Climate action connecting Europe

Context

In 2017, the German Government launched the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) with the aim of improving climate action cooperation within Europe. The European contribution to the Paris Agreement had provided the framework for a joint climate policy within the European Union (EU). The EU has set itself ambitious targets: It aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 compared with the 1990 baseline. The EU has set out a strategic vision in the form of the European Green Deal, while Fit for 55 and REPowerEU provide concrete road maps for the transition to climate-neutral energy systems.

Objective

EUKI is improving climate action cooperation within Europe. It supports organisations in EU member states and the countries of the Western Balkans in implementing EU climate targets and their plans with specific measures.

Approach

EUKI finances climate action projects selected via annual calls for ideas. The projects work to expand use of renewable energies and take steps to improve energy efficiency. In doing so, they support technological progress but also provide education on climate action to children and young people. Since 2017, more than 440 organisations from 31 European countries have already cooperated in 203 EUKI-funded projects.

Over the years, EUKI has established a network of trust connecting climate activists at public, municipal, civil society and education policy level – the EUKI Community. In addition to exchanging expertise, EUKI project members complement and learn from each other.

Through its programme, the EUKI Academy also encourages cooperation and knowledge transfer between the projects, thereby expanding climate action in the target countries. Moreover, many of its events and learning formats are also aimed at people all over Europe with an interest and desire to participate in climate action.

Last update: October 2023