MEP Scuderi hosts Energy Prices and Affordability Roundtable

On June 3rd, FEDARENE and project partners had the pleasure of co-organizing a Policy Roundtable in the European Parliament, hosted by Italian MEP Benedetta Scuderi from the European Greens. Committee of the Region member Joško Klisović was also present to present his work. Experts from Italy, Croatia and Ireland gathered to discuss with these EU representatives one of the most pressing issues in the energy transition: energy prices and affordability. 

MEP Benedetta Scuderi opened the event by delivering a keynote speech highlighting the urgency of making the energy transition accessible to all and the importance of doing so by involving the right actors. Her message was clear: energy efficiency, affordability, and participation are not technicalities: they are social justice issues.

“Local and regional authorities play a key role in shaping the energy transition. They know the infrastructure, energy patterns and people in their area. When they are involved, plans are smarter, more practical and more readily accepted by communities. Local energy agencies provide invaluable technical expertise and local knowledge, making them crucial partners in translating strategy into action.” – MEP Benedetta Scuderi. 

The panel discussion that followed, moderated by Jérémy Cléro, Energy Expert from the Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy (IEECP), included:  

• Joško Klisović, Committee of the Regions Member (HR/PES), President of the Assembly of Zagreb; 

• Marion Santini, Senior Associate & Team Lead at Regulatory Assistance Project representing Enegfirst;

• Miljenko Sedlar, Head of Climate at North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency representing IN-PLAN;

• Martin Desgrandchamps, EU Project Officer at South East Energy Agency representing Regio1st;

• Fabrizia Salvi, Project Manager at Area Science Park representing IN-PLAN.

Regio1st, IN-PLAN and Enefirst project partners in the panel presented their project’s achievements on the topics of energy prices and affordability – highlighting the two solutions offered by the inclusion of the Energy First Principle and Integrated Spatial Planning at all relevant levels. 

During the panel, Joško Klisović took the floor to present the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the importance of Multilevel governance to achieve the objectives of the green transition. He said: “75% of the implementation of the Green Deal is carried out by local authorities, yet they’re often not involved in its planning – discussed mostly between the national and EU levels. They’re left out! We need a permanent consultation mechanism between national governments and local authorities to ensure that they are fully engaged.” 

FEDARENE and other project partners, were glad to witness the enthusiasm for the topic at hand by the participants and representatives of the EU institutions present in the audience. We would like to thank MEP Scuderi, Regio1st, IN-PLAN and Enefirst speakers, and the audience for their participation. We look forward to continuing to present the perspective and solutions offered by Energy Agencies and Regions to deliver the climate transition the European Union needs. 

Co-funded by the European Union under project ID 101076428.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.