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Monday, 30 November
Welcome
Introductory remarks
Panel I. Europe’s energy politics: security, competitiveness and climate tools
A discussion with Members of the European Parliament on key EU energy and climate priorities, with a focus on regional security, financing instruments, and the future of cohesion policy. The panel will explore how Central Europe can contribute to shaping EU decision-making in a period of geopolitical uncertainty, energy transition, and economic transformation. Special attention will be given to the role of EU funds, regional resilience, and the balance between climate ambition, competitiveness, and social cohesion.
Parallel Panel II. World Energy Outlook
As part of the ongoing partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), this panel will feature the presentation of its latest flagship publication World Energy Outlook (WEO). The report provides forward-looking scenarios that explore how different policy paths could shape energy markets, security and emissions over the coming decades. It offers independent, data-driven analysis of global energy trends, projecting future demand and supply developments.
Parallel Panel III. Wind energy between myths and facts
The debate will examine how expanding domestic wind generation can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, diversify the energy mix and contribute to more affordable energy supplies. At the same time, it will address the impact of disinformation, recurring myths and political narratives on public acceptance, permitting processes and investment decisions. Special attention will be given to common misconceptions related to costs, reliability, environmental impacts, health concerns and local communities, as well as to how governments, experts, media, municipalities and civil society can use evidence-based communication to build trust in wind energy projects.
Parallel Thematic workshop IV. Financing renovation and energy savings
A discussion on energy efficiency financing schemes and their role in reducing energy costs, emissions, and consumption. The debate will explore how public funds, private investment, grants, loans, and innovative financial instruments can support building renovation, industrial efficiency, and household energy savings. Special attention will be given to affordability, access to finance, implementation challenges, and the role of energy efficiency in strengthening energy security and competitiveness.
Parallel Panel V. Flexibility as the backbone of the new energy systems
A discussion on the role of flexibility in building a stable, secure and renewable-based energy system in Central Europe. The workshop will explore how batteries, local storage, aggregation, modern market design and hydropower can help balance variable renewable energy, strengthen grid resilience and support decentralised energy systems. Special attention will be given to regional cooperation, cross-border coordination, permitting, investment barriers and regulatory frameworks needed to unlock flexible solutions and regional cooperation.
Parallel Thematic workshop VI. Europe’s new critical dependence: CRM as the new energy security battlefield
A discussion on the emerging role of critical raw materials (CRM) in European energy security and the geopolitical risks associated with the green transition. As Europe reduces its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerates the deployment of renewable energy technologies, new strategic dependencies are emerging, particularly in relation to China and critical raw material supply chains. The debate will explore how Central and Eastern European countries can strengthen the resilience of their supply chains while advancing the energy transition and whether regional cooperation can contribute to meaningful de-risking. The discussion will also consider how critical raw material dependencies are being framed as a security issue at the EU level.
Parallel Thematic workshop VII. From disinformation and conflict to meaningful participation in the energy transition
A discussion on citizen participation in the energy transition, with a focus on how to make public engagement more meaningful and resilient to disinformation. The debate will reflect on the growing challenges seen in several renewable energy projects, where participation can become polarised or vulnerable to mistrust. Building on the citizen participation toolkit, the workshop will explore how public authorities, project developers and local communities can create better conditions for dialogue and address concerns early.
Parallel Panel VIII. Powering competitiveness through energy chips and resilient supply chains
With the rapid expansion of semiconductor manufacturing, AI data centres and other energy-intensive technologies, access to reliable and low-carbon electricity is becoming an increasingly important factor in investment and industrial development. The debate will explore the links between energy systems, semiconductor and technology supply chains and Europe’s capacity to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. Special attention will be given to the growing electricity needs of AI and data centres, the energy requirements of chip and processor manufacturing, grid capacity and flexibility and the role of supply chains in industrial growth
Parallel Panel IX. E-mobility, grids and cities
A discussion on the development of clean mobility and charging infrastructure, with a focus on municipal fleets, public transport, grid impacts, affordability and the second-hand market. The debate will explore how cities and regions can support the transition to low-emission transport while ensuring accessible and cost-effective solutions. Special attention will be given to infrastructure planning, investment needs, electricity grid readiness and the role of local governments in making clean mobility practical and affordable.
Parallel Thematic workshop X. Partnership for regional security and resilience
The discussion will focus on the challenges of sustainable regional development in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and on the importance of deepening regional cooperation as a key factor in strengthening the shared security, resilience and stability of Central Europe. Particular attention will be given to the potential for energy cooperation between Central European countries and Ukraine, as well as to their growing role in supporting Ukraine’s energy security during the war. Participants will discuss practical mechanisms of regional cooperation, particularly the provision of energy supplies and technological equipment for Ukrainian energy facilities damaged by the war. The discussion will also highlight cross-border cooperation, coordination of efforts and the exchange of experience as tools for responding more effectively to common challenges.
Tuesday, 1 December 2026
Thematic workshop XI. Building positive energy districts
A discussion on positive energy districts and their role in creating more sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient cities. The debate will explore how local renewable energy production, smart grids, energy storage, efficient buildings, and citizen-focused solutions can help urban areas produce more energy than they consume. Special attention will be given to financing, governance, planning, and regional examples of how positive energy districts can support climate neutrality and improve quality of life.
Thematic workshop XII. Geothermal energy for cities
A discussion on the role of geothermal energy in cities, building on last year’s geothermal roundtable, with a focus on district heating, direct heat use, drilling innovation, and the use of oil and gas expertise. The debate will explore how geothermal solutions can support cleaner, more secure, and locally available heat for urban areas. Special attention will be given to regional case studies, investment conditions, and the potential of geothermal energy to strengthen resilient and sustainable city energy systems.
