European Climate Initiative (EUKI)

🏔️ New EUKI Article: How to Build Low-Emission Hiking Huts Tourism in the Romanian Carpathians is growing fast — but how can it do so without harming the fragile mountain ecosystem? EUKI project 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝘁𝘀 explored exactly that. Led by the Transylvanian Carpathian Tourists Association (SKV) and the German Alpine Club’s Carpathian Section, the team examined 25 huts across Europe to identify what works best for sustainable mountain hospitality. Their findings show that mountain huts can be both functional and climate-friendly: 💡 Keeping energy use minimal through simple designs and efficient layouts 🔆 Using local or recycled materials, solar panels, and heat pumps to reduce emissions 🧱 Promoting construction methods that are easy to maintain even in remote mountain areas 📘 Developing Guidelines for the Mountain Huts in the Romanian Carpathians — a blueprint for low-carbon mountain tourism The project offers a vision for the future of eco-friendly tourism in the Carpathians — proving that comfort, simplicity, and climate action can go hand in hand. 👉Find out more in the article by Susanne Reiff: https://lnkd.in/dmQSnEYs #SustainableTourism #ClimateAction #Carpathians #EUKI Marcel Sofariu 

💶 EUKI Success Story: EU Funds as a Lever for Climate Action How can EU funding truly drive Europe’s path to climate neutrality? EUKI project 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗨 showed how financial tools under the European Green Deal can become powerful levers for climate action. Civil society organisations deepened their expertise on EU funds, while decision-makers gained awareness of how financing shapes the green transition. Key achievements: 💡 Strengthened CSO expertise on EU funding and climate finance 🤝 Built lasting dialogue with EU institutions and donor-country diplomats ⚖️ Contributed to stricter funding rules and the partial suspension of funds to Hungary and Poland 📚 Produced a study on road investment cost-benefit analyses — still cited in policy debates today The project’s network lives on through a follow-up EUKI initiative, keeping knowledge and impact alive. 📖 https://lnkd.in/dfivyj7s #ClimateAction #EUFunds #GreenTransition #EUKI European Environmental Bureau, CEEweb for Biodiversity, Levegő Munkacsoport (Clean Air Action Group), Focus Eco Center, Green Liberty | Zaļā brīvība , Umanotera, The Slovenian Foundation for Sustainable Development

Read the new EUKI Article: Green Agenda Progress in the Western Balkans 📑🌱 From 7 to 9 October, more than 40 climate actors from across the Western Balkans met in Sarajevo to take stock of the region’s progress on the #GreenAgenda. While climate ambitions are high, the discussions showed that implementation still faces hurdles — from financing and governance to civic engagement and communication. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁: ⚡ Decarbonisation in focus – Government representatives shared how national strategies align with the Green Agenda and adapt to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 🤝 Civil society’s role – Stronger, long-term support for NGOs remains crucial to connect communities with policy and build public trust. 🏙️ Cities driving change – Sarajevo, Podgorica and Elbasan showed how municipalities make climate goals tangible through citizen engagement and Climate City Contracts. 🌍 From projects to partnerships – Participants agreed: progress depends on linking local initiatives to regional frameworks and lasting cooperation. Discover the full article by Malena Rachals 👉https://lnkd.in/dxSx-csh Thank you to all participants and speakers who contributed to the event with their valuable insights and experience! #EUKI #GIZ #WesternBalkans #ClimateAction #NetZeroCities #RegionalCooperation GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, GIZ Albania, GIZ Serbia, GIZ North Macedonia, GIZ Kosovo, CENER 21 - Center for Energy, Environment and Resources, Samir Avdic, Ivana Markovic Boskovic, Teodora Obradovikj Grncharovska, Agim Mazreku, Sinisa Rodic, Eneida Rabdishta, Felicitas Siek, Adna Sovsic Kuresepi, Una Bejtovic, Julia von Viebahn, Levin Kettler, Ajla Ahmetovic, Sadžida Hafizović, Lamija Huseinović

