From 9 to 11 June 2026, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, local authorities and civil society organisations gathered in Brussels and online for the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026, Europe’s largest annual event dedicated to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The 20th edition took place under the theme “A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union.”
Several members of the wider U2DEMO partnership contributed to discussions on energy communities, energy poverty and a just energy transition during the event.
Advancing Inclusive Urban Energy Communities
On 11 June, Steven Laurijssen, Project Coordinator at Klimaan, participated in the policy session “From Policy to Practice: Inclusive Urban Energy Communities.” The session explored how energy communities can help reduce energy poverty, engage vulnerable households and support a fair and participatory energy transition in cities.
The discussion brought together experts from local government, European institutions and civil society to exchange experiences and practical approaches for making energy communities more inclusive and accessible. Steven Laurijssen joined speakers from across Europe to discuss how community-led energy initiatives can create tangible benefits for citizens while supporting local climate and energy goals.
For U2DEMO, these themes are highly relevant, as the project investigates innovative business models and governance approaches that place citizens and communities at the centre of the energy transition.
Missed the session? Watch the recording here.
Addressing Energy Poverty in the Decarbonization Process
Also on 11 June, Lucila de Almeida, from the Florence School of Regulation, participated in the session “Empowering and Protecting Vulnerable Households on the Path to Decarbonisation: From Gas Grids to Renewable Heat.” The panel focused on the challenges vulnerable consumers face when switching from fossil fuels to clean heating solutions and explored policy measures to ensure that the transition remains fair and affordable.
The discussion highlighted the importance of protecting consumers from rising energy burdens while accelerating the deployment of renewable heating technologies. Participants examined how governments, industry and civil society can work together to support households throughout the decarbonization process.
Although Lucila’s participation was not directly linked to U2DEMO activities, the topics addressed closely align with the project’s broader objectives of fostering inclusive and citizen-centred energy transitions.
Missed the session? Watch the recording here.
Shared Goals for Europe’s Energy Transition
The discussions held during EUSEW 2026 reflect many of the challenges and opportunities that U2DEMO seeks to address through its research, demonstrations and stakeholder engagement activities. From empowering energy communities to ensuring that vulnerable citizens can actively participate in the transition, these conversations are essential for building a more resilient, sustainable and socially inclusive energy system.
U2DEMO congratulates all partners and associated experts who contributed their expertise to EUSEW 2026 and looks forward to continuing these discussions through the project’s upcoming events and activities.
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