Leean-Cet Project

15/10/2026

17/07/2026

One process instead of two: a new simplified pathway now connects the European Energy Award and the EU Covenant of Mayors.
Municipalities participating in the European Energy Award can now join the Covenant of Mayors — or fulfil their existing Covenant commitments — directly through the established eea process.
The new CoM–eea Simplified Process integrates the Covenant’s requirements into the regular eea planning, monitoring and auditing cycle. This allows municipalities to work within one coordinated framework instead of maintaining parallel processes and duplicating reporting efforts.
Through the process, municipalities address the three central pillars of the Covenant of Mayors: climate mitigation, adaptation and energy poverty. Existing eea tools and activity programmes can be used to report territorial emissions, assess climate risks and vulnerabilities, and plan concrete actions for reducing emissions, strengthening resilience and supporting a just energy transition.
For LEEAN-CET, this is an important development. The project supports municipalities in Central and Southeast Europe in introducing structured energy and climate management through the eea methodology. The simplified process creates a clearer route for these efforts to connect with the wider European movement of local authorities committed to climate neutrality by 2050.
The first municipalities may already test the new process during the 2026 eea certification cycle, with the ambition of presenting initial examples at the 2026 EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony.

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine | |

02/07/2026

📍 LEEAN-CET partners meet in Freiburg for the 3rd Partner and Steering Committee Meeting
On 1–2 July 2026, the LEEAN-CET consortium gathered at Denkraum Freiburg, Germany, for two days of coordination, planning and exchange on the next steps for supporting municipalities in their clean energy transition.
The meeting opened with a guided visit to the Green District Vauban, offering partners a first-hand look at one of Freiburg’s well-known examples of sustainable urban development. The programme continued with discussions on the European Energy Award in 2026, LIFE-CET policy priorities, project management and reporting, as well as the overall progress of LEEAN-CET towards its milestones and deliverables.
A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of the European Energy Award approach in the pilot countries — Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia and Ukraine. Partners discussed key challenges, potential risks, next steps and the support needed to strengthen local energy and climate governance.
The second day also focused on monitoring, impact, technical and financial reporting, ethics requirements and planning the next joint activities, including upcoming study visits and future partner meetings.
The meeting in Freiburg reaffirmed the shared commitment of the LEEAN-CET partnership to work with municipalities across Central and Southeast Europe — moving from data and planning towards concrete local action for the clean energy transition.

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine |

30/06/2026

The fifth edition of the discussion forum “Mayors Talk”, held on 24–25 June in Gabrovo, brought together local authorities, experts and partners to discuss the delayed processes, financing challenges and practical steps needed to support sustainable local development.
During the discussions, Bulgarian municipalities involved in LEEAN-CET also took part, making it clear that clean energy transition is not only about strategies, targets and funding mechanisms — it is about the daily capacity of municipalities to plan, coordinate and implement real measures on the ground.
At local level, energy efficiency, building renovation, climate adaptation, renewable energy and support for vulnerable households become concrete responsibilities: project preparation, public procurement, investment planning, communication with citizens and long-term management of public assets.
The discussions in Gabrovo also underlined the need for a more predictable framework for municipalities. Local authorities need to be involved early, not only informed after decisions have already been made. They need access to expertise, better coordination and financing instruments that reflect the realities of local implementation.
International examples from Finland, Poland and Sweden further showed that cities can become drivers of climate and energy transformation when they are trusted, prepared and actively included in the process.
Through LEEAN-CET, we continue working with municipalities to strengthen this role — from planning and coordination to concrete actions and investment concepts.

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

29/06/2026

✨ In early June, Sofia hosted Green Transition Forum 6.0 — one of the major international platforms in Central and Eastern Europe for dialogue on Europe’s green, economic and technological transformation.
For the LEEAN-CET project, this is a central message: sustainable energy transition cannot remain only at the level of national strategies and policy documents. It needs to reach local administrations, public buildings, municipal services, investment plans and the everyday decisions that shape the quality of life in our cities and communities.
Throughout the discussions, one topic stood out clearly — decentralisation. Not only as an administrative reform, but as a necessary condition for stronger municipalities, more predictable local energy planning and better preparedness for climate and energy challenges.
Municipalities are where energy efficiency measures, climate adaptation, renewable energy solutions and sustainable urban development become real projects. They are also the level where data, planning, financing and citizen engagement need to come together in a practical and coordinated way.
Through LEEAN-CET, we continue working to support local authorities in building stronger energy and environmental management systems, improving coordination and turning strategic goals into concrete local actions.
Because the green transition only works when it reaches the places where people live — their buildings, neighbourhoods and municipalities.

