After arriving in Berlin, 27 Energy Scout teams from 10 European countries went straight into professional exchange and presented their practical projects that had won prizes within the national competitions. A highlight was definitely the short videos, developed personally by the Energy Scouts, that summed up their practical projects in one minute. The projects showcased practical hands-on solutions for enhancing energy and resource efficiency across a wide range of industries, including: steel manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, agriculture, wood and waste management.

After the project presentations, the Energy Scouts headed over to a solar-powered boat tour, to cruise through the heart of Berlin. Although already very hungry, the Energy Scouts first put their energy and climate knowledge to a test in a boat quiz: the winning team being the first one to access the buffet! Saija Bikanova-Andžāne from Mārupes Siltumnīcas SIA in Latvia summarised it like this: “For me it was just really nice to connect with new people and see their mentality and their approach to life. (…) I’m very happy that we have created this beginning to a new friendship and work relationships.”

The second day began with the award ceremony, organized jointly with the Unternehmensnetzwerk Klimaschutz, honouring both 41 Energy Scouts and their German counterparts, 200 Energie-Scouts. The room was packed with positive energy, excited chit-chat and eyes full of expectation.

The Energy Scouts were honoured by Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) and Dr. Achim Dercks, Deputy Managing Director of DIHK. Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter emphasized the importance of German and European Scouts for the successful transition to climate neutrality in companies: „The achievements and results of these committed young people are enormous. In every company, the Scouts find untapped potential for using energy efficiently, saving energy, and utilizing renewable energies. In doing so, they not only demonstrate the commitment and ambition with which energy efficiency and climate protection can be promoted. Above all, they also provide their companies with tangible economic advantages. This commitment is exemplary and has real potential for the future.“

“There were a lot of teams from across Europe. Also, we liked projects that maybe you can implement in other companies. I think that’s the greatness of this event.”

Naum Popovski, EVN Macedonia

Managing Director of DIHK Service GmbH, Sofie Geisel and Host and Climate journalist, Louisa Schneider, guided through the event with motivating words and optimistic vibes.

Afterwards, it was time for some networking. The Scouts were able to exchange views on their respective approaches to saving energy and resources and learn more about the various projects in the scope of a poster exhibition.

In the afternoon, the Energy Scouts visited BMW’s motorbike production facility, gaining insights into their energy consumption management, their approaches to smart, more climate-friendly and circular production processes. A learning was that all of BMW’s motorcycles within the EU are delivered to customers in reusable metal packaging frames, which are then returned and used multiple times. This approach significantly reduces the use of wood and cardboard, which are still commonly used for motorcycle packaging outside the EU.

On Wednesday, the last day of the event, the group made its way to the local ice cream manufactory, Florida Eis Manufaktur GmbH. Since 2013, the company has been shining with its CO₂-neutral production, making it the first ice cream manufacturer in Germany to achieve this goal. The company relies on the use of diverse environmentally friendly technologies. Olaf Höhn, the owner of Florida Eis, demonstrated how individuals can make a difference when it comes to realizing innovative and sustainable ideas. He plans to expand to a new location near Magdeburg, where existing sustainable production methods will be replicated and further expanded.

The end of the tour marked the end of this eventful, cross-border exchange in Berlin.

The year began with a high-profile workshop held on 24 January 2025 in Oulu, Finland, titled “Politics and Good Practices in Peatland Forestry.” Organised jointly by the Finnish Landowners’ Association, ELO, and the EUKI EPI project. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss sustainable forestry on peat soils. Presentations covered alternatives to drainage, hydrological restoration, biodiversity protection, and fertilisation strategies. The workshop laid the groundwork for the Peatland Forestry manual, which ELO published shortly thereafter.

Elsi Katainen, Renew Europe Group, Member of the European Parliament (left), and Kimmo Collander, Secretary General of the Finnish Landowners‘ Association (right)
 
This forestry guide was the final in a trio of technical manuals released by ELO in support of the project:
1. Farming (in) Peatlands – A manual on paludiculture, it offers guidance to farmers on cultivating crops like reed and sphagnum moss that thrive in wet peatlands while delivering climate benefits.
2. Peatland Restoration – Focused on restoring degraded peatlands, this manual outlines methods like ditch-blocking and topsoil removal, along with guidance on project planning and funding.
3. Peatland Forestry – Published following the Oulu workshop, this manual supports forest managers with practical strategies to reduce emissions while maintaining forest productivity in peat-rich regions.

