Conference | Energy transition at your doorstep. From the EU regulatory framework to local practice

Forum Energii invites you to the conference 'Energy transition at your doorstep. From the EU regulatory framework to local practice' which will be held on May 12, 2025 in Brussels from 12:30 pm to 5:15 pm, at the headquarters of Business & Science Poland (Rue Belliard 40, 1040 Brussels) and online.

The EU Regulatory Framework is already in place, but how can we encourage the society to act?

The energy transition has come to the doorsteps of European citizens. The shift towards cleaner energy and the battle for improved air quality is placing more responsibility on households and pressure on communities to transform. Those who have been using coal and gas to heat their homes are now facing increased costs. Most families need to renovate the buildings they live in.

Emission reductions result not only from implementing technological advancements on a larger scale but also from changes in daily habits. Effective implementation of regulations, such as the new Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), and preparing households for the expansion of the ETS system, is a significant challenge. Communities, where coal extraction has been a major source of income, are facing the need to diversify economically to reach Just Transition.

The success of the energy transition will depend on the right investments and support schemes as well as on the social acceptance, built on clear evidence of its benefits for society. Providing knowledge through educational and communication campaigns is crucial, along with access to accurate data on local needs, allocating EU funds effectively, and offering expert support along with practical solutions are key to driving a successful energy transition.

Poland's experience in combating smog and implementing one of the largest Clean Air subsidy programs for residents serves as a valuable example, demonstrating how targeted initiatives can accelerate progress on local energy transition when support is given to citizens.

We invite you to join the discussion with experts and representatives of local and national authorities as well as the European institutions to collaboratively develop effective solutions for Europe’s energy future.

Registration for in-person and online participation is available at: https://forms.office.com/e/BjdhHkzhCr

Agenda

12:30-13:30 Registration and welcoming lunch

13:30-13:35 Welcoming remarks

EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
13:35-14:00 Keynote speeches:

A path to a fair and competitive energy transition for European citizens.

Marzena Czarnecka, Minister of Industry, Poland (tbc)

Planning sustainable development nationwide and social aspects of energy transition.

14:00-14:20 Introductory remarks: Let’s connect the dots -social aspects of energy transition

Joanna Pandera, PhD, President, Forum Energii, European University Institute, School of Transnational Governance, From the EU regulatory framework to implementation – lessons for the future

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

14:20-15:10 Dialogue: National programmes supporting the energy transition and air quality

Petr Valdman, Director of the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic, (tbc)

Veli-Matti Uski, Director at the Ministry of the Environment, Finland (tbc)

Reena Badiani-Magnusson, Senior Economist and Program Leader in the Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions, World Bank
Moderation: Alice Hancock, EU correspondent, Financial Times (tbc)

14:55-15:10 Fireside chat: Clean Air Programme - good and bad experiences from the energy transition programme for households

Dorota Zawadzka Stępniak, President of National Fund for Environmental Protection, Poland

Joanna Pandera, PhD, President, Forum Energii, European University Institute, School of Transnational Governance

15:10-15:30 Coffee Break

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

15:30-15:40 Introductory remarks: Social perception: how the Just Transition Fund triggered a change

Magdalena Chawuła, People, Cities, Regions Programme Director, Forum Energii

15:40-16:20 Debate: Empowering local communities and driving future growth through a dedicated just transition funding

Themis Christophidou, Director General, DG REGIO, European Commission (tbc)

Ciaran Mullooly, Member of the European Parliament, Ireland, rapporteur for the opinion on the role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition (tbc)
Miłosława Stępień, Just Transition Coordinator, CEE Bankwatch Network & chair of the EC WG on the Future of Just Transition Fund

URBAN PERSPECTIVE

16:20-16:30 Introductory remarks: Energy Transition and Clean Air: Experiences and Challenges Through the Eyes of Cities and Residents