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
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members
ERRIN is organising its 'Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members', taking place in person in Brussels on 21 October 2025 from 9:00 to 12:00.The event is organised by ERRIN's
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Net-Zero Industry Act: Implementation and Opportunities
In the context of the EU Green Deal and the new Clean Industrial Deal, the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) is a key EU initiative that aims to strengthen Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing
Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?
After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission published in March 2025 the Union of Skills communication as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This
Regional Innovation Valleys: lessons learned and next calls
This joint Policy and Smart Specialisation Working Group meeting will focus on two upcoming calls for proposals on ‘Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys’
WG Related Events
ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members
ERRIN is organising its 'Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members', taking place in person in Brussels on 21 October 2025 from 9:00 to 12:00. More information, call for regional examples and registration will be available in September. Please save the date.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, which will take place in person on 10 October from 10:00-11:30. The event will offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, alongside a chance for networking. New network members and staff are particularly encouraged to join!
Save the date: EU Hydrogen Week 2025
The European Hydrogen Week 2025 will take place from 29 September to 3 October at The Square in Brussels, both in person and online. The event will feature a high-level policy conference as well as a series of impactful sessions and side events focused on the key aspects of hydrogen development.
Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2025 - registration open
The first Annual Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument Forum will take place in Brussels on 24-25 September 2025. Policymakers, regional authorities, and innovation leaders will gather to discuss the impact of the I3 Instrument, share best practices, and foster collaboration. Registration is now open - express your interest in attending by 4 September.
Save the date: European Research and Innovation Days 2025
Save the date for the European Research & Innovation (R&I) Days 2025, taking place 16-19 September in Brussels. The European Commission’s flagship research and innovation event will bring together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and innovation experts to discuss how research and innovation drive Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and industrial leadership.
Online Info Session: Project Development Assistance for Hydrogen Valleys
An online information session will be held on 18 July to guide applicants through the Project Development Assistance (PDA) programme that will support Hydrogen Valleys in the EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries.
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
Project Development Assistance for Hydrogen Valleys: Apply by 19 September
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is offering tailored Project Development Assistance (PDA) to help Hydrogen Valleys advance toward investment readiness. Two support tracks are available. Apply by 19 September 2025.
Net-Zero Industry Act – Key updates and open opportunities
The Energy and Climate Change Working Group hosted a webinar on the Net-Zero Industry Act, focusing on its implementation, skills development and regional opportunities. The session featured updates from DG GROW and DG EMPL, as well as a regional case study from Lusatia, Germany – Europe’s first applicant for a Net-Zero Acceleration Valley.
Have Your Say on the European Innovation Act: Call for Evidence & Public Consultation now open
The European Commission has launched both a Call for Evidence and a Public Consultation for the forthcoming European Innovation Act, a flagship initiative aiming to address the key challenges faced by all innovative companies in the EU in order to close the innovation gap between the EU and its global competitors. The feedback period is now open and will run from 8 July to 3 October 2025. ERRIN encourages all members to engage with this important initiative and submit your views through the Commission’s Have Your Say portal.
Funding opportunity: Accelerating climate-neutral and resilient cities with DUT call 2025
The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership will launch its DUT Call 2025 on 1 September, supporting projects that foster innovation across three critical urban themes: the 15-minute City, Circular Urban Economies and Positive Energy Districts.
Medrar Innovation Office is looking to join a consortium under HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-MATERIALS-52: "Accelerate the uptake of life-cycle assessment (LCA) for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials and resulting products"
Medrar Innovation Office is seeking to join a consortium proposal under the Horizon Europe programme in response to the call HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-MATERIALS-52: "Accelerate the uptake of life-cycle assessment (LCA) for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials and resulting products" (RIA).
Apply to the Cities Mission Twinning Learning Programme
NetZeroCities, in which ERRIN is a partner, has launched a new call for applications for the Cities Mission Twinning Learning Programme. The Programme offers a unique opportunity for cities to engage in structured peer-learning with leading Mission Cities. Applications will be accepted until 12 September 2025.
Latest Updates
- By Paul Brunet
ERRIN Smart Cities Working Group study visit: Medium-sized cities leading transformative change
On 12 June, the Smart Cities Working Group took a half-day trip to Mechelen – a medium-sized city in the heart of Flanders. This visit offered a tangible demonstration of how medium-sized cities can lead transformative change. The city’s approach to active mobility, water management and urban biodiversity illustrates how ecological measures can go hand-in-hand with enhancing social cohesion
- By Ana Nava
Join the Cities Mission Online Discussion Groups
NetZeroCities, where ERRIN contributes to citizen and stakeholder engagement, invites expressions of interest from cities across Europe to join the Cities Mission Online Discussion Groups designed to accelerate local climate action through structured peer learning and expert guidance.
- By Ana Nava
NetZeroCities launches its first online course for all Cities – ‘Design Your City’s Net Zero Strategy’
NetZeroCities, in which ERRIN is a partner, has launched its first online course open to all Cities: ‘Design your City’s Net Zero Strategy: Online Planning Lab.’ The course, relevant for cities who are ready to accelerate climate action, will officially begin on 16 September 2025, and registrations are now open.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN in conversation with Commissioner Zaharieva on strengthening regional R&I ecosystems
Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.
- By Inès Moualil
Pathways2Resilience Second Call for funding open until 20 August
There is still time to apply for funding and support through the Second Open Call of the Pathways2Resilience (P2R) programme. With €21 million in sub-grants available across two open calls, the programme supports over 100 European regions and communities in co-designing locally led pathways to a climate-resilient future. This call presents a significant opportunity for local and regional public authorities to access both financial and technical support to advance your adaptation efforts – whether you are just starting or aiming to deepen your resilience efforts. Join the upcoming info sessions to learn more about the project's objectives and support.
- By Paul Brunet
Speeding up decarbonisation: public consultation on the future Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act
The European Commission have opened a public consultation on the upcoming Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act. The consultation aims to gather input from stakeholders and inform the further development of the Regulation. The deadline to contribute is 8 July 2025.