European Climate Policy Lab: Exploring the Future of Europe’s Green Transition

Initiated and developed by Jakub Mirkowski, European Climate Pact Ambassador, and moderated by Sara Macaya from Bocconi University, the project created a platform for dialogue between students and experts on some of the most pressing challenges facing Europe’s green transition. Each event followed a fireside chat format, followed by an interactive Q&A session that encouraged participants to engage directly with the speakers and contribute their own perspectives.

The series attracted participants from a diverse range of institutions, including Bocconi University, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Sciences Po, ESADE, Central European University, KU Leuven, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Coimbra, the University of Warsaw, the Jagiellonian University, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business, SNSPA Bucharest, Peking University, and several other universities across Europe and beyond.

The series opened on 7 May with Climate Disinformation and Public Debate, led by Justyna Ignaszek, PhD Researcher at SGH Warsaw School of Economics. The discussion explored how climate disinformation undermines trust in science, polarises public debate, and slows down climate action. Participants reflected on the role of governments, media platforms, and citizens in countering misinformation and debated whether current European Union regulations are sufficient to address the growing challenge of fake news.

The second session, The Future of the European Green Deal, took place on 14 May and was led by Dr Honorata Nyga-Łukaszewska, Assistant Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics. The discussion focused on the relationship between climate policy and economic competitiveness. Participants examined the challenges posed by high energy prices in Europe and discussed the need for investments in energy infrastructure, storage technologies, and innovation. The session also highlighted Europe’s dependence on imported green technologies, particularly from China, and the importance of developing a competitive domestic clean-tech sector.

The series concluded on 28 May with Climate Policy in Cities and Urban Governance, led by Prof. Edoardo Croci, Professor of Practice at Bocconi University. The session highlighted the central role of cities in achieving Europe’s climate objectives. As hubs of economic activity, innovation, and population growth, cities are also among the areas most exposed to the impacts of climate change, including heatwaves, floods, and extreme weather events. Prof. Croci emphasised that successful climate action requires not only reducing emissions but also strengthening urban resilience while ensuring social inclusion. Cooperation between local authorities, the private sector, and European institutions was identified as essential for delivering long-term climate solutions.

Zofia Tulej, European Union Society member