Energy Transformation Debate in CEE

The project builds on the previous project “Accelerating the CEE Energy Transformation and Learning from the German Experience” that targeted the same countries. It is aware that ambitious climate policies have been traditionally challenging to implement in CEE countries, as the low-carbon transition is mostly discussed as a problem rather than an opportunity. Thus, the Just Transition approach offers a positive change to the narrative, cutting across the “climate vs. jobs” divide by stressing that the low-carbon transition needs to be just and fair for affected workers and regions. The approach has already shown positive effects in CEE countries.

There is a growing pro-transformation movement, evidenced by the targeted activity of civil society, initial shifts in the public debate regarding climate and energy, and local stakeholders calling for a Just Transition. It is relevant to further mobilise government officials, mayors, academics, businesses, and local stakeholders to foster ambitious climate policy as the EU’s climate and energy targets cannot be reached without support by CEE.

The project contributed to more ambitious and effective climate and energy policies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), focusing on Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, and Hungary. It encouraged climate-progressive voices to raise awareness on the socio-economic benefits of the energy transformation. It provided strategic support to local stakeholders, thus supporting them in making their voices heard by decision-makers and in carrying out direct advocacy with EU institutions. By creating a space for communication, the project opened the narrative to different perspectives and created an environment for policy change.

It consisted of communication, advocacy, and networking actions. Thus, three work packages were implemented over a period of 1.5 years: first, a communication campaign to target decision-makers, second, joint advocacy work to influence policies, and third, joint activities to support CEE stakeholders in networking and mutual learning. Publications provided political analysis and practical guidelines on implementing the energy transformation and Just Transition as well as meetings in coal regions, workshops for energy transformation stakeholders in target countries, international networking events, and web seminars.

• Strengthened policy dialogue: 23 studies and position papers, targeted media engagement and 60 events with more than 200 policy makers did much to strengthen policy dialogue. The project team actively contributed its expertise to the development of national recovery and resilience plans, supplementing them with a more inclusive and climate-friendly perspective.
• Stronger alliances, greater participation: Through cooperation with major European networks such as the Climate Action Network (CAN) and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), as well as with national actors, alliances were consolidated, lock-ins and harmful investments were identified, and civil society involvement at various levels was enhanced.
• Advancing the coal phase-out: The project team crucially influenced the public debate in the project countries. For example, it contributed to Romania announcing its coal phase-out by 2032, Bulgaria establishing a coal commission, and Poland reaching a historic agreement on phasing out coal by 2049.