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Monday, 24 November
9:00 – 9:05
Welcome
Veronika Oravcová, CEEC Director, Slovak Foreign Policy Association
9:05-9:30
Introductory remarks
9:30-10:45
Panel I. Energy security in Central Europe: between vulnerability and transformation
This panel will examine the challenges of energy security in Central Europe, with particular attention to the Visegrad countries and the perspective of Ukraine. It will focus on how countries seek to secure reliable supplies, strengthen critical infrastructure and expand renewable energy and efficiency measures. A central theme will be the need for closer cooperation within the region to reduce vulnerabilities and improve resilience. The panel will also reflect on how regional approaches to energy security are closely linked to broader security concerns and economic development.
10:45-11:15
Break
11:00-12:30
Roundtable discussion I. Building energy independence: the role of municipalities and regions in solar expansion
The roundtable on solar energy development in municipalities and regions highlights its transformative potential for sustainable growth and energy independence. Solar power supports local climate goals, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulates regional economies through innovation, job creation, and investment in green technologies. Municipalities can also benefit from lower energy costs and stronger community engagement, as citizens gain opportunities to participate in local energy cooperatives and rooftop projects. Regional authorities can play a crucial coordinating role in promoting renewable infrastructure and integrating solar energy into spatial planning. The roundtable will examine diverse pathways for advancing solar development while addressing also the challenges such as financing and grid capacity.
11:15-12:15
Panel II. Presentation of the World Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency
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.
12:15-13:15
Lunch
13:00-14:00
Roundtable discussion II. The EU budget for a climate-neutral future: tools, regions, and recovery
This roundtable will explore the European Union’s strategic role in supporting the decarbonization of cities and regions through a range of financial and policy instruments. A central focus will be the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which sets the Union’s budgetary priorities and embeds climate action across funding streams. The discussion will examine how the MFF, particularly through the Cohesion Policy, is shaping regional and local climate strategies and enabling a fair, inclusive green transition at the subnational level. Emphasis will be placed on how these tools promote low-carbon investments, innovation, and adaptation, especially in structurally weaker territories. Special attention will also be paid to the EU’s financial and technical support for Ukraine’s municipalities and regions in their recovery and decarbonization efforts, alongside the need for targeted and transparent mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.
13:15-14:25
Panel III. The next generation of nuclear: what can SMRs deliver for Central Europe?
The development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Central Europe represents not only a technological advance in clean and secure energy supply but also a significant driver of socio-economic transformation. By fostering highly skilled employment, SMRs can stimulate job creation across engineering, construction, operations, and long-term maintenance, while strengthening local supply chains. Their integration into national strategies encourages new educational pathways in nuclear science, engineering, and technical training, thereby equipping future generations with cutting-edge skills. The panel will discuss how could SMR projects serve as a magnet for investment, enhance regional competitiveness and support economic growth. And how might the modular nature of SMRs contribute to infrastructure modernization, grid stability and cross-border cooperation within Central Europe’s interconnected energy landscape?
14:25-15:00
Break
15:00-16:10
Panel IV. I Security of gas supply and price stability in Central Europe
Discussion on natural gas modelling in Central Europe explores the region’s evolving energy landscape, shaped by market liberalization, geopolitical shifts and the transition to sustainable energy sources. Advanced modelling techniques are essential for analysing supply security, demand fluctuations and development of prices. By integrating economic, political, and technical factors, the debate provides insights into optimizing regional gas flows, enhancing energy security and supporting policy decisions in a rapidly transforming sector.
15:00-16:30
Roundtable discussion III. Advancing Geothermal in CEE: Key aspects of national strategic frameworks, financial models and innovation potential
This roundtable will continue the in-depth discussion about geothermal energy in the Central and Eastern Europe. The roundtable will bring together geothermal experts and stakeholders from Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Poland and Croatia to debate over regional aspirations for geothermal energy and the strategies and measures that are needed. Geothermal is a local, reliable and predictable renewable energy with a wide range of applications across the heating and cooling, industry and agricultural sectors and huge innovation potential. Hungary and Croatia are among the EU leaders in geothermal growth, while Poland has a proven success record of national funding and dedicated geothermal regulations, examples to be copied by the EU neighbours. This joint experience can be useful for Slovakia and Romania, where the oil and gas sector is expected to open up more for geothermal. These countries are all taking positive steps, but much more can be achieved, especially with closer cooperation. This session aims to provide the opportunity for a regional exchange of ideas and best practices for national geothermal support measures, taking into consideration local energy and climate plans.
Tuesday, 25 November
9:30-11:00
Parallel Roundtable discussion IV. Climate governance and citizen participation and sustainable cities of the future
The roundtable discussion on climate governance in cities will focus on the strategies and policies urban centers can implement to tackle climate change and drive sustainability. Experts will explore the challenges and opportunities for cities to integrate climate goals into urban planning, transportation, energy systems and waste management. The debate will highlight innovative governance models, citizen engagement and the role of local authorities in fostering climate resilience. By examining successful case studies, the discussion will provide insights into how cities can lead the charge in climate action, ensuring environmental, social and economic benefits for urban populations.
9:30-11:00
Parallel Roundtable discussion V. Energy performance standards and local building codes
Buildings are central to achieving climate and energy objectives at the local and regional levels, while also playing a key role in economic recovery and social resilience. This panel will explore how municipalities can scale up the deep renovation of residential and public buildings to reduce energy use, cut emissions, and improve quality of life. A focus will be placed on the development and enforcement of energy performance standards, updated building codes, and local renovation support programs, including energy audits and advisory services. In addition to the EU context, the panel will highlight how Ukrainian cities and regions can integrate energy-efficient reconstruction into their post-war recovery efforts, using best practices from the EU’s Renovation Wave and cohesion policy instruments.
11:30-13:30
Parallel Roundtable discussion VI. Municipal and regional strategies for a circular future
This roundtable brings together municipal and subnational representatives to explore how circular economy principles and innovative approaches can create new opportunities for local development. The discussion will focus on practical pathways for reducing waste, reusing resources, and fostering sustainable production and consumption at the regional and community level. What role can municipalities play as frontrunners in implementing circular solutions and how can subnational governments support innovation ecosystems that link local businesses, research institutions and citizens? The session aims to highlight successful practices, identify barriers and consider how circular strategies can contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to economic resilience, job creation and improved quality of life in local communities.
11:30-13:30
Parallel Roundtable discussion VII. Strengthening urban and regional resilience through adaptation
As the impacts of climate change intensify, cities and regions are taking on a central role in developing and implementing adaptation measures. Local governments can respond to climate risks such as heatwaves, flooding, drought and biodiversity loss, while also addressing the social and economic vulnerabilities these challenges create. This discussion will examine how municipalities and regions can design strategies that enhance resilience, protect public health, safeguard critical infrastructure, and strengthen local economies. Emphasis will be placed on practical tools for planning, financing and governance that enable adaptation actions to be mainstreamed across policy sectors and levels of government. By sharing experiences and successful practices, the session aims to highlight how subnational actors can act as key drivers of climate resilience, fostering cooperation with communities, civil society and international partners.
