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The second GREENDT webinar brings European and Uzbek perspectives on international green cooperation

How can European experience and international partnerships help advance the green transition? This was the main focus of the second GREENDT webinar, held on 21 October 2026 under the title “EU International Green Cooperation”.

The webinar brought together experts from Spain, Portugal and Uzbekistan to discuss European energy and environmental policies, funding opportunities for international cooperation and practical experiences in sustainable engineering.

The session was organised within Task 5.2 – Webinars on European Union Policy on Energy, Climate Change and Environment, The Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo (UNIPVC), from Portugal, was responsible for the content, while Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT), from Uzbekistan, organised the meeting.

From European energy strategies to international funding opportunities

The programme covered several aspects of international green cooperation, starting with the European Union’s approach to sustainable energy. The GREENDT coordinator, Prof. Duarte Alves (UNIPVC), introduced the EU Strategy for Sustainable Energy, outlining its main priorities and objectives.

Funding opportunities for Central Asian higher education institutions were the focus of the next presentation. Prof. João Domingues (FEUGA) introduced the possibilities offered by Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), explaining how universities can navigate these programmes and explore opportunities to take part in European cooperation initiatives.

The discussion then moved towards sustainable engineering and its practical applications. Prof. António Curado (UNIPVC) presented solutions to current engineering challenges, looking at how European experience and lessons learned could be applied in the Uzbek context.

Prof. Joana Almeida (UNIPVC) shared examples of international cooperation through UNIPVC’s sustainability projects, presenting an overview of its global portfolio alongside specific case studies in environment and energy.

To close the programme, Prof. Sarvarbek Yusupov (KIUT) explored Uzbekistan’s international cooperation opportunities and the potential to build new partnerships around the shared goal of a more sustainable future.

Presentations:

Connecting European and Uzbek expertise

The webinar offered an opportunity to look at the green transition from both European and Uzbek perspectives, highlighting areas where institutions can share knowledge, develop joint initiatives and make the most of international cooperation and funding opportunities.

These exchanges are at the heart of GREENDT, which works to strengthen links between European and Central Asian higher education institutions and support the development of environmental engineering education in Uzbekistan.

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GREENDT launches its webinar series by bringing together European and Uzbek expertise in sustainable engineering

On 13 October, GREENDT held its first webinar, “Green Horizons: Embracing Sustainability and Equality in Engineering Education”, bringing together academic perspectives from Europe and Uzbekistan to explore how sustainability and equality can be integrated into engineering education and adapted to different regional contexts.

The session was organised as part of Task 5.2 – Webinars on European Union Policy on Energy, Climate Change and Environment. The University of Vigo (UVigo), Spain, was responsible for the content, with Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT), Uzbekistan, coordinating its organisation.

Sustainability and the European Green Deal in engineering education

The programme covered several aspects of the green transition, combining a local perspective on Uzbekistan’s challenges with European experiences and approaches to sustainable engineering.

Prof. Sarvarbek Yusupov (KIUT) opened the programme by explaining the series of webinars and also addressing Uzbekistan’s challenges and the green transition in higher education institutions. The following sessions, led by professors from UVigo, explored different dimensions of sustainable engineering and its application.

Prof. Claudio Cameselle discussed solutions to current engineering challenges, their application in Uzbekistan and lessons learned from Europe. Prof. Jacobo Porteiro then introduced the European Green Deal, focusing on the vision of a climate-neutral Europe, its key strategies and their potential adaptation to Uzbekistan’s policy context.

The programme also examined the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Prof. María Isabel Doval explored how systems thinking and cross-disciplinary knowledge can contribute to sustainable engineering, while Prof. Teresa Roa presented regional success stories and approaches to adapting successful practices to different contexts.

Finally, Prof. Concepción Paz Penín addressed inclusivity and gender equity in engineering education, focusing on relevant frameworks and institutional best practices.

Check out the presentations below to learn more about the topics covered in each intervention:

The webinar series continues on 21 October

The next GREENDT webinar will take place on 21 October 2026, under the title “EU International Green Cooperation”. The session will be led by the Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo (UNIPVC), Portugal, with Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT), Uzbekistan, coordinating its organisation.

The webinar will explore the European Union’s approach to international green cooperation, covering climate action, environmental sustainability and international partnerships. It will also look at opportunities to strengthen cooperation between European and Uzbek institutions, bringing together representatives of the GREENDT consortium, partner universities, experts and other relevant stakeholders.

