We have visited the 16th Citizens’ Forum in Budapest

Keynote Speeches: Creating a Just Transition Framework for and with European Citizens

Keynote speakers Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Attila Steiner and Blanka Tarsoly presented their insights on what actions are needed in the next five years to build a just transition framework, emphasizing the focus on citizens at the core of the energy transition.

Their key points:

• Affordability of energy as a guiding principle of the new administration

• Reskilling workers and training new clean energy professionals to support the transition, with support for vulnerable groups

• Encouraging consumer protection and proactive citizen participation, including through energy communities and energy sharing initiatives

• Public Buy-in: Essential for the EU Green Deal's success

Panel Discussion: Empowering Citizens for a Just Energy Transition

Following the keynote addresses, a dynamic panel session brought together representatives from European stakeholder organizations and institutions. The discussion focused on the vital role of local authorities, energy agencies, energy communities, clusters, and NGOs in enabling citizens, particularly middle- and low-income families, to benefit from the energy transition. The discussion covered four key themes: community empowerment, energy poverty, decarbonizing residential heating, and transitioning coal regions. The pivotal role of local authorities was highlighted in terms of citizens’ energy.

"Local authorities must act as facilitators, bringing together energy providers, NGOs, and energy communities to address obstacles. They can also contribute by providing land or helping secure financing. The most important step is to ensure all actors sit at the same table to find practical solutions." - Milena Agopyan

The panel underscored the need for collaboration across all levels of society. Local authorities, NGOs, and energy agencies must take the lead in facilitating solutions, while governments and institutions should prioritize equitable financing mechanisms and policy support. Community empowerment, skill development, and addressing social inequalities are all essential to achieving a just and inclusive energy transition.

Breakout Sessions: Addressing key challenges in the energy transition

Following the panel, participants joined four breakout sessions, each focusing on specific challenges and opportunities in advancing a just energy transition. Here are the key takeaways:

• Energy communities are recognized as key drivers of citizen engagement, and member states are reminded to implement EU legislation to promote their growth. Strategies to incentivize small consumers to actively engage with energy markets have to be developed

• Support at the EU level is necessary to enforce energy-sharing policies in member states

• The Citizens Energy Package and Affordable Housing Plan must work hand in hand, with a shared focus on putting tenants and citizens first

• Empowering municipalities is crucial in ensuring a fair energy transition

• Mechanisms must unlock financing without over-reliance on public funding and subsidies.

• One-stop shops at the municipal level are essential, and expanding their capacity and networks should be a priority.

• Technical and legal expertise for complex projects has to be provided, including securing large commercial loans

• The rollout of smart meters has to be accelerated, tailored to the specific context of each country.

• Clearer, more standardized information has to be provided on energy bills to better inform consumers

The conclusions of the 16th Citizens’ Energy Forum, which took place on December 5th in Budapest, are now available online: Work begins on the Citizens Energy Package to ensure a fair and inclusive energy transition https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/work-begins-citizens-energy-package-ensure-fair-and-inclusive-energy-transition-2024-12-19_en