How do young people see the future of their villages and mountain communities? That’s the question behind the Erasmus+ ECO project which brought together teenagers from France’s Hautes-Pyrénées and Spain’s Sobrarbe regions to explore what connects them – and what challenges they share.

Europe’s path to climate neutrality will be shaped locally – empowered municipalities, equipped with resources and partnerships, are key to achieving Europe’s climate ambitions. The 2025 edition of the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony of 16 October confirmed the essential role of local and regional governments in delivering the climate and energy transitions.

A successful European energy transition requires coordinated policies, community engagement, and evidence-based innovation replication. The IEECP conference of 15-16 October set out a roadmap for implementing efficient, resilient, fair, and smart energy strategies, ensuring Europe meets its climate objectives, while fostering prosperous and empowered rural communities.