Date: 21 October 2026
Time: 13:30-16:30 (Uzbekistan) / 10:30–13:30 (Spain) / 09:30–12:30 (Portugal)

Interested in joining? Register for the webinar here.

Through this series, GREENDT aims to encourage knowledge exchange between European and Central Asian higher education institutions and support the integration of sustainability into engineering education.

 

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GREENDT partners meet in Aveiro to strengthen collaboration and prepare the project’s final phase

From 16 to 18 September, GREENDT partners gathered at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, for the project’s 4th Consortium Meeting. The three-day meeting provided an important opportunity to review the progress achieved so far, discuss the next steps across the different Work Packages and, above all, strengthen the collaboration between partners as GREENDT enters its final stage.

The meeting combined technical and strategic discussions with visits, cultural activities and informal moments, creating an environment that encouraged both effective project coordination and stronger relationships among the consortium members.

From planning to implementation

The first day focused on the overall project status, milestones, deliverables, quality assurance and financial implementation. Partners also reviewed the latest External Evaluation Interim Report, presented by Anastasios Ntabizas, Senior EU Project Manager and Quality Assurance Expert.

The evaluation provided very positive feedback on the progress of GREENDT, with Anastasios delivering a clear message to the consortium: “Good job!”.

The meeting then moved into the implementation of some of the project’s key results. In particular, partners presented important progress on the Environmental Engineering Laboratories (EE-Labs). The procurement process is now moving forward, with the orders for the EE Laboratory Equipment already placed, marking an important step towards the deployment of the laboratories.

Partners also discussed the implementation of the EE Nexus Platform, as well as the development of the project’s digital learning environment. A first version of the EE e-learning platform was presented to the consortium, providing a concrete view of how the digital resources developed through GREENDT will support teaching and learning.

The meeting also included a visit to the Environmental Engineering teaching and research laboratories at the University of Aveiro, offering partners the opportunity to exchange practical experiences and ideas around laboratory-based education.

A major milestone discussed during the meeting was the development of the MSc programme in Environmental Engineering. The didactic contents and training programme have now been developed, representing a significant step towards the implementation of the new Master’s studies. The next key stage will be the accreditation process, with the objective of making the programme available to interested students from the 2027/2028 academic year, starting in September 2027.

This marks an important transition for GREENDT: the project is moving from designing and developing new educational resources towards preparing them for real implementation and use by students and academic institutions.

Putting knowledge into long-term impact

Exploitation and sustainability were also at the centre of the meeting. FEUGA led the first GREENDT Exploitation Workshop, dedicated to analysing how the project’s Key Exploitable Results (KERs) can be further valued, developed and connected with future opportunities beyond the project lifetime.

The workshop provided a space for partners to reflect on the potential of GREENDT’s results and on the actions needed to increase their future uptake and impact. This work will be particularly important as the consortium moves towards the final stage of the project and prepares the ground for the sustainability of its results beyond 2027.

Collaboration beyond the meeting room

The Aveiro meeting was not only about presentations and technical discussions. The programme also included a visit to the University of Aveiro campus, a cultural tour and a social dinner, providing valuable opportunities for partners from Uzbekistan, Portugal and Spain to connect in a more informal setting.

The planned technical visit on Friday afternoon was replaced by a morning programme of technical visits to different areas of Aveiro with environmental relevance for the city, offering partners an additional opportunity to connect the project’s environmental engineering focus with real-world local contexts.

Entering the final stretch

The Aveiro meeting comes at an important moment for GREENDT. With the project approaching its final phase in 2027, several of its most significant results are now taking shape: the EE Laboratory equipment is being procured, the first internal versions of the digital platforms are available, the MSc programme has been developed and is moving towards accreditation, and the consortium is actively working on the exploitation and long-term sustainability of its results.

Beyond these tangible achievements, the meeting demonstrated another essential strength of GREENDT: the ability of partners to work together, exchange knowledge and build the relationships needed to turn the project’s plans into lasting results.

As the consortium looks towards 2027, the focus is now firmly on completing implementation, achieving the expected results and maximising the project’s impact on Environmental Engineering education and the green and digital transition in Uzbekistan.

