CEESEU-DIGIT - Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Union

Narrative

The CEESEU-DIGIT project is a continuation of the CEESEU project, aimed at developing a new type of regional energy and climate plans (ECAPs) in six target areas of Central and Eastern Europe. The project aims to address the lack of awareness, capacity, and resources of CEE municipalities in developing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) to contribute towards meeting the EU's climate goals. To achieve this, the project will develop training materials for public administrators, engage stakeholders, guide municipalities in financing and implementing SECAP actions, and offer guidance to EU actors on better addressing the unique circumstances of the CEE. The project also pays special attention to vulnerable social groups and those affected by energy poverty, and aims to promote a just energy transition through the dissemination of information and knowledge sharing between partner organizations. One of the main strengths of the CEESEU-DIGIT project is its focus on capacity development and multi-level governance. By training local public administrators and engaging with stakeholders, the project aims to create a more participatory approach to developing SECAPs that considers the specific contexts of CEE communities. Moreover, the project's emphasis on the social aspects of climate sensitivity, particularly on vulnerable social groups and those affected by energy poverty, is a crucial step towards promoting a just energy transition. However, the project may benefit from greater emphasis on innovative and novel financing options to ensure the financial sustainability of fair energy planning and decarbonization efforts. Overall, the CEESEU-DIGIT project is a significant step towards building the capacity of CEE municipalities to contribute towards meeting the EU's climate goals through the development of SECAPs that consider the unique circumstances of the region.

Financial data

Total cost- € 1 503 550 EU Funding -€ 1 503 550 EU contribution percentage- 100%

Recommendations

Develop a holistic approach to ECAPs, considering adaptation, social, and landscape-level planning in addition to mitigation measures.
Foster a bottom-up approach to ensure that vulnerable social groups and those affected by energy poverty are considered in the development of the ECAPs.
Provide training and capacity building for public administrators in the region to develop and implement SECAPs that are tailored to the specific contexts of CEE communities.
Improve engagement between public administrators in the CEE and with the EU.
Guide CEE municipalities in financing and implementing SECAP actions. Offer guidance to the Covenant of Mayors and other EU actors on how to better reach and serve the needs of CEE municipalities in the development and implementation of SECAPs.