The LIFE-funded EP-MED project (“Catalysing cross-sectoral networks of national observatories and regional hubs to coordinate actions against households Energy Poverty in EU MEDiterranean countries”) held its kick-off meeting at NOVA FCT, Campus Caparica, in October 2026.

The meeting brought together the 12 beneficiaries and 6 associated partners from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Belgium. Coordinated by NOVA University Lisbon and running until September 2029, EP-MED will strengthen cooperation between national observatories, regional hubs, public authorities and civil society across Mediterranean countries. Together, these actors will diagnose, monitor and tackle household energy poverty, including the region’s growing challenge of summer discomfort. Over one and a half days, partners presented the work packages, agreed the priorities for the first six months, and heard from the CINEA Project Officer on the LIFE programme’s expectations.

The programme also included a case study visit to a regional One-Stop-Shop and to a set of renovated social housing buildings, which gave partners a first-hand look at how integrated support and renovation can reach vulnerable households. The project’s activities include:

• local and regional energy poverty assessments;


• distribution of energy efficiency kits to vulnerable households;


• capacity building for frontline stakeholders;


• evidence-based policy recommendations.