Women climate leaders meet in Brussels on green transition

By European Investment Bank

Women climate leaders meet in Brussels on green transition

The Women Climate Leaders Network held its mid-year meeting in Brussels, bringing together female business leaders from all 27 EU countries to discuss Europe’s green transition.

The group met with EU policymakers and experts to talk about how Europe can stay competitive while going green. One speaker said “the green transition is the only way, as Europe cannot compete on fossil fuels.” The women focused on getting better funding for green startups and small businesses. They want to see disruption as an opportunity rather than a threat.

The network has been advising the European Investment Bank (EIB) for two years on climate issues and gender equality. Members reviewed progress since they published recommendations in March 2025 about EU financing tools for small business greening. They welcomed the 35% climate target in the next EU budget and the plan for simpler rules. The group stressed that newer EU member states need more help accessing innovation and development funds. Many of these countries struggle to navigate complex funding systems.

Recent research shows that 90% of European small businesses think cutting emissions is important or critical to their success. About 84% see going green as a business opportunity rather than a constraint. Network members discussed the EIB’s Climate Bank Roadmap for 2026-2030 and ways to maximize its impact. They want the bank to keep its ambitious climate goals. The meeting also covered practical market solutions that small companies can use to cut their carbon footprint.

After their meeting, network members joined the Climate & Energy Summit hosted by Friends of Europe. Two women from the network spoke at the summit alongside European Commission officials and EIB leaders. The event focused on Europe’s energy independence and how digital and green changes can help long-term prosperity. One participant called it “Europe’s Declaration of Independence” through energy self-sufficiency and green innovation. The women used the summit to share real-world climate solutions and highlight EIB programs that help small businesses save energy.