The LEEAN-CET project was officially launched with its first partner meeting, held on 16–17 June in Sofia. The project aims to support local authorities in Central and Eastern Europe in developing and implementing ambitious plans for a clean energy transition. Planned activities include capacity-building workshops, the deployment of effective planning tools, and improved access to sustainable financing in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

By leveraging an online energy management tool, an indicator-based system, targeted training, and active stakeholder engagement, LEEAN-CET goes beyond drafting strategies—it will establish functional systems for informed local decision-making.

Over the next three years, project activities will focus on small and medium-sized municipalities, rural areas, and carbon-intensive regions. Specifically, 30 pilot municipalities will receive direct support, more than 300 local experts will be trained, and targeted investment concepts will be developed, with a combined estimated value exceeding €60 million.