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GREENDT completes the internal training sessions to strengthen Environmental Engineering Education in Uzbekistan

The GREENDT project has successfully completed the set of internal training sessions outlined within Work Package 5, marking an important milestone in the project’s capacity-building activities. Building on the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme previously delivered by the European partner institutions, the sessions enabled the trained academic staff from the Uzbek universities to transfer their knowledge and experience to their colleagues within their own institutions.

Building on the Training of Trainers Programme

As planned, each Uzbek partner institution organized at least three internal training sessions during the first half of 2026, ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge acquired through the Training of Trainers programme. Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT) delivered four training sessions in April, including a dedicated session involving external stakeholders. Andijan State Technical Institute (ASTI) and Fergana State Technical University (FSTU) each organised three sessions in March, while Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute (JizPI) conducted its three sessions in February. Central Asian University of Environment and Climate Change Studies (CAGU) completed its three planned sessions in May, bringing the implementation of the training programme to a successful conclusion across all partner institutions.

These training sessions targeted academic staff, researchers, administrative personnel and other stakeholders involved in the development and delivery of the new Master’s programmes in Environmental Engineering. Through this multiplier approach, GREENDT has expanded the impact of the knowledge acquired during the ToT activities, building institutional capacity and promoting the adoption of innovative teaching practices.

The programme covered a wide range of topics related to Environmental Engineering and Sustainability, including:

  • European environmental policy.
  • Engineering diplomacy.
  • Equity and inclusion.
  • Water management.
  • Sustainable energy.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Risk assessment.
  • Atmospheric pollution.
  • Air quality monitoring.
  • Climate change.

The training materials developed throughout the project were adapted to the needs of each institution, ensuring their effective integration into local teaching and learning environments.

Beyond the technical content, the sessions promoted active participation, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of European pedagogical approaches. Particular attention was also given to fostering inclusive learning environments by integrating principles of equity, diversity and accessibility into the design and delivery of the training activities.

Strengthening Capacity for Long-Term Impact

The implementation of the internal training sessions was followed by participant feedback and evaluation processes, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the activities and helping identify lessons learned and recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives. The overall outcomes confirmed the relevance of the training programme in strengthening institutional expertise and supporting the modernisation of Environmental Engineering education in Uzbekistan.

The successful completion of these activities represents another significant achievement for GREENDT, reinforcing the project’s long-term objective of enhancing higher education through international cooperation, knowledge transfer and the adoption of European best practices.

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GREENDT Team Participated in EU Village 2026

On 2 May 2026, the EU Village 2026 event was held at the Youth Creativity Palace in Tashkent as part of the European Union Festival. 

The event aimed to showcase EU-funded projects, partnerships, educational opportunities, and Erasmus+ initiatives to the wider public, media representatives, students, and stakeholders. 

The GREENDT Erasmus+ CBHE project – “Implementing Environmental Engineering Master Degrees through Sustainable Transition and Societal Change” – was also represented at this important public outreach event. During the festival, GREENDT promotional and communication materials were presented to visitors, highlighting the project’s objectives, partner institutions, key activities, and expected impact on the development of Environmental Engineering education in Uzbekistan. 

GREENDT contributes to the modernization of higher education by supporting the development of Environmental Engineering Master’s programmes, promoting green transition, sustainability, climate awareness, and innovative approaches to environmental education. 

EU Village 2026 provided an excellent platform to promote the achievements of Erasmus+ CBHE projects in Uzbekistan, strengthen visibility, and engage with a broad audience interested in European cooperation and educational opportunities. 

The GREENDT team remains committed to fostering international cooperation for a sustainable future, green education, and the advancement of Environmental Engineering in Uzbekistan. 

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A Seminar-Training was held at “UzAuto MOTORS” JSC within the GREENDT Project

On 22 April 2026, within the framework of the GREENDT project under the ERASMUS+ programme, and as part of WP5: Dedicated capacity building on European environmental policy and environmental engineering, a seminar-training was organized at UzAuto MOTORS JSC.

The training was devoted to the topic “European Environmental Policy, Climate Action and Sustainable Engineering”, and covered the following areas:

  • An introduction to the GREENDT project and European Environmental and Climate Law.
  • Air Quality Monitoring & Modelling: A Comprehensive Approach.
  • Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, and Water Issues: Engineering Our Future.
  • Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Driving the Future of Climate Action
  • Fossil Fuels vs Renewable Energies.  