In addition to the Oulu workshop, the manuals were also presented at the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, a key event that brought together European stakeholders to explore the intersection of farming, forestry, and climate resilience. The forum provided an important platform to raise awareness and spark discussion around sustainable peatland management.

The three manuals were presented and discussed during the capacity-building event hosted by CEEweb for Biodiversity on 27–28 May 2025, titled “Conservation of Peatlands: Policies, Funds and Field Experiences.” Held both online and in person, the workshop featured ELO’s presentation of all three brochures, with a particular emphasis on the newly released Peatland Forestry guide. This manual received the most attention, offering participants practical insights into climate-resilient land use and sparking engaged discussion.

Covering just 3–4% of the Earth’s surface but storing a third of global soil carbon, peatlands are critical ecosystems in the fight against climate change. By sharing science-based practices and convening landowners, policymakers, and conservationists, the EUKI EPI project is paving the way for climate-smart peatland management in Europe.

Achieving climate neutrality across the European Union requires a just and inclusive energy transition – especially in Central and Eastern Europe, where many regions remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Local authorities play a crucial role in this transformation but often face limited capacity and challenges in accessing EU funding. To bridge this gap, the A+ Approach to Enhance Energy Transition project supports municipalities in Latvia and other countries in the region by providing training, strategic guidance, and tools to develop effective decarbonisation plans. By strengthening local leadership and ensuring vulnerable communities are part of the transition, the project advances the EU’s climate objectives while promoting regional resilience and equity.

RĪGAS SILTUMS is the main supplier of heat energy in Riga, covering around 76 per cent of the city’s total heat energy demand. The company produces 32 per cent of this heat itself, with 54 per cent of its own production sourced from biofuels – primarily woodchips and pellets – and 46 per cent from fossil gas. The remaining heat is purchased from Latvenergo – one of the largest energy utilities in the Baltic region – as well as from other independent producers. However, fossil gas still dominates these external sources, accounting for 64 per cent of the purchased heat energy, with woodchips making up the rest. 

In April of this year, an electrode boiler was delivered to the Imanta heating plant (located in the western part of the city) to support frequency balancing of the electricity system. The project is expected to generate considerable additional income, marking a major step towards electrifying Riga’s heat supply. It’s also the first boiler of its kind in Latvia, with others expected to follow suit.

Balancing Latvia’s power grid

In February, Latvia and the other Baltic states disconnected from the BRELL network – the joint electricity grid connecting Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania power grid previously controlled by Moscow – and synchronised with the European energy system via the LitPol Link transmission line. 

This means that Latvia is now fully responsible for maintaining the stability of its electricity grid and ensuring that frequency remains within required limits at all times. This shift has significantly increased the importance of the Baltic electricity balancing reserve market, which had previously been more formal than functional. The market’s role is to maintain the stability of network frequency, preventing it from dropping too much due to insufficient electricity supply and from sharp rises when in excess. 

Following the disconnection from BRELL, Latvia has joined the European balancing energy exchange platform, where companies contribute to grid stability by either consuming excess electricity or supplying additional capacity. These balancing services must respond within seconds or minutes and are compensated through a market-based system. Similar to regular electricity auctions, companies predict their availability and costs in advance. 

Interest in this market has grown as a result of the expansion of renewable electricity capacity. Since generation from wind and solar sources varies and may not reflect actual demand, the need for a flexible balancing system has increased. 

RĪGAS SILTUMS’ goal is to become an active participant in the electricity balancing market. The new electrode boiler will help reduce network frequency when it rises above the standard 50 hertz (Hz), stepping in when electricity is produced in excess. The boiler is capable of responding rapidly, reaching peak electricity consumption in just 90 seconds. 

While its primary function will be to provide frequency balancing when needed, the boiler will also take advantage of moments when electricity prices on the exchange drop very low or close to zero, allowing the company to generate heat in a more cost-efficient way.