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

27/02/2026

📅 17 March 2026 | Sofia, Bulgaria
How are Bulgarian municipalities preparing to implement the National Renovation Plan in practice?
will take part in the national conference
“Financing Energy Efficiency: The National Renovation Plan and the Role of Local Authorities”, organised together with ЕкоЕнергия and ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency.
Тhis event focuses specifically on the Bulgarian context - and on the role of local authorities in structuring, financing and delivering building renovation at municipal level.
As Bulgaria moves forward with the implementation of its renovation framework, municipalities will play a decisive role in coordinating investments, strengthening local energy governance and ensuring long-term continuity beyond individual funding cycles.
The conference gathers national institutions, European stakeholders and local authorities to align policy, finance and local capacity.
📍 Grand Hotel Sofia | 9:30 AM
📌 Registration: https://forms.gle/DHFiGXCLhnWde3HG8
More information on the draft agenda:https://www.eneffect.bg/storage/news/1_JgDMtM4d7e.pdf

Renovate Bulgaria | LIFE Programme| EUKI - European Climate Initiative | Reheateast | | | | ComActivate Project | | Smafin Expanded project | | SHEERenov | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency |

25/02/2026

🌱 New training opportunities and practical tools to support the development of energy communities across Europe!
The initiative of the European Energy Communities Facility provides valuable guidance on building sustainable business models, selecting appropriate financing and governance mechanisms, as well as effectively engaging stakeholders and local authorities.
The training is delivered online and is suitable for representatives of public institutions and municipalities, as well as experts and civil society organisations that are planning or already implementing energy projects.
🔗 More information and access to the resources are available here 👉
https://fedarene.org/strengthening-energy-communities…/

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft| Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

🌱 Нови възможности за обучение и практически инструменти в подкрепа на развитието на енергийни общности в Европа!

Инициативата на Европейския фонд за енергийни общности предоставя ценни насоки за изграждане на устойчиви бизнес модели, избор на подходящи механизми за финансиране и управление, както и за ефективно ангажиране на заинтересованите страни и местните власти.

Обучението е онлайн и е подходящо както за представители на публични институции и общини, така и за експерти и граждански организации, които планират или вече реализират енергийни проекти.

🔗 Повече информация и достъп до ресурсите ще откриете тук 👉
https://fedarene.org/strengthening-energy-communities-discover-the-latest-tools-and-insights/

13/02/2026

🌍 Climate neutrality starts in cities.
The EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities supports 100 European cities on their path to climate neutrality by 2030 — turning them into innovation hubs that inspire the entire EU to reach the same goal by 2050.
Through Climate City Contracts, co-created with citizens and local stakeholders, municipalities develop:
✔️ clear roadmaps to climate neutrality
✔️ investment plans across buildings, energy, transport and waste
✔️ integrated, cross-sector decarbonisation frameworks
Cities that successfully complete the process receive the EU Mission Label, strengthening their credibility and improving access to financing.
The platform coordinated by provides expert guidance, financial advisory support and access to innovation opportunities under Horizon Europe.
🔎 How can new municipalities get involved?
Cities can join as a Mission-minded city by registering on the NetZeroCities platform and subscribing to the newsletter to receive updates on:
– open calls
– initiatives and programmes
– funding and partnership opportunities
🔗 More information: https://netzerocities.eu

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

We believe in cities to lead the fight for a healthy climate BACKGROUND Cities are in a prime position to spearhead climate action and develop innovation for the world. Change can be difficult, and contemplating the climate crisis

10/12/2025

📍 9 December 2025 – Study visit in Sofia
Strengthening cross-border collaboration for better local energy planning.
A Romanian delegation from Galați Municipality visited Sofia this week for a knowledge-exchange session focused on energy efficiency in buildings and sustainable urban development. The meeting brought together experts from Sofia Municipality, Sofia Development Association, Sofia Energy Agency Sofena, ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency, and Cleantech Bulgaria.
Key highlights:
• EnEffect introduced methodologies for energy data management and planning, placing the project at the centre of the discussion — supporting local authorities in BG, HR, SI, HU and UA in implementing sustainable energy policies through the European Energy Award framework.
• SOFENA shared results from their long-term cooperation with the municipality, including the first energy community in Sofia – a rooftop PV installation at 2nd Secondary School.
• Cleantech Bulgaria presented innovative financial tools and several successful project examples.

The session concluded with an open conversation on key challenges for Eastern European cities, particularly regarding energy efficiency in residential buildings - an area where continued collaboration will be essential.
💡 Stronger partnerships → better planning → more resilient cities.

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

03/12/2025

🌡️ What does a successful local heat transition look like in practice?
On 10 December at 11:00 CET, Mechelen’s Deputy Mayor Patrick Princen will share how the city is turning planning into action in a short, 30-minute webinar.
For municipalities across Central and Southeast Europe, this is a chance to hear concrete good practices:
• how an integrated heating plan was developed,
• how the first projects were implemented,
• and how Mechelen built a Heat Coalition that brings together the city, businesses, citizens and social organisations.
These insights offer direct inspiration for local governments working on their own heating and cooling strategies within the clean energy transition.
Mr. Princen will also reflect on how the EU can better support cities in phasing out fossil-fuel systems - a timely topic as the new Heating and Cooling Strategy is being prepared.
👉 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzjvxBSNcD2RSZkz3S8XfXY7bQ8CXO8ZlDB4a9l4J3t7C-4g/viewform

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Kft | Eko sustav | Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar - EIHP | Energetska agencija KSSENA | Energieagentur Regio Freiburg GmbH | | | ЕнЕфект / EnEffect, Center for Energy Efficiency | Association Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

Mechelen is showing how cities can lead the heat transition. The city’s approach recently earned it the 2025 Covenant of Mayors Award, recognising its efforts to build a just and collective journey towards fossil-free heating. Join Patrick Princen, Deputy Mayor of Mechelen, for this next 15-15 May...