Empowering the next generation of climate leaders: Reflections from CATF’s inaugural CEE Fellowship

CATF’s first Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Fellowship Empowering energy and climate leaders of tomorrow has wrapped up its inaugural year, uniting ten emerging professionals from across the region to build knowledge, exchange ideas, and accelerate progress toward a cleaner energy future. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the fellows represent six countries (Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, and Romania) and a diverse range of professional backgrounds spanning think tanks, NGOs, academia, industry, and government.

Why the fellowship matters

The CEE Fellowship was created to respond to the region’s urgent energy and climate challenges. Central and Eastern Europe faces the task of accelerating clean energy deployment while balancing energy security and economic growth. The program equips early-career professionals with practical knowledge, mentorship, and cross-border networks to help shape a sustainable and resilient energy future.

“The CEE region is at the forefront of Europe’s energy security reassessment,” said Tamara Lagurashvili, CATF’s Director for Central and Eastern Europe. “The region must urgently accelerate the deployment of clean energy while balancing energy security and economic competitiveness. This fellowship plays an important role in providing the next generation of leaders with the tools and networks they need to shape a sustainable future.”

A journey of learning and collaboration

Over eight weeks, fellows took part in an intensive online curriculum exploring the geopolitics of the energy transition, Europe’s decarbonisation pathways, technology optionality, and the role of clean firm power technologies such as nuclear and superhot rock geothermal energy. They also delved into other key policy topics, from carbon capture and storage and clean hydrogen to methane regulation and electricity grid infrastructure planning.

• “There are a few things that I would highlight about the CATF CEE fellowship, but one key one is the content. The topics we covered in the online modules and discussions were current, crucial, and at the heart of the region’s energy and climate transition. We didn’t just discuss obstacles but also explored solutions for the CEE region.” – Elena- Alexandra Miron, Researcher at Energy Policy Group and Romanian Climate Youth Delegate (Romania)

• “For me, it was a great opportunity to do a deep dive into particular clean technologies; both the ones that are already operating and scaled up, but also the ones that could potentially contribute to our decarbonisation efforts in the future; and to do so alongside incredibly knowledgeable CATF experts, and all within the CEE context.” – Weronika Giza, Specialist at Ministry of Climate and Environment (Poland)

• “I really enjoyed the lectures and the technical insights brought by the speakers. The modules offered a great balance between topics I was already familiar with and those that were entirely new to me.” – Małgorzata Kasprzak, Consultant at International Methane Emissions Observatory (Poland)

The Fellowship culminated in an in-person workshop in Brussels late October, where fellows strengthened their public speaking skills through interactive training, met with energy and climate experts, and exchanged insights on advancing clean energy transition in their home countries.

Beyond the formal sessions, the workshop served as a space for connection, collaboration, and inspiration. The days in Brussels also deepened the sense of community among participants, who left with new skills, ideas, and partnerships to continue driving forward the energy transition across Central and Eastern Europe.

• “It was such a well-rounded experience. On the one hand, we explored the technical side — learning about technologies, options, and pathways to decarbonization. On the other, the workshop offered invaluable personal development through public speaking and advocacy training”. – Mara Balasa, Associate at Energy Policy Group and PhD Fellow at Stockholm School of Economics (Romania)
• “During the fellowship workshop, I met truly inspiring young professionals. It was an opportunity to exchange ideas, get inspired, and catch up on the latest developments in the field. I’m optimistic about the region’s future because of such people.” – Uldis Garančs, Senior Project Manager at ELWIND Offshore (Latvia)

• “The whole fellowship was so immersive and collaborative. I learned not only from the experts but also from my peers and their diverse experiences in the region. I’m leaving with professional knowledge and lasting personal connections.”  – Aneta Stefańczyk, Climate and Energy Policy Analyst at Reform Institute (Poland)

Looking forward – Building regional capacity for the long term

As the inaugural cohort concludes, fellows are already applying their learnings in their respective institutions, contributing to national policy dialogues, shaping advocacy campaigns, and sharing insights within their professional and academic communities.

• “The best part of the fellowship has been the community we’ve built. We didn’t know each other at all, yet in just two months we created strong relationships and a genuine sense of belonging” – Marianna Sobkiewicz, Senior Analyst at Polish Economic Institute (Poland)

• “Even with all the technical discussions around energy and infrastructure, this fellowship has been a powerful reminder that the Central and Eastern European energy transition is, at its core, about people.” – Vladislav Kaim, First Secretary (Energy), Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the EU (Moldova)

• “The fellowship is very timely. The CEE region hasn’t received the attention it deserves, and it’s amazing to come together with such resilient, competent people to brainstorm the region’s future.” – Blanka Tarsoly, 2024-2025 Young Energy Ambassador at CINEA, and Policy Assistant at Global Renewables Alliance (Hungary)

• “What I enjoyed most was the safe space the fellowship created for us to exchange ideas and share our visions for tackling the most pressing climate and energy challenges facing Europe and the CEE region.” – Johanna Maarja Tiik, Analyst at Institute of Baltic Studies (Estonia)

“This Fellowship is about more than education; it’s about building long-lasting capacity in a region that is central to Europe’s clean energy transition,” said Sara Albares, Europe Regional Manager at CATF. “Our goal is to equip early-career professionals with the practical tools, technical knowledge, and networks they need to influence policy decisions and lead meaningful change.”

CATF’s Central and Eastern Europe Fellowship is part of the organisation’s broader effort to strengthen regional capacity for clean energy deployment and evidence-based climate policymaking. We look forward to continuing to empower emerging climate leaders across the CEE region and to welcoming future cohorts into this growing network of changemakers.

Stay tuned for news on the next fellowship cohort and keep track of CATF’s work in the region here: https://www.catf.us/europe/cee/central-eastern-europe-fellowship