CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK EUROPE ASBL

Their core work

Climate Action Network Europe (CAN Europe) is a Brussels-based NGO coalition that advocates for ambitious EU climate and energy policy. In H2020 projects, they bring policy expertise and civil society engagement to research consortia working on climate action, citizen participation, and sustainable energy transitions. Their role centers on translating scientific climate modelling and citizen engagement research into actionable policy recommendations, bridging the gap between EU-funded research outcomes and real-world climate governance.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

CAN Europe's H2020 participation began in 2018 with PentaHelix, focused on local energy governance and sustainable energy action plans — a fairly traditional energy policy topic. From 2021 onward, their projects shifted markedly toward citizen-driven climate action, behavioural science, and social justice dimensions of the green transition. The trajectory shows a clear move from institutional energy governance toward inclusive, citizen-centred climate policy with strong social equity components.

CAN Europe is moving toward projects that combine climate science modelling with citizen participation and social justice, making them a strong partner for research that needs civil society legitimacy and policy translation.

How they like to work

CAN Europe participates exclusively as a consortium partner — never as coordinator — which is typical for advocacy NGOs that contribute policy expertise and civil society reach rather than managing research agendas. With 55 unique partners across 23 countries in just 3 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia. This wide network and non-repeat partner pattern suggests they are sought after as a credible civil society voice to strengthen the societal impact dimension of research proposals.

Despite only three projects, CAN Europe has collaborated with 55 distinct partners across 23 countries, reflecting participation in large pan-European consortia. Their Brussels base and advocacy mandate give them natural connections across all EU member states.

What sets them apart

CAN Europe is one of the most recognized climate advocacy coalitions in Europe, representing over 180 member organisations across 38 countries. For consortium builders, they offer something rare: a direct channel to organised civil society and grassroots climate movements, which strengthens the societal impact case in any proposal. Their policy proximity in Brussels means they can connect research findings to EU legislative processes in a way few research partners can.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CAMPAIGNers
  Largest budget share (EUR 219,960) combining climate pathway modelling with a citizen science smartphone app — an unusual mix of hard modelling and grassroots engagement.
• REAL DEAL
  Focuses on deliberative democracy and environmental justice in the green transition — positions CAN Europe at the intersection of climate policy and social equity, a rapidly growing EU funding priority.