On 30 September 2025, more than 1,600 people took part in a high-level conference under the heading Climate action that works for you: an agenda for competitiveness, prosperity and resilience.
The event gathered policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to reflect on current climate policies and to further boost learning and cooperation for increased impact. With President von der Leyen and Commissioner Hoekstra among the speakers from the Commission side, the day offered a moment of reflection and discussion on the future of climate action.
The event came at a significant juncture: ten years after the Paris Agreement, six years into the European Green Deal, and at the eve of adoption of the EU’s 2040 climate target. It was designed to take stock of the progress made so far by businesses, governments and communities across Europe, and deepen the link between climate action, economic competitiveness, and societal resilience.
With around 40 speakers, 12 exhibitors presenting EU initiatives on climate action, and opportunities for all participants to join the discussion, the event provided rich insights into stakeholders’ views on climate policy and action across all sectors of society. The inputs, summarised in key takeaways below, will feed into the further development of EU climate policy and continued exchanges with all stakeholders.
Climate action at the core of Europe’s response to new challenges
“Soon, the world will gather for COP30. Our message will be clear: Europe is staying the course. But to deliver on that, we need all of you. Together, we will make Europe not only the first climate-neutral continent, but also the most competitive, prosperous, and secure.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission
Speakers throughout the day underlined that net zero transition and climate action are much more than ecological imperatives – they are also sources of competitiveness, energy independence and sovereignty in today’s challenging – even hostile – economic and geopolitical context.
The industrial competitiveness and modernisation associated with the clean transition, and Europe’s positioning in the global economy, were also among the most frequent themes in the questions from the participants during the event, prompting the speakers to react to issues such as how the EU can help ensure fair competition in clean technologies, avoid supply chain dependencies, or adapt its climate diplomacy approaches to new geopolitical realities.
Clear policy signals and the right conditions for the transition
Speakers underlined the importance of clear, predictable and stable policy frameworks to support the transition. Businesses and public bodies across the EU have embarked on the journey but need regulatory certainty and investment security to plan for the long term and direct efforts to where they matter the most.
Some participants expressed concerns about the perceived wavering of the EU’s climate ambition, while others stressed the importance of pursuing long-term goals while easing the transition for those who face challenges. Finding the right balance between simplification and clear regulation is crucial.
“We stay the course on climate targets, whilst we welcome ways to make the proposal [for the EU’s 2040 emissions reduction target] work better. We need to make sure that climate solutions become more favourable, attractive and cost-effective.”
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
Many also noted that the net-zero transition is advancing, but unevenly across Member States, regions and sectors. Policies need to be clearly communicated, and consider the diverse economic and social circumstances that can either unlock opportunities or hinder progress. Pragmatism will need to guide implementation, making use of local expertise and creativity, and leaving no-one behind.
“If you look around, there is a different pace in each Member State. (…) It is not one-size-fits-all.”
Danuše Nerudová, Member of the European Parliament, European People’s Party (EPP)
Europe’s clean tech future depends on clear rules, smart investments, citizen buy-in, and strong collaboration across countries and industries. Key enablers to accelerate the clean transition include easier access to funding, infrastructure development, electricity market reform, faster permitting, and support for scaling up technologies like hydrogen and green steel.
Concrete examples – from heat pump adoption in Czechia to large-scale clean steel investments in Sweden – illustrated how the right mix of supportive conditions helps make the benefits of the transition felt by citizens and businesses alike.
Collaboration across Member States, supply chains and between large and small enterprises was also seen as vital to spread successful models and innovation pockets beyond national borders.
Aligning investment and economic incentives with climate goals
When asked how we can best accelerate towards a net-zero economy, participants prioritised mobilising investment aligned with climate goals (57%) and securing affordable clean energy (44%).
Access to affordable capital emerged as a cross-cutting priority to unlock decarbonisation investments and ensure EU competitiveness. Predictable funding and innovative financing mechanisms to derisk investments are important to help bridge cost gaps and scale up technologies like green hydrogen and low-carbon steel.
Speakers noted that energy prices remain a concern for both industry and consumers. Completing the reform of the energy market and improving energy efficiency are needed to counter high energy bills and help industries keep cost-efficient manufacturing in Europe.
