The Road to Climate Neutrality: Ljubljana's Key Consortium Meeting
In the historic city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, members of the Towards a Climate Neutral EU- Efficient Allocation of EU Funds project assembled for an essential meeting from November 16-18, 2023. As the project nears its conclusion, this key meeting provided a platform for participants to assess their joint progress, celebrate key achievements, and exchange valuable insights gained
The discussions were centred not just on reflecting upon the successes, but more importantly, on identifying strategies to further optimize the allocation and utilization of EU funding in Central and Eastern Europe, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Over the course of the meeting, the consortium engaged in detailed evaluations of the project’s outcomes and challenges. These discussions were crucial in identifying effective strategies and areas requiring further attention. A significant component of the agenda was dedicated to examining the results of the Best Practice Database (BPD), which served as a key resource for gathering and sharing knowledge on leveraging EU funds for environmental initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe.
During the meeting, insightful assessments of the Best Practice Database (BPD) were shared, showcasing the diverse focus areas of the consortium. CAAG presented a comprehensive overview, assessing the BPD in its entirety, while CEEweb for Biodiversity honed in on specific areas, particularly agriculture and biodiversity. These detailed assessments, soon to be available on the project's website, underscored the multifaceted nature of the project. Both presentations shed light on the main recommendations for effectively implementing EU funds nationally, based on exemplary practices. This approach has been pivotal in enhancing strategies and methods for environmental funding across Central and Eastern Europe, ensuring that each area receives focused and expert attention.
A significant focus of the meeting was on strategizing how to sustain and expand the impact of the project. Discussions centred around exploring potential collaborations with major networks, including Climate Action Network (CAN), the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), and Finance Watch. These talks aimed to identify new avenues for partnership and funding, thereby ensuring that the momentum built through the project continues into future initiatives and collaborations.
In conjunction with the consortium's discussions, members participated in a conference organised by Umanotera on public finances for a green and just transition. This parallel event provided valuable insights into the broader context of public financing and its role in climate action, enriching the consortium’s discussions and perspectives.
As the Climate Neutral EU project approaches its conclusion, the consortium is gearing up to leverage its accomplishments and continue its vital work. The focus is now on delivering concrete outputs such as the final assessments of the Best Practice Database, a comprehensive video showcasing the project's journey, and an upcoming meeting with the European Commission to present the project's results. These actions are crucial in maintaining the momentum and ensuring the project's impact resonates beyond its official timeframe. The Ljubljana meeting was a defining moment, setting a clear path for the consortium to keep advocating for and contributing to the EU’s climate goals, thereby advancing the vision of a climate-neutral and resilient European Union.