During the seminar, managers and specialists from various departments of UzAuto MOTORS JSC took part and gained important knowledge in the fields of environmental safety, sustainable production, and green technologies. 

This event became an important step toward strengthening the integration of education and industry, as well as promoting the wider implementation of environmental responsibility and sustainable development principles within enterprises. 

Such trainings within the GREENDT project contribute to strengthening capacity in environmental engineering in Uzbekistan, promoting the wider introduction of modern green approaches in enterprises, and enhancing practical efforts in environmental protection.

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Erasmus+ Week 2026 opens registration for a week of opportunities in Uzbekistan

The Erasmus+ Week 2026 has officially opened its registration period, inviting participants to explore the wide range of opportunities and achievements of the Erasmus+ programme. Taking place from 2 to 8 May 2026, this week-long initiative will bring together students, academics, and professionals interested in international cooperation and higher education, with a particular focus on activities across Uzbekistan.

During the week, a total of 11 events will be held, including 8 in-person sessions across different regions of Uzbekistan and 3 online events, allowing flexible participation depending on availability. The programme will feature presentations on Erasmus+ opportunities, showcases of project results, and an online exhibition highlighting Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), Jean Monnet, and International Credit Mobility (ICM) projects. In addition, participants can attend information seminars, thematic sessions, interviews, and a dedicated session on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions opportunities.

The registration deadline is 27 April 2026 at 15:00 (Tashkent time). It is important to note that only registered participants will receive official invitations to attend both in-person and online events. From the GreenDT project perspective, Erasmus+ Week 2026 represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement with the Erasmus+ system in Uzbekistan, fostering new collaborations, and continue promoting knowledge exchange in higher education.

REGISTER HERE

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One Year of the New EU Air Quality Directive – What It Means for Future Environmental Engineers

The EU’s new Ambient Air Quality Directive (EU) 2024/2881 has been in force since December 2024, and it is already reshaping how Europe thinks about pollution, health and urban planning – even though the strict new limit values only become binding in 2030. For GreenDT, which is building innovative Environmental Engineering Master Degrees aligned with the EU Green Deal, this evolving framework is a unique opportunity to connect education, research and real policy change.​

From legal text to real change

Over the past year, EU countries have started translating the directive into national law, updating their rules to reflect tighter standards for pollutants like PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 and to introduce new obligations for planning and enforcement. Authorities are designating responsible bodies, defining zones and agglomerations, and preparing new air quality plans and roadmaps that must show how they will reach the 2030 targets.​

At the same time, EU agencies are publishing guidance and tools to support consistent implementation, from modelling methodologies to reporting formats. This creates a growing demand for professionals able to navigate both the technical and governance dimensions of air quality, exactly where Environmental Engineering graduates can play a leading role.​

Smarter monitoring, stronger rights

The directive is transforming how air quality is measured and communicated. Countries are upgrading monitoring networks, adding more stations in dense urban areas and sensitive sites such as schools and hospitals, and complementing measurements with mandatory atmospheric modelling in hotspots.​

New indicators such as ultrafine particles and black carbon are gaining importance, alongside better data on health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups. Citizens also gain stronger rights to clear, real‑time information and, in certain cases, to seek compensation when authorities fail to respect air quality laws, making clean air not just a goal but an enforceable right.​

Air quality today: progress and gaps

Recent analyses from the European Environment Agency show that air quality in Europe has steadily improved over the last decade, with many monitoring stations now meeting current EU standards for key pollutants. However, exposure to fine particles and ozone still remains above health‑based WHO guidelines for most urban residents, and the new 2030 EU limits will be much harder to meet without additional action.​

This “gap to target” assessment helps cities and regions prioritise interventions in transport, industry, residential heating and port and airport operations, where persistent pollution hotspots remain. In practice, this means more low‑emission zones, cleaner public transport, stricter industrial permits and innovative solutions for heating and cooling – areas where environmental engineers are essential.​

Why this matters for GreenDT

GreenDT’s mission is to empower staff and students in Uzbekistan’s universities by transferring knowledge and best practices from EU Environmental Engineering education, fully aligned with the Green Deal and Europe’s transition policies. The new air quality directive provides a concrete, up‑to‑date policy framework that GreenDT partners can embed in teaching, labs and collaborative projects.​