EU policies and regulation also play a role in supporting the emergence of stable lead markets and market signals that help reinforce industrial and consumer demand for clean products, for example through demand-pull instruments like harmonised standards or public procurement criteria.
“SMEs are the backbone of Europe’s economy, we need to also focus on them, not only on the big players. Let’s help them see sustainability not as a burden but as an opportunity.”
Nađa Dizdarević, CEO and Co-Founder, Coolect
Factoring in climate risks and building resilience
“It has become clear that climate volatility has stopped being an abstract theoretical concern and has become a business reality.”
Erika Blanckaert, Senior Public Affairs Manager – Head of Sustainability, Invest Europe
Europe is already hit hard by the impacts of climate change, and the risks are projected to increase. Prioritising climate resilience by design and anticipating risks is crucial to keep citizens and communities safe and help Europe’s economy stay robust and competitive in the longer term. In terms of macro-economics, it also makes more sense to invest in prevention than pay for recovery.
When asked how we can best accelerate towards a climate-resilient society, protecting and restoring nature (57%) emerged as the top priority for participants.
Speakers highlighted that climate risks are becoming an integral part of decision-making for companies, financial institutions, and public authorities, as evidenced for example by a doubling in the number of businesses opting for natural catastrophe insurance in the past year.
Financial institutions play a key role in directing capital to future-proof public and private investments. A strategic approach to climate resilience can also drive innovation and growth as the ecosystem of enabling products and services expands – with opportunities in areas like resilient infrastructure, adaptive agriculture, or advanced water management.
“Kicking the can down the road, procrastinating, is more costly. It will only lead to more market volatility, more drastic measures having to be taken. If banks can manage [climate and nature-related] risks well, they will also be able to price them well, and then money will flow in an efficient and effective manner to investment that will allow the transition to take place.”
Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank
Real-world solutions show the way, in the EU and globally
“Climate action is still widely perceived as a constraint on our economy, on our lives. We need to transform it into a project of progress. Why does climate action work for all? This is what we need to demonstrate. We need to go beyond the speeches and discourses, and we know we need to show it concretely.”
François Gemenne, Professor, École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Paris (HEC) & Director, The Hugo Observatory, University of Liège
Changemakers from business, local government, and civil society shared practical solutions and innovative approaches to advance climate action that delivers economic and social benefits, ranging from renewable energy solutions and circular business models to nature-based adaptation projects and sustainable urban mobility.
Speakers presented examples of products and services aligned with the transition. For example, efficient insulation helps reduce building emissions while cutting energy bills for consumers and tackling energy poverty. Young entrepreneurs encouraged SMEs to look at climate policies as a source for ideas to innovate new products or optimise operations, for example through effective ESG reporting.
Discussions also addressed the challenge of turning public concern about climate change into action on the ground: there is a clear majority of citizens supporting climate action that should be amplified. To be successful, measures need to be designed with close involvement of local communities. A recurring theme was the importance of fostering collaboration and replicating successful models to scale impact.
“By getting people on board, you can be a lot more ambitious and get a lot more done.”
Baptist Vlaeminck, Life PACT project coordinator, city of Leuven, Belgium
Finally, the conversation highlighted the need for global partnerships and sustainable trade, demonstrating that collaboration across regions and sectors can have multiple and mutual benefits while cutting emissions.
Stakeholders contributing to EU Climate Dialogues with Canada, South Korea and India showcased how practical, multi-stakeholder dialogues can translate ambition into action – from methane reduction and offshore wind development to industrial decarbonisation. Participants highlighted the business case for the clean transition, stressing that shared learning, local adaptation, and sustainable supply chains are essential.
Conclusion
The event reconfirmed and re-enforced the European Commission’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality and resilience by 2050, and the broad support that exists for this work. The conversations emphasised the integration of environmental goals with economic growth and social equity.
Speakers underlined the importance of innovation, policy stability, and private sector engagement in driving the clean transition. Showcased climate initiatives demonstrated the tangible benefits and feasibility of sustainable projects, emphasising local empowerment and community engagement.
The discussions stressed the need for clear financial frameworks and robust reporting to align investments with climate objectives and manage risks effectively.
Overall, the event called for continued collaboration across all sectors to advance a sustainable future through practical solutions, global partnerships, and grassroots efforts. The EU will continue to lead by example in the global fight against climate change and make climate action work for you.