🤝Building a Network for Truthful Climate Reporting Across Europe 🎥 What does it take to strengthen climate journalism — and keep climate action high on the media agenda? Through EUKI project 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, journalists from Germany and Eastern Europe spent several weeks reporting abroad — learning how climate and energy policies play out in different contexts, and how local stories can inspire international understanding. 🌍 Since 2018, more than 70 fellows have taken part, hosted by media outlets such as Denník N, Süddeutsche Zeitung and Radio-Television Slovenia. They built a lasting network of professionals committed to independent, solution-oriented, and cross-border climate reporting. 💬 As fellowship programme manager Clemens Bomsdorf (IJP) reflects, the programme’s goal was simple: to promote independent journalism and give participants the freedom to explore. Many fellows still keep climate topics on their home media’s agenda — a long-term ripple effect of informed and responsible reporting. 📖 Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dgc5v2YW #EUKI #ClimateJournalism #Fellowship #Media #ClimateAction #IJP #TransformingSocieties #CEE #CrossBorderCooperation Susanne Reiff International Journalists' Programmes Clean Energy Wire | CLEW

📘 New Article: Guiding MEPS – A Roadmap for Smarter Renovation Policies 🏗️ How can Central and Eastern European countries design effective Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) to accelerate building renovation? EUKI project 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 has developed a General Guiding Framework for MEPS Introduction — a comprehensive roadmap supporting Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia in aligning renovation policies with EU climate goals. 💡 The framework defines key elements for successful implementation — from country-readiness assessments and design principles to monitoring and evaluation systems — ensuring coherence and measurable results at every stage. Informed by national workshops and stakeholder dialogues across the region, it reflects local realities and strengthens cooperation between policy-makers, municipalities, and experts on the path toward energy-efficient public buildings. 👉 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dc9_JJ4F #EUKI #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingRenovation #MEPS #GreenTransition #REDESIGN #CEE #ClimateAction Regional Energy Agency North (REA Sjever) Energy Policy Group Center for Energy Efficiency EnEffect

🏆 EUKI Success Story: Building Climate Resilience along the Danube 🌿 EUKI project EDAPHIC-BLOOM Danube has strengthened climate adaptation and ecological restoration in the Lower Danube and Delta regions. 📗 Its comprehensive guidelines now support local authorities, regional planners, and research institutions in developing sustainable land-use and restoration strategies. Through workshops and demonstration sites, community groups and farmers are exploring climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity. 🤝 A strong partnership network and a digital energy platform ensure that knowledge and collaboration continue beyond the project’s duration — providing enduring benefits for policy, science, and society. EDAPHIC-BLOOM Danube’s success has already inspired new Horizon Europe initiatives and ongoing efforts in CO₂ reduction and carbon sequestration, contributing to Europe’s long-term climate goals. 🌍 Discover how EUKI projects foster innovation and collaboration across Europe 👉 https://lnkd.in/dfivyj7s #ClimateActionEurope #EcologicalRestoration #SustainableLandUse Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Environment - ICPA Steinbeis Innovation & Management GmbH Hochschule Karlsruhe (HKA) / University of Applied Sciences

🌍 Register now for the EUKI Regional Networking Event for Czech Republic and Slovakia in Prague The EUKI Academy, in collaboration with the Centre for Transport and Energy (CDE), invites climate actors for a full day of dialogue, learning, and collaboration. 📆 13 November 2025 ⏰ 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 📍 Prague, Botanique Hotel This regional networking event will bring together EUKI project representatives, policymakers, and civil society organisations to exchange ideas on advancing climate action and renewable energy across both countries. Participants can look forward to: 🎤 High-level panel discussions on the future of climate and energy policy in Czechia and Slovakia 🌱 EUKI projects showcasing local and regional initiatives 🛠 Interactive workshops on key questions around the green transition 🤝 Networking sessions to strengthen partnerships and foster new collaborations We particularly look forward to welcoming Ondřej Mirovský, Tomas Jungwirth Brezovsky & Jaromir Beranek among our speakers! 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝟭𝟲 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 👉 https://lnkd.in/drcDnZEQ #EUKI #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #CzechRepublic #Slovakia #EUKIAcademy #GreenTransition Luciana Lerho Martin Vallejo Centrum pro dopravu a energetiku Franca Müller