Master programmes and laboratories developed under GreenDT can use the directive’s standards, monitoring requirements and planning obligations as real case studies: from designing sensor networks and modelling scenarios, to evaluating policy options and communicating risks to communities. In this way, students are not just learning about regulations on paper – they are training to become the engineers who will help cities meet those regulations and protect public health in Europe, Uzbekistan and beyond.​

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GREENDT Project at the National Conference on Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Date: October 24–25, 2025
Venue: Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, Uzbekistan

The GREENDT Project proudly took part in the Republican Scientific and Practical Conference on “Scientific Achievements in Climate Change and Sustainable Development,” held on October 24–25, 2025, at Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute (JizPI).

This significant national event was jointly organized by:

GREENDT Representation and Contributions

The GREENDT Project was represented by:

  • Mr. Jamshid Abdunazarov – JizPI Project Manager (on-site)
  • Mr. Sarvarbek Yusupov – National Coordinator (online)

Both speakers presented the project’s achievements and its growing impact on enhancing Environmental Engineering education in Uzbekistan. They highlighted GREENDT’s ongoing efforts to align academic programs with sustainable development goals, promote green and digital transition, and foster international collaboration and innovation in higher education.

About the Conference

The conference brought together scientists, researchers, master’s and doctoral students to discuss innovative solutions and research findings in the following thematic areas:

  1. Green technologies in industry and energy, transition to alternative energy sources, and waste management.
  2. Scientific approaches to addressing environmental challenges in natural sciences and agriculture, including the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability.
  3. Eco-friendly construction materials and technologies, and sustainable urban transport systems.
  4. Youth engagement and environmental education through modern pedagogical technologies.

The event provided a national platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and promoting sustainable practices in research, industry, and education.

GREENDT’s Role in Sustainable Transition

Through participation in events like this, the GREENDT Project continues to reinforce its mission of advancing green and digital transformation across higher education institutions in Central Asia. By integrating sustainability-focused engineering curricula and fostering cross-sector collaboration, GREENDT contributes to building a more resilient, environmentally responsible future for Uzbekistan and beyond.

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Unprecedented Surge: Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations Reach a New Record

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere has reached record-breaking levels, and the pace of this increase is faster than ever before. This surge is a key driver of global warming and a warning signal that urgent action is needed from governments, organizations, and individuals alike.

The Current Situation

In 2024, global average CO₂ levels reached their highest point since modern measurements began. Atmospheric monitoring stations, including the historic Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawai‘i, recorded averages above 424 parts per million (ppm). This represents a dramatic increase from pre-industrial levels of about 280 ppm and even from recent decades, when the rate of growth was already accelerating.

From 2023 to 2024, the year-on-year rise in CO₂ concentration was approximately 3.5 ppm — the largest annual increase since systematic records began in 1957. This rapid climb underlines how human activity continues to reshape the chemistry of the atmosphere.

Why It Matters

Carbon dioxide is the most important long-lived greenhouse gas. It traps heat in the atmosphere, strengthening the natural greenhouse effect that keeps our planet habitable. However, when CO₂ concentrations increase, more heat remains near Earth’s surface, causing global temperatures to rise.

Scientific data from ice cores and atmospheric measurements show that current CO₂ levels are unprecedented in hundreds of thousands of years. Such concentrations are now driving the climate system into conditions that no human civilization has ever experienced.

What’s Driving the Increase

The main cause of this historic surge is the burning of fossil fuels — coal, oil, and gas — for energy and transportation. Deforestation and industrial agriculture further amplify the problem by reducing the planet’s ability to absorb CO₂ naturally through vegetation and soils.

Natural factors, such as El Niño events, can intensify these effects by reducing plant growth and increasing the frequency of wildfires, temporarily boosting CO₂ levels even higher.

The Consequences

The increase in CO₂ concentrations locks in additional global warming for decades and centuries to come, because this gas remains in the atmosphere for a very long time. The impacts are already visible: stronger heatwaves, prolonged droughts, more severe wildfires, melting ice sheets, and rising sea levels.

If emissions continue at their current pace, some projections indicate that atmospheric CO₂ could exceed 800 ppm by the end of this century — a level last seen millions of years ago, when global temperatures and sea levels were dramatically higher.

More information:

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