RESEARCH TOUR: Green Deal under pressure? Climate and energy plans by the European Commission and Parliament

We are inviting: Journalists based in Europe

24 Mar - 26 Mar 2025

Brussels

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If not, find out what the network is about here and register as a member here. The network is an additional service to journalists that can be helpful when researching a global energy transition story.

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The new EU Commission has started its second term led by Ursula von der Leyen amidst a politically challenging landscape. After the "Green wave" resulting from the 2019 vote, the last elections in June resulted in unprecedented gains for populist and right-wing parties, endangering the pro-European majority in the Parliament. In 2025, the EU's climate policy is at a critical stage: will the bloc's pioneering Green Deal continue to keep climate action on top of its policy priorities – or will it get driven out by security concerns and an inflation-driven cost of living crisis?
Journalists based in Europe can get insights and background on the decisions that will shape European politics and policies during our study trip to Brussels from 24-26 March 2025. It is organised in cooperation with both the European Parliament and European Commission. Deadline for applications is 9 February.

During the tour, we will have a closer look at topics like the European Commission's work programme, its vision for agriculture and food and the Clean Industrial Deal - all three to be presented in February. We will discuss efforts to weaken key Green Deal policies like the 2035 combustion engine ban or car fleet emissions limits, and get insights into on what the expected 2040 greenhouse gas reduction target or the new ETS II will be.

We are planning to have meetings with commissioners or senior staff members and talk to chairs or major representatives of the relevant parliamentary committees like ITRE (Committee on Industry, Research and Energy), ENVI (Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) or AGRI (Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development). Journalists and policy experts will take us on a deep dive through the decision-making procedures of the EU, with support from our partners at the European Policy Centre.

We will also examine what’s behind "Security, Europe!", the motto of Poland's Council presidency, and have a look at external influences on EU policy, such as the second term of Donald Trump as US president.

A draft programme of the tour will be published on the website before the deadline (9 February). For all those eager to keep track of the actual events in European climate and energy policy, we recommend to take a look at our EU Agenda.

Frequently asked questions on how to apply, costs and logistics

Who is eligible for the research tour? And how can I apply?

The research tour is open to journalists from all over Europe (not just the countries of the EU/based on country of primary residence).

To apply, please click on the red 'sign up' button above that will take you to the web application form.

Please note that applications in any other language than English will not be accepted.

By submitting your application, you agree that your name, associated media outlet, country of primary residence and email address will appear on the list shared with all participants if your application is successful.

What languages will be spoken during the research tour?

All sessions will be held in English.

Are there any costs for research tour participants?

Participation in the research tour is free of charge. Furthermore, accommodation and travel costs will be covered by the EU Commission and the EU Parliament, while meals during the programme will be covered by Clean Energy Wire.

Journalists or editorial staff who have made an internal commitment not to accept free services from third parties, or who do not wish to participate in the research tour free of charge for other reasons, may pay for their own travel and share of accommodation and meals. Please contact us directly at event@cleanenergywire.org

What about travel arrangements?

Selected participants will organise their own travel to Brussels and back independently, and will be reimbursed for their expenses by the EU Parliament after the event. Do not book anything before you get the confirmation that you can take part. When arranging travel, participants are kindly asked to consider climate-friendly modes of transportation where viable and reasonable. Please keep in mind the budgetary constraints of up to 400 euro return connection for economy class travel. Participants who would like to cover their expenses on their own (travel, food, accommodation) can get an invoice upon request after the tour.

The programme will most likely start on 24 March early afternoon and will end on 26 March around 5.00 p.m. A more detailed programme will be published about one month prior to the start of the research tour.

All successful applicants will be notified on how to claim reimbursement ahead of the research tour. It is generally not possible to reimburse travel expenses in cash.

What are the deadlines?

Deadline for applications is 9 February 2025.

Please make sure to have access to your email, and do check the spam folder. If your application has been successful you will receive a confirmation email from CLEW no later than 13 February. In this event, please confirm your participation by 10 pm CEST on 17 February. Otherwise your place will be offered to another applicant.

What if I need a visa?

If you require a letter of invitation for your visa application, please let us know by sending an email to event@cleanenergywire.org. Please make sure you have a visa appointment at your embassy or consulate well before the research tour begins to leave enough time for visa processing.

Note: we do not reimburse visa fees or insurance costs.

I get an error message saying I’m over the character limit, but I don’t think I am?

The character limit is specified in the boxes. Note that the limit includes paragraph breaks, and we appreciate if you do not add any paragraph breaks in the sign-up form. If you have removed all paragraph breaks and are otherwise 100 percent certain that you are below the limit specified, try using a different internet server. For example, if you have previously tried submitting unsuccessfully via Google Chrome, try Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Safari.

I have submitted an application but have not received a confirmation of receipt.

Please check your spam folder for an automatically generated email which will ask you to confirm that you successfully submitted an application .

You will then hear from CLEW regarding the outcome of your application no later than 13 February 2025.

What are the rules of citation during the tour?

Interviews and public debates between journalists and speakers follow different rules and practices in different parts of the world. To make the context of our research tour clear for all involved, we would like to set out the following framework guiding the interaction with participating journalists:

Quotes and interviews

Statements made by Speakers during the sessions are on the record, unless speakers specify otherwise.

Photos, audio or video recordings

Photos of speakers and participants of the event might be published on the blog, the CLEW website and in social networks. Please support CLEW’s press and public relations work by allowing yourself to be photographed or filmed. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform us in your application or on the spot. You can also object to the use of your image at a later date at event@cleanenergywire.org

If the speakers or other participants would like to take photos or record audio or video of the academy, they can approach a staff member from Clean Energy Wire so that we can agree on workable solutions.

Questions?

Don't hesitate to get in contact with us at event@cleanenergywire.org.

RESEARCH TOUR: Green Deal under pressure? Climate and energy plans by the European Commission and Parliament

Frequently asked questions on how to apply, costs and logistics

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