On 17–18 October, FEDARENE took part in the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (IPM25), held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Our Director, Filip Dumitriu, and Policy Officer, Mickael Bianchin, were invited to attend the event, also joined by David Matuška, Project Manager of the Ústí Energy Centre, a FEDARENE member from the Czech Republic, who spoke at the session “Citizens’ energy – the other coin of the European energy transition”.
Organised by EUFORES under the Danish EU Council Presidency, the annual cross-party meeting brought together leading figures from across Europe. Participants included members of the EU27 national parliaments, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the International Energy Agency, as well as representatives from industry, academia and civil society.
The discussions focused on how renewable energy and energy efficiency can drive economic growth, social inclusion, and prosperity across the European Union, highlighting rapid investments in the EU’s grid and storage infrastructure to unlock the potential of of renewables and flexibilisation, the importance of electrification of our economy, and the central role of citizens and local actors in shaping Europe’s clean energy future.
Insights from the event
The 25th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting brought together an impressive range of speakers and participants, including EU and national parliamentarians, representatives of the European Commission, and organisations representing civil society and industry such as WindEurope, REScoop.eu and Agora Energiewende – to mention a few. The diversity of perspectives created a dynamic setting for discussion on how to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition. For FEDARENE, it was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with national and EU policymakers, to showcase the work carried out by regional and local energy agencies, and to highlight the challenges that still stand in the way of implementing the EU’s energy and climate objectives on the ground.
A recurring message throughout the two days was that, while progress has been made, much remains to be done to meet the EU’s 2030 and 2050 goals. Participants emphasised the need for faster permitting, stronger grids, and greater citizen and community involvement. Meetings such as the IPM25 play an essential role in bringing together legislators, experts and practitioners from across Europe, helping to take stock of achievements, identify bottlenecks, and set the direction for the next phase of the EU’s clean energy transition.
Citizens’ energy – the other coin of the European energy transition
Local and regional agencies have been playing a key role in citizens involvement in the transition, guiding them to success.
— David Matuška, Project Manager of the Ústí Energy Centre
The session explored the growing role of citizens in Europe’s energy transition, highlighting how the deployment of decentralised renewable energy has evolved into a powerful grassroots movement. Chaired by Lukas Hammer, Member of Parliament from Austria, the discussion shed light on the forthcoming European Commission initiative aimed at strengthening citizens’ “right to energy autonomy.”
Speakers examined how enabling frameworks and supportive policies can empower communities to actively participate in the energy market, reinforcing the democratic and inclusive dimensions of the energy transition.
The panel featured contributions from Ivo Schmidt (European Commission), who outlined the EU’s legislative efforts to enhance the impact of energy communities; Mark Luntley (REScoop.eu), who addressed the financial mechanisms and investment models supporting community energy; and Stephan C. Krabsen (Energy Communities Denmark), who showcased Denmark’s successful examples of citizen-led energy initiatives. David Matuška, representing the Ústí Energy Centre, shared insights from local authorities, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation and public engagement. As said by Matuška: “We’re not only there to help citizens become energy independent, but to also make the result look nice!”
The session concluded with an interactive discussion among participants, reaffirming the central role of citizens as both beneficiaries and drivers of Europe’s clean energy transformation.
