Ecologic Institute Newsletter No 275 – August 2025
- Ecologic Institute Newsletter
Mainstreaming Green Objectives into Future EU Budget – Study and Good Practices
How can future EU funding drive climate action and nature restoration across all sectors? Two new outputs provide practical answers, offering forward-looking insights into how environmental and climate goals can be better integrated into the EU's post-2027 funding landscape. These publications were developed as part of the European Commissions study on "Mainstreaming climate and environmental objectives in EU funding programmes in the post-2027 period", led by Ramboll with Ecologic Institute's contributions coordinated by Dr. Benjamin Kupilas.
Staying the Course in Turbulent Times – Report
How can the EU's climate, energy and finance policy architecture deliver on its 2030 targets amid geopolitical tensions, fiscal constraints and political polarisation? This Ariadne report explores key challenges and options for a just transition. A German summary is also available.
A Place-based Approach to Climate Action and Resilience – Policy Brief
Current climate action is falling short of meeting global climate goals. To get back on track, action is needed at all levels. Place-based climate action – i.e. policies targeted or tailored to the circumstances of different places – can work with the grain of local markets, leverage the funding and powers of sub-national governments and mobilize local communities to deliver meaningful change. This paper, prepared by Anthony Cox (Senior Policy Advisor at Ecologic Institute), reviews the case for place-based climate policies and actions and outlines challenges and opportunities.
Repurposing Urban Vacant Land into Nature-based Solutions in Latin American Cities
Panel discussion: Carlos Calzadilla Guerra
Reimagining urban nature, exploring the role of wilderness and transforming urban spaces into green assets, the 4th SURE World Conference brought together worldwide leading voices in urban ecology. Ecologic Institute was present through Carlos Calzadilla Guerra's session on Urban Vacant Land in Latin America and on the spotlight given by Daniela Rizzi (ICLEI Europe) to Ecologic Institute's GoNaturePositive! report. The event offered bold ideas for building cities that are more resilient, inclusive, and biodiverse.

Restoring Nature, Restoring our Future
Lecture: Dr. Benjamin Kupilas
At the seminar "Putting Nature on a Path to Recovery – Innovations in Ecosystem Restoration", held from 4 to 8 August 2025 on the Isle of Vilm, Dr. Benjamin Kupilas of Ecologic Institute gave a presentation titled "Restoring Nature, Restoring our Future: From Global Goals to Local Gains." He introduced insights from the GoNaturePositive! project and highlighted Ecologic Institute's work on implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation in Germany. The session sparked discussion around the business case for restoration, public funding, and the potential of nature-based enterprises – underlining the urgency of accelerating efforts across all levels.
Second-Hand Instead of New – Calculating and Communicating CO₂ Savings Potential
How can CO₂ savings from waste prevention measures be calculated and effectively communicated? This question will be addressed in the online expert dialogue hosted by Ecologic Institute on 18 September 2025 from 10:00 to 13:00, on behalf of the Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment (SenMVKU). The event will highlight current approaches to assessing and conveying environmental impacts in the context of reuse and repair – including a presentation of the new CO₂ calculator developed within the Re-Use Berlin initiative and practical insights from online platforms and second-hand department stores. The event is aimed at stakeholders from practice, public administration, academia, and civil society, and will be held online and in German.
Tracking the Transition to a Clean, Competitive and Fair EU-Future – Launch of the 3rd ECNO-Assessment
On 3 September 2025, the European Climate Neutrality Observatory (ECNO) will present their latest findings on the EU's progress toward climate neutrality. The ensuing recommendations will be discussed with high-profile EU policy stakeholders, including members of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the business community. Register to join the discussion!
Student Assistant in the Field of Biodiversity
Passionate about nature and biodiversity? Join our Berlin-based team as a student assistant – support research, projects and policy work to protect and restore nature. Apply by 15 September – we look forward to hearing from you!
Student Assistant in IT Support
Passionate about tech? Join our IT team in Berlin as a Student Assistant and get hands-on experience, real collaboration, and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Apply by 30 September to become part of our team!
Data Engineer with Focus on Finance Data
Are you passionate about data and eager to make an impact? Join us as a Data Engineer (Finance Data) and play a key role in shaping the future of our institute's data architecture. You will work with SQL, Power BI, and data modelling to turn insights into action and support meaningful decision-making. Submit your application by 12 September – we look forward to hearing from you!
Contents
- Publications
- Mainstreaming Green Objectives into Future EU Budget – Study and Good Practices
- Staying the Course in Turbulent Times – Report
- A Place-based Approach to Climate Action and Resilience – Policy Brief
- Recent: Presentations and Events
- Repurposing Urban Vacant Land into Nature-based Solutions in Latin American Cities
- Restoring Nature, Restoring our Future
- Register now
- Second-Hand Instead of New – Calculating and Communicating CO₂ Savings Potential
- Tracking the Transition to a Clean, Competitive and Fair EU-Future – Launch of the 3rd ECNO-Assessment
- We are hiring!
- Student Assistant in the Field of Biodiversity
- Student Assistant in IT Support
- Data Engineer with Focus on Finance Data