Energy & Climate Change Working Group
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Energy & Climate Change Working Group.
Energy & Climate Change
The main objective of the Energy & Climate Change Working Group is to act as a platform to discuss and share information on energy-related policies and funding programmes, especially looking at the Green Deal and REPowerEU, the Green Industrial Plan, the Hydrogen Valleys, the energy storage and batteries (with reference to S3 Partnership on batteries) and Horizon Europe.
The priority areas also feature climate change issues (such as climate adaptation), nature-based solutions and natural resources. The WG is set to explore links and synergies with other areas in which energy and climate change play central role and cooperate with other ERRIN Working Groups, namely the Transport, Smart Cities, SEFS and S3 Working Groups, as well as the ERRIN Task Forces on climate adaptation and on the New European Bauhaus.
ERRIN Contact
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Transport WG meeting: AI in Transport, implementing the European AI Strategy
On 19 November (15:00–16:00), the Transport Working Group will organise a meeting dedicated to AI in Transport, implementing the European AI Strategy, with a welcome coffee starting at 14:30.
Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund
On 4 November (14:30 – 16:30), the three Working Groups under the Low Carbon Cluster (Energy and Climate Change WG, Transport WG, Smart Cities WG) and the Policy WG will co-organise a meeting
Smart Cities WG Meeting: How to keep up the momentum as a Mission city?
The Smart Cities Working Group is organising an event on the Cities Mission label, on Wednesday 22 October at 14:00 at ERRIN’s premises. Cases studies from Mission cities will be presented. Moreover
WG Related Events
European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026
Between 9 and 11 June, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is organising the 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the EU’s flagship event for clean energy and renewable solutions. EUSEW 2026 will be held under the overarching theme 'A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.
Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: CCRI Policy recommendations in view of the Circular Economy Act
On 12 February 2026, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), is organising an hybrid multi-stakeholder dialogue in view of collecting inputs for the Circular Economy Act which is expected to be published in the third quarter of 2026. During this dialogue, cities and regions will have the unique opportunity to provide their feedback on the policy recommendations the CCRI is proposing for supporting the circular transition locally. The dialogue will focus particularly on circular public procurement, EPR schemes, the revision of End-of-Waste criteria, product-specific recycled content…
The Future of Cities: EU initiatives and Smart Solutions
On 3 February, the Slovenian Business & Research Association will organise The Future of Cities: EU Initiatives and Smart Solutions, an interactive conference in Brussels focusing on how cities can evolve into smarter, more sustainable and connected communities. The event will feature expert presentations, platform demonstrations and discussions on key achievements in smart city development, the role of data and digital technologies in urban transformation, and the opportunities and challenges facing urban areas today.
EU Missions Brokerage Event 2026
NCP4Missions, in cooperation with the European Commission, is organising an online matchmaking event dedicated to the Horizon Europe EU Missions 2026 calls for proposals, taking place on 28-29 January 2026. The event aims to facilitate collaboration and support consortium building for the upcoming calls.
Advancing insurance solutions for climate change adaptation across European regions
The SOTERIA–AHEAD Open Day event brings together leading experts, practitioners, policymakers and local stakeholders to explore how data, behavioural insights and innovative insurance solutions can strengthen climate resilience across Europe. Hosted in the vibrant setting of La Tricoterie in Brussels, the event offers a full day of knowledge exchange, collaborative dialogue and forward‑looking discussions.
Horizon Europe Info Day – WIDERA Work Programme Widening calls 2026-2027
The European Commission, in cooperation with the Research Executive Agency and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, organises an info day to inform interested applicants about the calls under the Destination “Widening participation and spreading excellence” of the WIDERA Work Programme 2026-27 adopted on 11 December 2025. The info day will take place online on January 22 at 09.30 CET.
WG Documents
Shaping the future EU Agenda for Cities – ERRIN’s key messages
As Europe advances its Green Deal and sets its sights on competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, cities, urban areas and metropolitan regions must be at the heart of the transformation. Building on the network’s long-standing expertise and recent input papers, ERRIN contributed to the call for evidence launched by the European Commission on the future EU Agenda for Cities.
ERRIN’s 10 key messages towards the next Multiannual Financial Framework
At this pivotal time for Europe, with the Commission's proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) getting closer, European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) is pleased to provide inputs on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027. Drawing our comprehensive paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme', with insights gathered from the 120 regional ecosystems that ERRIN brings together, ERRIN has put together 10 key messages on the…
Case studies: The role of regions in the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
As part of its work within the NetZeroCities project, ERRIN has developed three case studies showcasing the critical role that regions can play in the EU Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities, using examples from ERRIN member regions. With their climate-related competencies and responsibilities within national governance structures, and role in implementing national policies and facilitating financing, regions are uniquely positioned to support cities in achieving their climate neutrality goals.
