budget policy | EU budget | project management | energy policy | energy transition | multiannual financial framework | EU financing
Thursday 12 February 2026, 11:00 - 12:30 (CET)
Online only
Live streaming available

Programme

12 Feb 2026, 11:00 - 11:05 (CET)
Introduction and welcome
Diana Bosfy (FEDARENE)
11:05 - 11:10 (CET)
Introduction to Prospect Cube
Giulia Pizzini (IEECP)
11:10 - 11:30 (CET)
The next EU budget at a glance: What’s on the table? Why does it matter for or regional and local authorities ?
Mélanie Bourgeois (Energy Cities)
- Will include a 5-minute Q&A
11:30 - 11:45 (CET)
Focus on the European Competitiveness Fund: An opportunity to finance local sustainable energy actions?
Mickaël Bianchin (FEDARENE)
- Includes a 5-minute Q&A
11:45 - 12:20 (CET)
Breakout rooms (in French and English)
Topic: How could this new structure of the EU budget land in my country to better finance local and regional sustainable energy actions?
12:20 - 12:30 (CET)
Conclusion
Diana Bosfy (FEDARENE)

Practical information

When: Thursday 12 February 2026, 11:00 - 12:30 (CET)
Where: Online only
Livestream: Starts on Thursday 12 February 2026, 11:00 (CET)
Languages: English, French
Organisers: Prospect Cube
Website: Registration

Description

On 12 February 2026, local and regional stakeholders are invited to join an online discussion on the future of EU funding for sustainable energy under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The webinar will take place from 11:00 to 12:30 (CET) and will focus on how the proposed EU budget could shape local energy action over the next decade.

This webinar, organised within the PROSPECT CUBE project, will unpack what is at stake for local and regional governments as negotiations on the next MFF unfold. Speakers from FEDARENE, IEECP, and Energy Cities will provide insights into the proposed budget architecture and discuss how it could support or hinder local sustainable energy actions.

Participants will also have the opportunity to join breakout discussions in English and French to reflect on how the new EU budget structure could translate at the national and regional levels. The session aims to foster exchange, clarify uncertainties, and help stakeholders collectively shape the future of EU funding for the local energy transition.

Registration is open, and all interested local and regional actors are warmly invited to take part.

Background

In July, the European Commission presented its proposal for the next long-term EU budget covering the period 2028–2034, amounting to nearly €2 trillion. The MFF sets the strategic direction of EU action and determines the structure of programmes, including Cohesion Policy funds, the Just Transition Fund, LIFE, Horizon Europe, INTERREG, and more.

The proposal introduces major changes to the way EU funding could be organised and accessed. Included is the creation of National and Regional Partnership Plans, inspired by the Recovery and Resilience Plans, bringing together cohesion, agriculture, social and home affairs policies.

Another key proposal is the European Competitiveness Fund, which places a strong emphasis on clean energy and industrial transformation. At the same time, the Commission aims to simplify funding structures by reducing the number of programmes and introducing climate and social targets across the entire EU budget.

This webinar will address and discuss what these reforms mean for cities and regions pursuing the energy transition.

Source: Prospect Cube