As part of a consortium led by the University of Florence, funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Programme
The Sustainable Production and Energy Systems (SPES) initiative explored how countries in the Global South can navigate the transition towards more sustainable and low-carbon economies, while safeguarding inclusive growth and economic resilience. Implemented between 2021 and 2025 with funding from the European Union, the programme brought together locally led research teams to examine the economic, social, and policy implications of sustainability transitions across different country contexts.
Through a combination of empirical research and policy engagement, SPES focused on key challenges at the intersection of climate policy, trade, and economic development. Research teams worked closely with policymakers and stakeholders to assess how emerging global frameworks—particularly those linked to climate mitigation—may affect developing economies, and what policy responses are needed to ensure a fair and inclusive transition.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), introduced by the European Union, was a central area of focus. PEP-supported research examined how such measures may have unintended consequences for countries in the Global South, including potential impacts on trade competitiveness, industrial development, and employment. These findings contribute to ongoing global debates on how climate policies can be designed and implemented without exacerbating existing inequalities between countries.
Beyond global trade dynamics, the programme also explored broader issues related to sustainable production systems, energy transitions, and the role of policy in enabling green growth pathways. Across contexts, the research underscored the importance of aligning sustainability objectives with national development priorities, ensuring that transitions are both economically viable and socially inclusive.
The SPES initiative culminated in a series of working papers, policy-oriented analyses, and stakeholder engagements, with a closing activity extending into January 2026. The programme’s findings will inform discussions on just transitions, climate finance, and the design of policy frameworks that reflect the realities of developing economies.
🔗 Explore SPES working papers and policy outputs
🔗 Read the CBAM analysis and related SPES news
