The SPARKLE (Sustainable Planning And Resilience Knowledge Learning Environment) Schools programme is welcoming applications to attend 5 upcoming educational, thematic, and in-person events held across 5 EU countries in 2026. The programme is available in two streams: one that offers a stipend to cover the costs of attendance and one that is self-funded.
The 5 events are designed to provide participants with a well-rounded understanding of the SPARKLE pillars: governance, fossil-free districts, community energy, sustainable food and resource-wise economies. All sessions will be held in English with translation to and from the national language available.
The dates, themes, and locations of the SPARKLE Schools programme are as follows:
- 18-19 March 2026 - Community Energy for locally owned renewable energy production (Poreč, Croatia)
- 28-29 April 2026 - Governance of climate and energy transitions pathways – (Guimarães, Portugal)
- 5-6 May 2026 - Resource-wise and socially just local economies (Calenzano, Italy)
- 27-28 May 2026 - Fossil-free districts and buildings (Vilnius, Lithuania)
- 11-12 June 2026 - Sustainable food system and land use policies (Albertville, France)
About the Scholarship and How to Apply
Scholarships are available to support the participation of 25 local and regional authorities (LRAs) by covering travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs up to €1400 per person. Per School session, 10 representatives of 5 LRAs will be chosen to receive the scholarship.
The allotment of the scholarships will be determined by factors such as the quality of the application and the location, size, and scope of the LRA.
To be considered for the programme, prospective applicants will need to:
- Take and complete a free SPARKLE e-learning course on Integrated energy and climate transition planning, and at least one of the Data for a clean energy transition or Transition management courses.
- Fill out an application form
- Submit a Letter of Commitment expanding on your municipality's interest in developing climate and energy plans and participating in the SPARKLE Schools programme.
- Indicate 1 technical representative and 1 political delegate to attend.
The SPARKLE Schools will also accept entry from 10 additional LRAs who are able to join the programme through their own funding.
For more information about the application process and the content of the Schools, Learn more and apply here
Source: SPARKLE
Details
- Publication date
- 14 November 2025
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency