On 10 February 2026, over 70 (and 50 online) local and regional authorities, practitioners and experts from across Europe gathered in Brussels for “Learn, Plan, Act: Building Local Capacities to Deliver Integrated Energy and Climate Plans”, the closing event of the IN-PLAN and PLAN4CET LIFE-CET projects.
With strong participation both onsite and online, the conference brought together a diverse community of professionals working at the local and regional levels. Participants represented municipalities, regional entities, energy and climate agencies, research institutions and support organisations, creating a dynamic space for exchange, learning and collaboration around integrated energy and climate planning.
Bringing together success stories from pilot regions, a European governance perspective, interactive World Café discussions and a panel discussion, the event demonstrated how two LIFE-CET projects, one shared vision, and strong cooperation can turn climate and energy ambition into concrete local action.
Two Projects, One Shared Mission
The morning session was opened and moderated by Roberta d’Angiolella, Senior Communication Expert at IEECP, who set the tone for an open, structured and forward-looking exchange.
Simona Trsinar, IN-PLAN Coordinator from REGEA, presented the project’s approach to integrating energy and climate objectives into spatial and urban planning. Simona highlighted how IN-PLAN supports municipalities through a practical methodology, capacity-building activities and concrete tools, helping local authorities align development strategies with long-term climate goals and available resources.
The floor then moved to Maider Arregui Osés, Coordinator of PLAN4CET from the Government of Navarra, who presented the project’s focus on governance, implementation capacity and long-term delivery. Maider illustrated how PLAN4CET strengthens institutional structures through dedicated roles, regional support mechanisms and a practical toolbox, enabling municipalities to turn plans into action.
Concluding her intervention, Maider reflected on the key challenges faced by both projects during their implementation. These included engaging political leaders in capacity-building activities, financially supporting municipalities throughout delivery, harmonising monitoring data across institutions, designing participatory processes that lead to real outcomes, and building trust through transparent and effective communication. These reflections provided a strong foundation for the discussions that followed during the day.
A European Perspective on Climate Governance
The morning continued with a keynote speech by Guus Van de Schouw, DG ENER – European Commission, entitled “Governance Regulation: Fit for New Challenges and Opportunities”. His presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the EU’s climate and energy governance framework and its role in supporting the objectives of the European Green Deal, Fit for 55 and REPowerEU. National Energy and Climate Plans were highlighted as central tools for coordinating action through a “Plan, Report, Monitor” cycle.
Guus outlined the progress made towards the 2030 targets, with declining emissions, growing renewable energy deployment and improved energy security. At the same time, he pointed to remaining challenges, particularly in energy efficiency, infrastructure development, financing and coordination. Looking ahead, he presented the EU’s vision towards 2040, centred on deep electrification, clean power dominance, smart grids and empowered consumers. He stressed the importance of turning climate plans into concrete investment tools and mobilising private finance to accelerate implementation.
The keynote also emphasised the role of public participation and multilevel dialogue, encouraging stronger involvement of local and regional actors in shaping future policies, including through the ongoing revision of the Governance Regulation.
Sharing Ideas Through the World Café
A key moment was the interactive World Café session, which encouraged open dialogue and peer exchange among participants. Seated at thematic tables, participants rotated between discussions, shared experiences and jointly explored practical solutions to common challenges faced by local and regional authorities.
Six thematic tables structured the exchange, focusing on SECAP support to municipalities, governance, capacity-building, integrated planning, engagement of citizens and policymakers.
The World Café format created a dynamic and collaborative environment, allowing participants to learn from each other’s successes and difficulties.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining and Scaling Local Action
The final session of the day featured a panel discussion moderated by Jérémy Cléro, Energy Expert at IEECP, and Sara Picone, Project Manager at AESS. The panel brought together Enara Rabina del Rio, Mayor of Bidaurreta, Giovanni Vicentini from the Comune di Padova, Goran Gustavsson from Energikontor Syd, Leea Mihailă from ABMEE/OER and Miljenko Sedlar from REGEA. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds, the speakers shared practical insights into the realities of implementing climate and energy policies at the municipal and regional levels.
From the left, Yael Lorea Iriguibel (NASUVINSA), Enara Rabina del Rio (Mayor of Bidaurreta), Giovanni Vicentini (Comune di Padova), Sara Picone (AESS), Goran Gustavsson (Energikontor Syd), Leea Mihaila (OER), Miljenko Sedlar (REGEA), and Jérémy Cléro (IEECP)
Discussions focused on the need to better integrate existing plans, strengthen cooperation with energy operators, and improve access to technical and financial support. Panelists highlighted the importance of intermunicipal cooperation, resilient governance structures and long-term capacity building to ensure continuity beyond political cycles.
The exchange also underlined that simplifying procedures, improving data access and reinforcing links between planning and financing are essential to scale up local action. Overall, the panel reinforced the message that strong partnerships, stable frameworks and sustained European cooperation are key to turning local initiatives into long-lasting climate solutions.
Thank You and Acknowledgements
The success of “Learn, Plan, Act” was made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of the IN-PLAN and PLAN4CET consortia, whose teams worked tirelessly to organise an inspiring and impactful event.
We warmly thank all speakers for sharing their expertise and experiences, and all participants for their active engagement, openness and constructive spirit throughout the day. Your contributions reaffirm that collaboration, mutual learning and European solidarity remain at the heart of an effective and just energy transition.
