Brussels, March 2026 – As the EU navigates a decisive moment for its energy and climate future, from the upcoming Grids Package to the Energy Governance Regulation and negotiations on the next EU budget, it is becoming increasingly clear that Europe’s energy transition and climate resilience can succeed only if it is effectively delivered where it matters most — in its regions and communities.
Energy affordability, security, and competitiveness can no longer be treated as separate objectives. They form the backbone of Europe’s economic stability and strategic autonomy. And across Europe, over 300 local and regional Energy Agencies are already turning these ambitions into concrete results.
From European ambition to territorial delivery
While European institutions set direction through regulatory frameworks and financing instruments, implementation happens on the ground — where buildings are renovated to protect households from volatile prices, where renewable projects reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, where grids are modernised to integrate decentralised production, and where industries electrify to decarbonise and increase their competitiveness at the global scale.
Local and regional Energy Agencies are the operational backbone of this transformation. They translate European legislation into bankable projects, structure and facilitate investment pipelines, and ensure that funding instruments reach municipalities, SMEs and citizens.
Place-based solutions for a competitive Europe
This is the focus of Sustainable Regions in Action 2026, FEDARENE’s flagship publication showcasing how place-based energy action strengthens Europe’s resilience and industrial future.
With over 90 members across 25 countries, FEDARENE brings together the Energy Agencies and regional authorities that operate daily at the interface between policy and projects. They understand how to accelerate delivery, what creates bottlenecks and how European frameworks can be improved to best support territorial realities.
As Europe debates the future of its energy and climate legislation and prepares the next EU budget, their expertise is essential.
“Energy independence is built project by project, region by region, community by community. European frameworks provide direction, but delivery happens in territories. If we want affordability, security and competitiveness, we must empower the actors who implement the transition every day.”
Julije Domac, President of FEDARENE
What’s inside Sustainable Regions in Action 2026?
✔ Real-world examples of place-based energy transition in action
✔ Concrete contributions to affordability, security and industrial competitiveness
✔ Replicable, scalable models and investment-ready solutions
✔ Insights from the agencies translating EU policy into tangible results
At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressure, Europe’s Green Deal is also a Freedom Deal — strengthening sovereignty through clean, affordable and locally produced energy.
The responsibility to deliver is collective. The expertise already exists. The work is already happening.
