NGO-professional network in climate & energy

The project addresses the fragmented and insufficiently coordinated participation of civil society organisations in climate and energy policy-making in Hungary. Although many environmental organisations, researchers and professional stakeholders possess valuable expertise, they often work independently, have limited resources and respond reactively rather than proactively to policy developments. Smaller and rural organisations face particular difficulties in accessing relevant information, understanding complex national and European Union policies, and participating effectively in advocacy processes. At the local level, climate and energy transition initiatives are frequently treated as technical or municipal planning matters, without adequately involving residents, civil society organisations and vulnerable communities. This limits democratic participation and may undermine the fairness and social acceptance of green transition measures. The Energiaklub also faces internal organisational challenges, including insufficiently structured partnership management, advocacy coordination and knowledge-sharing processes. The project seeks to address these interconnected problems by strengthening civil society cooperation, improving access to policy knowledge, supporting meaningful local participation and developing sustainable organisational capacities for coordinated climate and energy advocacy.

The project aims to strengthen the Energiaklub Policy Institute as a national coordinating, facilitating and knowledge-sharing organisation supporting a fair, democratic and sustainable green transition in Hungary. Over three years, the organisation will establish a regular consultation and cooperation process connecting civil society organisations, researchers, academic institutions and other stakeholders working on climate and energy issues. Through professional forums, workshops and knowledge-sharing activities, participants will identify common policy priorities, exchange expertise, coordinate advocacy efforts and prepare joint policy recommendations and statements. Special attention will be given to involving smaller and rural organisations that have limited access to professional networks and policy-making processes. The project will also support meaningful public participation in municipal climate and energy initiatives, including sustainable energy and climate action plans, building renovation programmes, local heating and cooling strategies, and climate adaptation measures. Alongside these external activities, Energiaklub will improve its internal management, partnership coordination, communication and advocacy procedures, while developing staff competencies. The project will produce practical guidelines, methodological resources and examples of good practices to support long-term cooperation.

By July 2029, the project aims to establish a more coordinated, inclusive and effective climate and energy policy civil society network in Hungary, while strengthening the organisational capacities of Energiaklub. The expected results include at least 12 civil consultation forums, workshops and knowledge-sharing events, involving 30 civil society organisations, communities and professional partners. Participants will jointly develop eight policy documents, including policy briefs, statements and responses to public consultations. The organisation will introduce five internal development tools and workflows to improve partnership management, communication and advocacy coordination. At least five staff members will acquire and apply new skills, while four employees or volunteers will complete capacity-building activities. The project will also document six local participation practices, case studies or methodological elements supporting more inclusive municipal climate and energy planning. The primary beneficiaries are environmental civil society organisations, particularly smaller and rural groups, alongside researchers, experts, municipalities and local communities. Policymakers will benefit from coordinated, evidence-based recommendations, while residents and vulnerable groups will gain better opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their environment and future.