-driven sustainable mobility initiative in Romania. This is a real, tangible chance for a community to set its own idea in motion: it could be a charging station for electric vehicles at an apartment block, a shared space for storing and charging bikes and e-scooters, a charging station for 1-2 shared vehicles in a residential community (with public access), or a charging station for electric vehicles at the workplace, for employees and the general public. However, these examples are not exhaustive.
From Discussion to Action
The call is addressed to homeowners’ associations, NGOs, civic groups, educational institutions, small entrepreneurs and other local organizations that are already doing something for their community or are ready to start now. We are looking for a group of citizens with a common interest, organized in a legal form. In addition to funding of up to €10,000, we offer support through mentoring and personalized training. We do not only finance equipment, but also the process of local learning and transformation.
The webinar was just the beginning.
In the coming period, OER is preparing several dedicated meetings, as follows:
– Practical workshop in Brașov, on 17 January, 2026
– Training session & Co-creation process for backing project submissions, in 31 January 2026.
Between March and December 2026, OER will provide support for the implementation of the winning initiative.
If, while reading these lines, you are already thinking about your city, neighbourhood or community, you are probably already closer to this initiative than you think, so we look forward to seeing you at the practical workshop on 17 January, 2026.
Climate Bridges Network Meets in Sarajevo
Climate Bridges: connecting regional actors for climate impact
The Climate Bridges Network was created in response to common challenges across the region, including fragmented climate policies, limited institutional coordination, and growing pressure on natural resources and local communities. By fostering cooperation across borders, the network supports civil society organisations in aligning their work with regional and European climate frameworks, including the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.
The network and its activities are coordinated through EUKI project Climate Bridges – Network in Action, led by the Urban Research Institute (URI) as the lead organisation of the consortium, in partnership with CENER 21, CIPRA International, Zelena Istra, and the Center for Climate Change. Through joint campaigns, advocacy tools, capacity-building activities, and the exchange of good practices, the project enables local initiatives to scale up their impact and contribute to more coherent, people-centred climate governance
Two days of collaboration and joint planning
The two-day meeting in Sarajevo brought together both long-standing and newly joined members of the Climate Bridges Network for open discussion and joint planning. The programme was highly interactive, combining plenary sessions, group discussions, and facilitated workshops that encouraged active participation and exchange.
Participants worked together to identify shared climate challenges across the region, including water pollution, energy vulnerability, air quality, and the need for stronger community mobilisation. These discussions showed that many environmental challenges are common across countries and cannot be addressed effectively in isolation.
The meeting also provided space to share experiences from national and local climate initiatives. Network members exchanged lessons learned, practical examples, and challenges faced in their work, helping to build mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation across borders.
A key focus of the event was the development of ideas for future regional and cross-border actions. Participants jointly explored concepts for awareness-raising campaigns, community-based activities, advocacy efforts, and policy-oriented initiatives. In particular, the meeting enabled initial discussions on the next Climate Bridges regional campaign, which will be further developed and implemented during the coming year.
Interactive workshop session – Participants working in small groups on regional climate challenges and joint actions. Photo credit: Climate Bridges Team
Climate Champion Contest 2025
The Sarajevo meeting also provided an opportunity to encourage wider participation in ongoing Climate Bridges activities. In this context, the Climate Champion Contest 2025 by the project allows individuals, civil society organisations, youth groups, educational institutions, and local initiatives across the region to submit their applications, ensuring broader participation and representation from Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans.
Throughout the meeting, emphasis was placed on turning climate strategies into practical action at local level. Discussions consistently highlighted the need to move beyond plans and policy documents and focus on implementation that delivers visible results for communities.
Networking Fair: exchanging ideas and building partnerships
An important part of the Sarajevo meeting was the Networking Fair, which provided participants with a dedicated space to present their work, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
During the fair, organisations showcased their ongoing projects, tools, and initiatives related to climate action, governance, and community engagement. This informal setting allowed participants to engage in direct, one-to-one conversations, learn about each other’s expertise, and identify potential areas for future cooperation, including joint campaigns, project proposals, and cross-border initiatives.
The Networking Fair strengthened connections within the Climate Bridges Network and encouraged new partnerships, reinforcing the network’s role as a platform not only for dialogue, but also for concrete collaboration and joint action.
Networking Fair – Organisations presenting their work and exploring potential collaborations Photo credit: Climate Bridges Team
A clear message: cooperation is essential
The meeting sent a strong and unified message: regional cooperation is no longer optional. Addressing climate change effectively in Southeast and Central Europe requires shared approaches, mutual learning, and sustained collaboration across borders.
By meeting face to face, network members strengthened trust, built new partnerships, and laid the groundwork for coordinated action in the years ahead.
If you’re interested to engage, please contact us at netw...@....com
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