Workshop: Aligning NECPs with the EU Biodiversity Framework
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Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
The German Environment Agency invites researchers, policymakers, technical experts and civil society representatives to an online workshop held in English as part of its research project “Analysis of measures for the achievement of SDG 15 at EU level”. Three thematic sessions examine biodiversity integration in the NECPs, the role of the EU Commission, and stakeholder and scientific participation.
Workshop motives
The EU has committed to two ambitious goals: to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. The National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) are a strategic planning tool through which each EU member state outlines actions and policies to achieve its climate and energy objectives.
Yet, evidence shows that the expansion of renewable energy often conflicts with biodiversity, as ecological safeguards, spatial planning and cross-sector coordination are insufficiently integrated. Most NECPs currently fall short in addressing biodiversity, with common gaps including weak sectoral integration, limited public and scientific participation, and missing or incomplete environmental assessments.
Workshop sessions and dates
The workshop is designed as a focused, expert-level exchange, combining short inputs and moderated discussion. It aims to move beyond problem diagnosis and to formulate specific, evidence-based recommendations for strengthening the coherence of the NECP framework with EU biodiversity objectives.
Participation in individual session is possible and encouraged.
Session 1 | Integrating biodiversity into NECPs: Lessons from practice
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 14:00-16:00
This session discusses practical approaches and best practices for integrating biodiversity safeguards into NECPs. It highlights tools that balance renewable energy expansion with ecological protection and identifies measures that are transferable to other EU member states.
Session 2 | Governance and the European Commission’s role in safeguarding biodiversity
Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 14:00-16:00
This session discusses the role of the European Commission in ensuring that NECPs adequately address biodiversity. It explores how the Commission can best use guidance, coordination, and reporting to steer the NECP process and support the effective implementation of the NECPs.
Session 3 | Stakeholder participation and scientific input in the NECP process
Tuesday, 28 April 2026, 14:00-16:00
This session discusses how transparent and inclusive processes can improve the design and outcomes of NECPs. It highlights the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and scientific input, and identifies ways to strengthen participation and cross-sectoral collaboration in planning.
Wrap-up session
Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 14:00-16:00
The session discusses the main outcomes of the workshop and presents preliminary recommendations. It provides a space for reflection, discussion, and consolidation of key insights from all sessions.
Who should attend?
The workshop is aimed at researchers with expertise in energy policy, environmental governance or biodiversity, as well as policy practitioners from EU institutions and member state administrations. It also welcomes technical experts involved in the design, assessment or implementation of NECPs, and representatives from environmental NGOs and civil society organisations.
Practical information
• Format: Online (Webex)
• Participation: Sessions are self-contained (no obligation to attend all events)
• Working language: English
• Registration: Kindly register by contacting Kathrin Faltermeier at kathrin.faltermeier@uba.de
This workshop is organised as part of the German Environment Agency’s (UBA) research project “Analysis of measures for the achievement of SDG 15 at EU level”. This project supports the assessment of policy coherence, e.g. between EU energy transition instruments and biodiversity objectives, and aims to develop recommendations on this behalf.