🏔️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟯 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗞𝗜 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘀 The final day of the EUKI Academy conference in Sarajevo took participants out of the conference room — and into the field. 🏭 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁: 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗷 To see how climate goals meet industrial practice, participants visited the Heidelberg Materials cement production facility near Sarajevo. The team on site presented how the company — part of a global group headquartered in Germany — integrates sustainability into its operations, following strict ESG standards. Key insights from the visit included: • The growing share of biomass and alternative fuels used in cement production. • Ongoing efforts to improve waste management and reduce emissions. • A major industry challenge: keeping cement affordable as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) raises CO₂ costs — projected to reach 100% taxation by 2034. 🚍 After an insightful tour and lively discussions, the group returned to Sarajevo for lunch — closing three days of exchange, inspiration, and regional cooperation. A big thank you to all participants for their openness, energy, and ideas on how to advance climate action across the Western Balkans. 📸 Photos by Lamija Huseinović #EUKI #WesternBalkans #ClimateAction #GreenTransition #Sustainability #IndustryTransformation #Sarajevo Heidelberg Materials Bosna i Hercegovina, GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, GIZ Albania, GIZ Serbia, GIZ North Macedonia, CENER 21 - Center for Energy, Environment and Resources, Sadžida Hafizović, Ajla Sijarić, Julia von Viebahn, Levin Kettler, Ajla Ahmetovic, Malena Rachals

✨𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗞𝗜 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘀 How can cities move from planning to real climate action? On the second day of the EUKI Academy networking event in Sarajevo, discussions centred on how local solutions and strong communication can turn the #GreenAgenda into everyday reality. 🌆 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 Moderated by Una Bejtovic, the morning panel brought together Ermelinda Durmishi (Elbasan, Albania), Branka Knezevic (Podgorica, Montenegro), and Semra Fejzibegovic (Sarajevo, BiH) — three cities at the forefront of developing Climate City Contracts. Each shared how local leadership and cooperation can make a difference: 🔹Elbasan builds inclusion through participatory budgeting and open dialogue  🔹Podgorica focuses on ensuring continuity across political cycles 🔹Sarajevo coordinates 17 municipalities to align efforts toward net zero 💬 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 In the afternoon, journalist Alena Besirevic and Malena Rachals from the EUKI team guided participants through an engaging workshop on effective climate communication. Together, they explored how to overcome public mistrust, disinformation, and "doom narratives" by focusing on what truly resonates: 👨👩👧👦 Human stories that people can relate to 📍 Simple, solution-oriented messages ❤️ Narratives that connect to shared values Swipe through for impressions from another day of collaboration, learning, and new perspectives! 📸 Photos by Lamija H. #EUKI #EUKIAcademy #WesternBalkans #ClimateAction #NetZeroCities #RegionalCooperation #Sarajevo GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, GIZ Albania, GIZ Serbia, GIZ North Macedonia, CENER 21 - Center for Energy, Environment and Resources, Sadžida Hafizović, Julia von Viebahn, Levin Kettler, Ajla Ahmetovic

🌿𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗞𝗜 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘀 From early-morning workshops to late-night networking, the EUKI Academy networking event in Sarajevo gathered more than 40 climate actors from across the region to exchange ideas and push the #GreenAgenda forward. 📌 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 CENER 21 kicked off the day with a civil society workshop. Participants discussed how far the Western Balkan countries have come with their NECPs and NDCs — and where major gaps remain, from financing implementation to involving local communities. The session helped identify opportunities for stronger joint advocacy and collaboration. 🎯 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Representatives from Grad Sarajevo - City of Sarajevo and the German Embassy set an encouraging tone, underlining shared responsibility and cooperation as key to advancing climate goals across borders. 🏛️ 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Engaging exchanges between policymakers, regional experts, and EU representatives focused on how to turn political commitments into coordinated, long-term action. The panelists emphasised the need to ensure that energy transition policies deliver real social benefits. They stressed the importance of enhancing cross-sector dialogue to achieve success for the Green Agenda. 🤝 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 After dynamic discussions at the EUKI Project Gallery, the exchange continued during a short city tour — discovering Sarajevo’s energy and history while strengthening professional ties across the region. Swipe through the highlights and stay tuned for Day 2 — focused on climate city contracts and communication! 📢 📸 Photos by Lamija H. & Malena Rachals #EUKI #WesternBalkans #ClimateAction #RegionalCooperation #Sarajevo GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro GIZ Albania GIZ Serbia GIZ North Macedonia GIZ Kosovo Sadžida Hafizović Ivana Markovic Boskovic Una Bejtovic Samir Avdic Teodora Obradovikj Grncharovska Agim Mazreku Sinisa Rodic Eneida Rabdishta Felicitas Siek Adna Sovsic Kuresepi Julia von Viebahn Levin Kettler Ajla Ahmetovic CENER 21 - Center for Energy, Environment and Resources