Over the past three and a half decades, FEDARENE has played a key role in turning a simple but powerful ambition into reality: enabling regions and local actors to lead Europe’s energy transition through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and concrete projects. What began as the initiative of six regions has grown into a community of more than 90 members across 25 countries, representing one of the strongest regional voices for sustainable energy in and climate action Europe.
A Shared Vision in 1990
FEDARENE’s story began on 8 June 1990, when six regions in France, Belgium, and Spain — Aquitaine, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Rhône-Alpes, Wallonia, and the Basque Country — joined forces. Faced with oil crises, growing environmental concerns, and a new wave of decentralisation giving more power to regions, they recognised that Europe needed better than national policies: it needed a direct link to on-the-ground local and regional experts to make the energy transition a reality.
By signing a partnership protocol, they created FEDARENE with a clear mission: to support cooperation between regions, exchange know-how, and champion renewable energy and efficiency across Europe.
“Above all, I met pioneers-visionaries who were constantly innovating and devising solutions that are now commonplace.”
— Jean-Louis Joseph, Former Vice-President of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region & Former President of FEDARENE (2008–2012)
Growing with Europe
The 1990s were a decisive decade. Oil crises had sparked discussions on energy security, and the EU encouraged the development of local and regional energy strategies. It soon became clear that permanent structures were needed to implement them on the ground.
That’s when programmes like PERU (Plans Énergétiques Régionaux et Urbains) and SAVE I & II stepped in, supporting the creation of more than 200 local and regional energy agencies in just 10 years — and generating around 1,000 jobs in the agencies alone. FEDARENE was at the heart of this wave: spreading the word, guiding local actors through application processes, advising on organisational set-ups, and connecting partners across borders.
In 2002, the European Commission launched ManagEnergy to further strengthen these new agencies. From the start, FEDARENE played an active role in shaping, coordinating, and delivering the programme — a role it continues today, helping agencies build capacity through training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Giving Local Voices a Place in Brussels
Over the decades, FEDARENE has grown into a trusted interlocutor between local actors and European institutions. Its advocacy efforts ensure that regional realities are not overlooked in EU policymaking.
One historic achievement came in 2023, when the revised Energy Efficiency Directive recognised — for the first time — the essential role of Regional and Local Energy Agencies in implementing EU legislation.
“FEDARENE has enabled us to have a presence in European debates, while promoting the need for regional work in the face of the centralism of the Member States.”
— Juanjo Escobar Sànchez, Former Head of Division at the ICAEN Agency in Catalonia
FEDARENE is also part of the consortium running the European Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, which now counts over 10,000 signatories. Many FEDARENE members act as regional supporters, helping municipalities design action plans, access funding, and turn commitments into tangible results.
35 Years of Projects and Partnerships
With more than 90 European projects supported over the years, FEDARENE has proven to be not just a network, but a driver of impact. Projects have boosted cross-border cooperation, supported innovative financing, enabled the rise of one-stop shops, and brought together regions to share lessons on everything from hydrogen to energy communities.
Through working groups, conferences, study tours, and capacity-building, the network has built bridges between actors who might never have met otherwise. Today, FEDARENE unites members from 24 countries — proof that interregional collaboration is a cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition.
FEDARENE Today and Tomorrow
In May 2025, members and partners gathered in Brussels to celebrate FEDARENE’s 35th anniversary. More than a commemoration, the event reaffirmed the network’s identity as a community of people working side by side for climate neutrality.
From the energy shocks of the 1990s to the crisis triggered by the invasion of Ukraine, FEDARENE has adapted and thrived alongside Europe’s evolving challenges. Today, it continues to represent Regions and Energy Agencies at EU level, strengthen multi-level governance, and expand cooperation in fields ranging from industrial decarbonisation to circular economy, digitalisation, and energy sufficiency.
As the network looks ahead, one thing remains constant: the belief that the energy transition is powered not just by technology or policy, but by people working together across borders.
“FEDARENE is not just an organisation or an office in Brussels — it is a living network, composed of people, ideas, innovations, and countless hours dedicated to a shared mission. It is not just about projects, policies, and strategies; it is about the people who bring them to life, the collaborations that emerge, and the friendships that form along the way.”
— Julije Domac, President of FEDARENE
🎥 Watch the video highlighting 35 years of FEDARENE’s journey.
