EVENT – The pathway to 1.5 °C: climate and energy planning in Central and Eastern Europe

Wednesday, 28th of February 2024, 9:30-16:30

Ljubljana, Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (Maistrova 3, 1000 Ljubljana) and online (Zoom web app – link will be sent after registration)

National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) will fundamentally shape the direction of development of EU countries and are an important opportunity to improve climate and energy action by 2030. A just green transition and climate neutrality cannot be achieved without thorough planning and meaningful public participation. In this regard, NECPs are a central strategic tool, as they identify key reforms at national level to achieve climate and energy targets and mobilise key investments. 

The current draft plans still have important shortcomings. Several countries do not even meet the EU’s minimum climate and energy requirements by 2030, and the EU’s overall ambitions are also not in line with the Paris Agreement commitments and do not adequately protect the population from the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. In addition, the lack of comprehensive and transparent public involvement in the process of revision of the NECPs is also worrying.

But there is still an opportunity to make the NECPs better. Member States have until the end of June 2024 to submit the final versions of their revised NECPs to the European Commission, which brings opportunities to strengthen objectives, improve actions and involve the public in a more transparent and meaningful way. 

To this end (within the TogetherFor1.5 project), environmental organisation Focus, together with the project partners (Climate Action Network Europe, DOOR, CDE, MTVSZ and Za Zemiata), are organising a full-day international conference (The Pathway to 1.5°C: Climate and Energy Planning in Central and Eastern Europe), through which we will address key topics related to climate and energy planning and more ambitious action in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. 

The first session of the conference will highlight the current state of ambition, key challenges and opportunities in the process of the revision of the NECPs with focus on the CEE region, followed by a session presenting the current state of play, recommendations and good practices for meaningful and transparent public engagement. The last session will present good measures developed in the framework of the NECPs revision process and inspiring climate and energy actions already implemented. The conference will conclude with a roundtable discussion where representatives of NGOs and ministries will discuss the need to strengthen climate action and the social and financial benefits of well-designed ambitious measures.

The event is aimed at decision-makers working in the field of climate and energy governance, NGOs, professional organisations and the interested public.

The conference will be held in a hybrid format with simultaneous interpretation (SLO, ENG). The number of in person attendees is limited. Participation in the conference is free of charge. Lunch will be provided during the conference.