On 19–20 May 2026, representatives of climate and sustainability organisations from across Europe gathered at the EUREF Campus in Berlin for EUKICON26, the sixth networking conference of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). Under the theme “Doubling Down on Climate Action”, the event brought together around 180 participants from 111 organisations representing 24 European countries, creating a unique platform for dialogue, learning, partnership building, and exchange of practical experiences in climate action.

The conference addressed some of the most pressing challenges currently facing European climate policy. Discussions focused on maintaining climate ambition in an increasingly complex geopolitical context, strengthening Europe's resilience and competitiveness through decarbonisation, and ensuring that climate action remains both socially just and economically viable. Topics were in a moment worrying but the spirit of cooperation and joint effort to common solutions were present in panel talk. There were plenty of opportunities to ask questions and actively participate in the conference program.

The conference programme brought together speakers from European institutions, ministries, research organisations, civil society and industry, discussing how climate action can remain strong in an increasingly challenging political and geopolitical context. I especially found the panel “European Climate Action Under Pressure” very interesting, particularly the intervention of Thomas Kralinski, Director General for National and European Climate Action at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). His reflections on the need to keep climate action politically relevant, socially acceptable and connected with wider questions of European resilience and security were especially valuable.

In the #EUKIworks best practice session it was encouraging to see the example of Young Energy Europe from Poland with the slogan “Progress requires courage to try unconventional” from Zuzanna and Anna, Energy Scouts from Volkswagen Poznan, one of the most inspiring examples presented during the #EUKIworks Best Practice session was the Young Energy Europe initiative.

A recurring message throughout the conference was the importance of cross-border cooperation and practical implementation. Participants repeatedly highlighted that meaningful climate action requires not only ambitious policies but also strong partnerships, local engagement, and tangible solutions that can be replicated across different regions. Many organisations used the opportunity to present ongoing projects that were presented as a gallery of posters with contacts, to exchange experiences with partners, and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

For Argonauta, participation in EUKICON26 provided an opportunity to connect with organisations working on climate mitigation, renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and community engagement across Europe. It was especially easy to connect to the organisations from ex-Yu countries, being able to communicate in similar languages, and having similar cultural background, and EUKI previous projects implementation experience in SEE context.

Beyond the formal programme, EUKICON26 served as a vibrant networking space where project partners, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers exchanged ideas, shared lessons learned, and explored possibilities for future joint initiatives. The Organisational EUKI board made a real effort to deliver the conference in a way to bring benefits to all participants, including training and study tours as well as networking methods that allow even the most introverted participants to make meaningful professional connections for the future. Facilitation was also on a high level.

The conference took place at Berlin's EUREF Campus, one of Europe's leading innovation hubs for climate action and the energy transition. Located on a former industrial site surrounding the historic Gasometer Schöneberg. Participants of the conference during the study tour could learn that the campus serves as home to more than 150 companies, research institutes, start-ups, and universities are based there, employing around 7,000 people. All of which are major organisations working on energy transition, renewable energy, climate research, mobility, and digitalisation are located on the campus, alongside research projects and master's programmes operated by Technical University of Berlin. Interesting and encouraging fact to know was that since 2014, EUREF has already met Germany's climate targets that were originally set for 2045, thanks to implementation of innovative energy solutions: CO₂-neutral energy supply, smart energy systems, energy-efficient buildings, and integrated mobility solutions.

“I would like to thank organisers for the opportunity to network and to be a part of the developing EUKI community. We in Argonauta are looking forward to partner-up and developing new project ideas for the upcoming Calls.” Ivona Jadrić, Director of Argonauta.