At European level, climate policies are not developed and implemented by a single institution. They involve the European Union, national governments, regions, cities, but also companies, universities and civic organizations. The ways in which these entities interact and collaborate can take different forms, so we can talk about several models of multi-level governance for climate action.

The main MLG models relevant for the sustainable energy transition are:

  • The poly-centric governance model;
  • The network governance model;
  • The governance model based on the subsidiarity principle;
  • The territorial governance model;
  • The governance model based on public-private partnership (PPP);
  • The urban/metropolitan governance model;
  • The governance model based on cross-border collaboration.

The polycentric governance model facilitates coordination between municipalities, regions and civil society organizations, which can develop their own projects – for example, the installation of photovoltaic panels at a local scale or energy efficiency programs for public buildings – but which remain aligned with national and international objectives. This decentralized structure allows for rapid adaptation to change and experimentation with innovative solutions, thus providing increased resilience in the face of climate or economic crises.

Network governance is an illustrative model for understanding how different entities – public institutions, non-governmental organizations, private companies and local communities – collaborate to achieve common goals. Unlike traditional hierarchical structures, network governance is based on non-hierarchical partnerships, where decisions are made by consensus and responsibilities and resources are distributed among participants. In the context of the energy transition, this translates into the possibility of developing joint renewable energy projects, energy efficiency programs or technological innovation initiatives.

The principle of subsidiarity requires that decisions be taken at the level closest to citizens, and that higher levels intervene only when problems cannot be effectively resolved locally. This model promotes decision-making proximity, democratic legitimacy and the adaptability of public policies to the concrete needs of communities. In the field of energy transition and climate action, subsidiarity provides a framework that encourages decentralized solutions and the direct involvement of local communities in the management of energy resources and projects.

The territorial governance model is based on the recognition and valorization of the geographical, economic, cultural and social particularities of each territory. This model states that public policies must be adapted to local and regional specificities, taking into account the available resources, the economic structure and the needs of communities. Thus, territorial governance aims at the uniform implementation of climate policies and their customization according to the characteristics of each space. A defining element of this model is the integration of sectoral policies into a coherent territorial vision.

The governance model based on public-private partnerships (PPP) is based on collaboration between the public and private sectors for the development and implementation of projects of common interest. This model has developed strongly in recent decades, being used not only for classic infrastructure, but also for projects related to energy, environment and technological innovation. The main characteristic of public-private partnerships is the diversity of resources mobilized. In the field of energy transition, large-scale projects require considerable investments, which often cannot be provided exclusively from public funds.

The urban or metropolitan governance model is focused on the need for coordination between municipalities that are part of the same functional urban area. In the context of energy transition and climate policies, urban and metropolitan regions are of major importance, as they concentrate the largest part of the population, infrastructure and energy consumption. The defining characteristic of this model is the integration of public policies at urban and metropolitan level, in a coordinated framework that goes beyond administrative borders.

Cross-border collaboration involves institutional and political cooperation between states or regions that share geographical borders or common infrastructure, and is essential when climate challenges transcend administrative boundaries. This model involves legislative harmonization, coordination in planning, sharing of resources and information, and the development of joint projects that maximize efficiency and resilience at the regional and transnational level. The defining characteristic of cross-border collaboration is spatial interdependence.

In reality, no state or city uses a single “pure” model. The most effective systems combine vertical coordination with local initiative, partnerships with regulatory mechanisms, and networked learning with continuous evaluation. The key is not the choice of a single model, but the ability to integrate them into a coherent and functional framework.

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