Multi-Level Governance for sustainable energy in European regions and cities: insights from the EU-funded project COOPENERGY

A polycentric, multi-scale, climate governance framework is developing in absence of a credible global agreement. In this context regional and local authorities worldwide are increasingly engaged to contribute to climate mitigation. Local climate action is particularly evident in Europe, where regional and local authorities are designing, implementing and monitoring sustainable energy policies, projects and actions often in a cooperative way. Data from the EU-funded project COOPENERGY show that cooperation initiatives in Europe involving regional and local authorities on sustainable energy are characterized by strengths and weaknesses. Political commitment emerges as a major driver for successful cooperation, while lack of funding is recognized as a major barrier.