From 19 to 21 May 2026, over 100 participants gathered in Modena, Italy, for the 2026 FEDARENE General Assembly. Bringing together Regions, Energy and Climate Agencies from across Europe and Italian guests from local, regional and national institutions, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the growing role of Energy Agencies in strengthening Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and social cohesion. 

Hosted by AESS Modena, this year’s General Assembly took place against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, energy market instability and increasing pressure to accelerate Europe’s energy transition while ensuring social fairness and economic competitiveness. 

As global tensions continue to expose the fragility of energy systems and their dependence on external actors, discussions throughout the event highlighted a shared conviction among participants: regions and Energy Agencies are on the frontline of Europe’s response.  

When geopolitics bring challenge, regions provide solutions. Across Europe, Energy Agencies are accelerating the energy transition, delivering concrete local action, and ensuring a more energy secure, affordable and sustainable future for all Europeans.

— Julije DOMAC, FEDARENE President

FEDARENE Continues to Grow Across Europe 

The 2026 General Assembly also marked an important milestone for the network with the official approval of nine 9 new members joining FEDARENE following the vote of the General Assembly. 

The new members are: 

Their arrival reflects the continued expansion of the network and the growing recognition of the strategic role Energy Agencies play in delivering Europe’s energy transition at local and regional level. 

Two members are also joining the ranks of FEDARENE’s honorary body in recognition of their dedication, leadership, and enduring support for our European Federation: Thekla Heinel, former FEDARENE Vice-President for Climate Protection in Municipalities and Regions and former Head of Department at B.&S.U (DE), and Jean Van Pamel, FEDARENE Treasurer and Inspector General of the Walloon Region (BE). 

Addressing Energy Poverty Through Local Action 

A central moment of the programme was the EU Covenant of Mayors high-level debate on energy poverty, organised in the framework of the Social Climate Fund discussions and Europe’s Affordable Housing ambitions. 

The session brought together policymakers, housing representatives and Energy Agencies to explore how local and regional actors can accelerate renovation efforts while ensuring a socially just transition. Discussions focused on practical solutions to support vulnerable households, strengthen the role of One-Stop Shops and improve coordination between climate and housing policies. 

The connection between climate action and social fairness has never been more critical to achieving our climate goals, not merely as a matter of justice, but as the foundation of a unifying narrative that brings all stakeholders together. It is simple, social impact assessments must be embedded in every energy and climate evaluation. Energy Agencies stand at the heart of this translation: turning a technical challenge into a human solution.

— Benedetta BRIGHENTI, FEDARENE Vice-President for Climate Neutral Cities and Regions

Showcasing One-Stop Shops Across Europe 

The second day of the General Assembly also featured a One-Stop Shops (OSS) interactive marketplace organised by the CROSS project, showcasing how Energy Agencies are supporting citizens and public authorities through integrated renovation services. 

Through presentations and World Café discussions, participants exchanged experiences on financing models, digital tools, citizen engagement, energy communities and renovation services for both public and residential buildings. 

The session highlighted the growing diversity of OSS models across Europe as well as the increasing role of Energy Agencies in coordinating local ecosystems and facilitating access to technical, financial and administrative support. 

Contributions from projects such as 4ENERAGENCIES, BIRTUOSS, EU Peers and RENOSS demonstrated how collaboration between regions is helping replicate successful approaches and scale up renovation efforts across Europe. 

Driving Industrial Competitiveness Through Regional Cooperation 

On the final day, participants travelled to Maranello for a workshop organised in the framework of the ENERGIZE project, focusing on industrial decarbonisation and regional competitiveness. 

Hosted at the Ferrari Convention Centre, discussions explored how Energy Agencies can support companies and industrial parks in reducing emissions, improving energy performance and developing industrial symbiosis initiatives. 

The ENERGIZE project presented the tools it developed to support industrial symbiosis in and around industrial parks. Following this, participants exchanged experiences on regional strategies, mentoring programmes and digital tools designed to help industries navigate the transition towards more sustainable and competitive business models. 

The session reinforced a key message emerging throughout the General Assembly: Europe’s energy transition is not only a climate imperative, but also a strategic opportunity to strengthen local economies, innovation and resilience. 

Strengthening Europe Through Local Energy Action

Throughout the three-day event, FEDARENE members reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and peer exchange in addressing Europe’s current challenges. 

From tackling energy poverty and scaling renovation to supporting industrial competitiveness, discussions consistently pointed towards the same conclusion: Energy Agencies are essential actors in delivering Europe’s just and competitive energy transition. 

By connecting European policies with concrete local implementation, regions and Energy Agencies continue to demonstrate that resilient, affordable and locally driven energy systems are key to Europe’s future.