This year's agenda was rich and diverse, ranging from panel discussions and presentations to working group exchanges. Over the three days, the sessions focused on pressing topics, such as:
Simplification
Competitiveness
Financing energy transition
Polarisation
Circular economy
Security
Nature restoration
Climate and Health
Adaptation
The title of the Assembly, ‘From Green to Clean’, was chosen to invite reflection about the transition on the EU Commission level from the 2019-2024 mandate, focused on the European Green Deal, to the 2024-2029 mandate, centred on the Clean Industrial Deal. The intention was to discuss how these changes will impact the work of advisory councils and the consequences for the environment and for sustainable development in Europe. We were honoured to welcome three representatives from the European Commission: Pau Ruiz Guix (DG for International Partnerships), Ewa Malz (DG for Environment) and Alex Mulet (DG for Research & Innovation), as well as Josep M. Antó, co-chair of the Lancet Countdown Europe. They provided insights about recent and upcoming directives and initiatives, accompanied by contributions from EEAC members sharing how their councils are working with these developments.
Discussions were also held about potential topics for the Network's working groups. The suggestions made will inform the upcoming yearly plan for 2026, which outline the working groups’ activities for the year, ensuring that the Network addresses the topics that are the most relevant to its members while aligning with the EU agenda. These sessions concluded with a lot of exciting topics to work on next year.
The Strategic Assembly is an important platform for structured discussions about the issues that matter most to councils' work, and an opportunity to exchange experiences, best practices, and common projects. Bringing its members together is an essential task of the Network, to maintain its function as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration. Participants mentioned leaving with lots of ideas to take back to their councils, and that they felt encouraged to hear that other councils are facing similar challenges.
