Since 2019, the European Green Deal has set the course for Europe’s climate ambitions, driving the continent toward becoming the world’s first climate-neutral economy by 2050. The Fit-for-55 package raised the stakes, demanding a 55% cut in emissions by 2030 and pushing industries to reinvent themselves.

The next milestone – the 2023 revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) – which commits the EU to sourcing at least 42.5% of its energy from renewables by 2030, is meant to turn ambition into measurable progress. However, the success of REDIII ultimately depends on national governments and communities, who decide where and how renewable projects are implemented.

REDIII is not just another EU directive: It’s the trigger for Europe’s energy transition at the local level. And the clock is ticking: Member States had until 21 May 2025 to transpose REDIII at a national level, but, as of September 2025, only a few Member States have successfully done so.

When energy security meets sustainability

The 2022 war in Ukraine thrust energy sovereignty to the top of Europe’s political agenda, forcing a fundamental rethink of the Commission’s strategy. The question was no longer only how to decarbonise, but how to reconcile sustainability with security.

That debate has only grown sharper after the 2024 European elections and amid persistent geopolitical tensions. Today, the link between energy security and resilience – anchored increasingly in local, homegrown sources – sits at the heart of Europe’s energy narrative.

As Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed in her 2025 State of the Union address:

“We are now on the path to energy independence. But energy bills are still a real source of anxiety for millions of Europeans […] It is time to get rid of dirty Russian fossil fuels. And we know what brings prices down: clean homegrown energy. We need to generate more homegrown renewables.”

A new phase in the transition

For nearly 25 years, the EU has built a solid legislative and financial foundation for renewable energy. Now, the focus is shifting – success no longer rests solely with Brussels or national capitals. National governments and communities are increasingly the ones shaping where and how projects take root. With the rollout of RED III, responsibility is moving closer to home, empowering local actors to turn Europe’s renewable ambitions into reality.

Leading by example

If REDIII requires governments to designate Renewable Acceleration Areas, where permitting will be faster and projects prioritised as being in the public interest, some countries are already going further.

In Poland, for example, municipalities must adopt General Spatial Plans by 2026, mapping out areas for renewable energy projects. This shift transfers both responsibility and opportunity to the local level.

Investors today are ready. They have the financing models, know-how, and tools to deliver large-scale projects. But technical capacity is no longer enough: success depends on forging genuine partnerships with local authorities and residents.

New models are emerging to support this:

• Energy cooperatives and developer agreements
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that allow municipalities to access cheaper electricity, saving millions annually
• Commitments from investors to support local infrastructure, schools, or cultural institutions

These approaches help build trust, deliver tangible benefits to communities, and secure long-term social acceptance.

Yet, engagement cannot stop there. Even small groups of opponents can delay projects for years, often due to misinformation or a lack of dialogue. Transparent consultation, respectful communication, and genuine listening are now essential strategic tools.

Risks of inaction

Failure to engage properly can damage reputations – not only for a single project but for the broader renewables sector in a region. One poorly handled project can discourage neighbouring municipalities and undermine investor confidence.

The next stage of Europe’s energy transition will be decided at the local level. Success will not rest solely on policy or technology, but on trust, cooperation, and shared value. Those who recognise this will be the ones to deliver a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

How & where Grayling can help

With its broad European presence and deep expertise, Grayling is uniquely positioned to help align renewable energy ambitions with industry challenges. We understand both the policy landscape and the local realities.

By combining EU-level insights with grassroots knowledge, we ensure your message reaches the right stakeholders – at the right time.

Connect with your local Grayling office or our Brussels hub today to maximise your impact.

This blog was written by Maciej Trząski, Senior Account Manager at Grayling Poland, and Samuel Michel, Account Manager at Grayling Brussels.