On 3–4 June 2026, the fourth partner meeting of the CETAC (Clean Energy Transition Assistance Centers) project took place in Ostrava, hosted by the Czech partners – SEVEn and the City of Ostrava. The meeting brought together representatives of partner organisations from the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.
The first day began with a session dedicated to project management, reviewing the progress achieved so far and discussing the upcoming activities related to the establishment and operation of the Clean Energy Transition Assistance Centers. Participants then had the opportunity to hear a presentation by Lenka Procházková from the Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre (MSIC), who introduced the objectives of the COALA LIFE project. This initiative focuses on strengthening the region's climate resilience and supporting businesses in implementing ESG principles. The presentation provided CETAC partners with valuable insights and inspiration for the next stages of the project.
Another key part of the meeting was a workshop session, during which partners worked in smaller groups to exchange views on the initial assumptions and share their experiences related to establishing and operating the assistance centers. The discussions helped identify several key conclusions, including the importance of stakeholder mapping, maintaining flexibility in the services offered, and building trust within local communities.
Following the intensive working sessions, the partners took part in a study visit to Lower Vítkovice, a former industrial complex comprising a steelworks, a coking plant, and a coal mine. Participants followed the educational trail through the former industrial production line, took an elevator inside the blast furnace, and climbed to the observation platform at its summit, where they enjoyed panoramic views of the city.
The second day focused on the project's communication strategy and activities related to project replication. Participants also attended a workshop during which they reviewed the project's key performance indicators, discussed current priorities, and jointly developed recommendations aimed at increasing the impact of the CETAC Assistance Centers.
We would like to thank our Czech partners for organising this successful meeting and for creating an excellent environment for productive discussions and the exchange of valuable experiences, bringing us one step closer to achieving the project's objectives.
