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AbstractThis research contributes to the literatures of Europeanization and European public administration by investigating EU rule advancement outside Europe. The article argues that the European Commission requires professional networks to advance the European Union (EU) acquis in Morocco and Algeria regarding climate change mitigation. However, certain conditions determine its network‐building efforts outside Europe. Functional interests and sectoral interdependence provide the Commission with increased bargaining power in Morocco. Thus, market access and expertise offers trigger Morocco to develop technical dialogue over renewable energies. Instead, a Commission‐led technical network over renewable energies creates antagonistic relations with the Algerian state elite. An alternative energy relationship with Europe beyond conventional resources could incur revenue losses for the state and a shift towards a different economic model. As a result, state hierarchies intervene in network‐building and lead professionals to stagnant outcomes. The study takes an actor‐centred approach, opting for proximity in network operations.