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
WG Related Content
Open call for policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week: deadline 22 January
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 Policy Conference invites public authorities, R&I actors, industry and civil society to host interactive 90-minute sessions in Brussels. The deadline for applications is 22 January 2026.
€60 Million European Urban Initiative Call: Key Topics for Innovative Urban Projects Announced
The European Commission has just unveiled further information on the upcoming €60 million call for proposals under the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions, financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Proposals are expected to align with the priorities of the EU Agenda for Cities and address one of the thematic areas defined in the call. The call is expected to open in February 2026, with further details on the submission deadline and evaluation timeline to be confirmed by the Commission.
European Commission launches its first European Affordable Housing Plan
On 16 December, the European Commission presented its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan, setting out a comprehensive framework to improve access to affordable and sustainable housing across Europe. The Plan is highly relevant for local and regional authorities and their R&I stakeholders, who will play a central role in delivering place-based implementation on the ground.
New EU Report highlights the role of culture in driving the green transition
A new European report, Creative Shifts: Empowering Culture for Sustainable Living, sheds light on the growing contribution of the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) to sustainability and climate action across the European Union. The report is the result of work carried out in 2024 and 2025 by the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group on the Green transition of the cultural and creative sectors, bringing together experts from EU Member States under the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026.
ERRIN contributes to the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum on the future of Partnerships under FP10
On 3 December 2025, ERRIN took part in the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum in Brussels, jointly organised by ERA-LEARN and the European Commission. The event brought together the European Partnerships community to discuss the future of Partnerships under the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe FP10 (2028–2034). ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm contributed to the panel discussion 'Shaping Collaboration: European Partnerships under FP10', where she highlighted key messages from a local and regional perspective. In her intervention, she stressed the importance of strengthening regional…
ERRIN Autumn General Meeting 2025: reflecting on a year of policy engagement and shared priorities for the year to come
On 10 December, ERRIN members gathered in Brussels for the network’s Autumn General Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a year marked by network growth, increased policy engagement and evolving EU priorities, while looking ahead to 2026 and the post-2027 R&I landscape. ERRIN warmly thanks Scotland Europa for hosting the meeting and all members for their active engagement throughout 2025, as the network continues to strengthen the role of regional stakeholders in EU research and innovation policy.
Latest Updates
- By Silvia Ghiretti
Open call for policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week: deadline 22 January
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 Policy Conference invites public authorities, R&I actors, industry and civil society to host interactive 90-minute sessions in Brussels. The deadline for applications is 22 January 2026.
- By Maria Bostrom
Contribute to ERRIN amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and Competitiveness Fund regulations
ERRIN will suggest amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and European Competitiveness Fund regulations based on our input documents. ERRIN members are warmly invited to add your comments and suggest additional amendments. We welcome your contributions as soon as possible and at the latest by 23 January as the work on both proposals are moving fast.
- By Paul Brunet
€60 Million European Urban Initiative Call: Key Topics for Innovative Urban Projects Announced
The European Commission has just unveiled further information on the upcoming €60 million call for proposals under the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions, financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Proposals are expected to align with the priorities of the EU Agenda for Cities and address one of the thematic areas defined in the call. The call is expected to open in February 2026, with further details on the submission deadline and evaluation timeline to be confirmed by the Commission.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
Speaker on the challenges of grids in mountain regions - EUSEW 2026
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region is working on a policy session application for EUSEW 2026 dedicated to the energy challenges in mountain regions. As part of our event, we would like to have a specific focus on grids and their issues in the mountain environment. We are looking for a technical representative from regional/local authorities, cluster organisation or university to complete our panel.
- By Angèle Liaigre
PFAS-impacted territories working group: get involved!
Is your region or city actively working on PFAS? Are you interested in sharing experience and promote the voices of local and regional authorities in this debate? Then join a group of like-minded regions and cities actively collaborating at the European level to fight PFAS pollution.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN contributes to the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum on the future of Partnerships under FP10
On 3 December 2025, ERRIN took part in the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum in Brussels, jointly organised by ERA-LEARN and the European Commission. The event brought together the European Partnerships community to discuss the future of Partnerships under the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe FP10 (2028–2034). ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm contributed to the panel discussion 'Shaping Collaboration: European Partnerships under FP10', where she highlighted key messages from a local and regional perspective. In her intervention, she stressed the importance of strengthening regional representation in the governance structures of European Partnerships.