C4T is a new initiative that creates a Community of Practice enhancing the support to practitioners involved in the implementation of sustainability transitions through cohesion policy instruments. C4T focuses on mobilising and engaging practitioners involved in the implementation of investments under Policy Objective 2 ‘A greener, low-carbon transitions towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe’. The initiative complements efforts made by other initiatives (e.g., Just Transition Platform) which concentrate on the delivery of investments supported by other EU funds.

Member States have programmed the use of ERDF and CF funds according to the requirements of the Common Provisions Regulation. C4T focuses on the delivery of investments programmed under Policy Objective 2. Policy Objective 2 ‘A greener, low-carbon transitions towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe’ covers a wide range of thematic areas. These thematic areas are also the focus of C4T, namely:

• Energy Efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Renewable energy
• Climate change adaptation
• Water and sustainable water management
• Circular economy and resource efficient economy
• Protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure

If you are a managing authority or other public body involved in the implementation of ERDF and CF investments supporting sustainability transitions, C4T Community of Practice will offer you a forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge with a view to overcoming specific bottlenecks and problems in the development and implementation of sustainability transitions. You can:

• be part of one of the C4T Working Groups where you can learn from peers and share your own experience.
• participate in the twice yearly C4T events which bring together a wide variety of stakeholders involved in the implementation of sustainability transitions with cohesion policy.
• benefit from technical assistance support in relation to specific challenges you encounter in the implementation of sustainability transitions with cohesion policy.
• learn from academics about new ideas and approaches to deliver sustainability transitions.

Other stakeholders can also benefit from C4T by being engaged in the C4T events, being invited to contribute to the C4T Working Groups to share their own knowledge and experience and learning from the results of the Academic Board.

To keep up to date with the C4T activities, you should subscribe to our newsletter and follow our LinkedIn page.

DG REGIO, in close collaboration with all concerned European Commission services, manages the C4T, provides its policy framework and steers the activities carried out by the C4T Secretariat.

The C4T Secretariat supports the activities of the C4T through a dedicated helpdesk, the organisation of the C4T events, communication activities, and analytical work (including the collection of good practices and analytical papers).

The Secretariat also facilitates the mobilization of technical assistance to be provided to selected beneficiaries in support of the implementation of investments in sustainability transitions.

The Secretariat also animates the three C4T Working Groups established by the Commission by providing guidance, templates, and thematic and logistical support as well as monitoring their activities and progress.

Twice yearly events are organized by C4T – including conferences and forums – which are intended to gather all relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of ERDF and CF investments, particularly under PO2, and in the implementation of sustainability transitions in the EU. The events deliver a range of thematic sessions and networking options, enabling exchange and interaction between Member States, local and regional authorities, non-governmental organisations, as well as other relevant stakeholders involved in delivering sustainability transitions investments in EU regions.

The composition of the C4T Working Groups will be decided upon by the European Commission based on applications received from interested parties. A registration process will be launched by the C4T Secretariat in April 2023. Members will be appointed either as active members or observers.

A call for applications will be launched. Interested EU regions can apply using the standard application form and following the guidelines provided.

To provide technical assistance to EU regions, a list of technical experts is set up by the C4T Secretariat. Technical experts in sustainability and cohesion policy are invited to submit their applications to be part of the list of experts. A call will be published for interested applicants. Such experts will be mobilised on demand to respond to the needs and requirements of EU regions for technical assistance.