Innovations in heat storage and future planning

Another promising technological solution that RĪGAS SILTUMS is exploring is the use of a sand-based heat accumulator, which can store thermal energy for several months. A successful small-scale pilot project using this technology has already been implemented in Finland. However, if deployed in Riga, the system would be rolled out on a much larger scale. 

The technology work as follows: an insulated tank is filled with sand and fitted with air ducts. Electrodes are inserted within these ducts and used to heat the air with an electric current. The heated air then transfers its energy to the sand, storing the heat for future use. 

This system could help with frequency balancing in both directions – consuming excess electricity when supply is high and converting stored heat back into electricity to feed the grid when needed. The economic viability of the project largely depends on its role in the balancing market, as well as potential support from EU funds to assist with implementation. 

Regarding the high-power compression-type heat pumps, which run on electricity, RĪGAS SILTUMS has so far adopted a cautious approach. The technology remains on hold until average electricity prices in Latvia decrease and the high capital costs associated with this type of heat production become more economically feasible. However, with new wind and solar parks expected to boost local renewable energy production over the next five years, this option could become more attractive. 

Over the past decade, Latvian heating companies have significantly reduced their reliance on fossil gas by switching to forest biomass, particularly woodchips. However, there are concerns about overreliance on forest biomass in the long run. Over the next 10 years, there’s a risk that woodchips may no longer be officially recognised as a renewable resource under EU rules. This is because the Renewable Energy Directive requires that, for forest biomass to count as renewable in a given country, emissions from the land use, land-use change, and forestry sector must not exceed removals.  

RĪGAS SILTUMS is financing the electrode boiler project from its own resources. Yet, for smaller heating companies in Latvia, investing in large-scale electrification or heat storage projects without passing on the cost to consumers through higher heating tariffs. As Maksis Apinis, head of the board at Latvian environmental organisation Green Liberty, points out:

‘It’s vitally important that sufficient EU funds are available for projects of this type, both in the current and next long-term EU budgets.’

Maksis Apinis – Head of the Board at Green Liberty

From Innovation to Deadlock: The Slovak Agrivoltaic Paradox

Agrivoltaic systems (solar panels installed above or among crops) are being widely adopted across Europe. In countries like France, Italy, or Germany, such projects are becoming mainstream due to their proven benefits. These include reduced evaporation, protection from hail or extreme temperatures, better yields under stress conditions, and new income opportunities for farmers. Yet, under existing legislation in Slovakia, agrivoltaics is currently not permitted at all. According to Slovak zoning and agricultural land laws, agricultural land must not be used for solar installations, regardless of whether crops continue to be grown underneath or not. “We are facing a paradox,” says Ján Horváth, SAPI’s agrivoltaics expert. “On the one hand, we have European strategies calling for smarter land use and increased integration of renewables. On the other, we have national laws that completely block these solutions.” This legal bottleneck means that Slovakia risks missing a unique opportunity to decarbonize its rural economy and make agriculture more resilient to climate risks. While the country formally supports renewable energy and climate targets, outdated land use policies remain a critical barrier to progress.

A Learning Experience for Policy and Practice

During the two-day study tour, SAPI introduced participants (including experts from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, and representatives of environmental and energy agencies) to one of Slovakia’s first planned agrivoltaic pilot sites. Though still theoretical, the site serves as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, farmers, and the renewable energy sector. Discussions focused on the multifunctional potential of agrivoltaics. Participants saw how photovoltaic panels can coexist with crops such as wheat, berries, or vegetables, providing partial shading and reducing extreme temperature that increasingly damage yields. With proper design, panel height and spacing can be adapted to farm machinery and local crop needs. These solutions are already successfully applied in regions of France, where 10% of a farmer’s land can be covered by panels without lowering production, or in Italy, where agrivoltaic farms receive state support under the PNRR program.

What does it really mean to implement climate action locally? How does knowledge become shared responsibility? And how important is regional collaboration for a sustainable future?

This short film, created during the final week of the Climate Protection Management training, offers engaging insights.

🎬 Watch the film here

Now it’s time for real-world action

A standout outcome from the practical training phase was the co-creation and launch of the Climate Days Hodonín by the Czech trainees in close partnership with PIN – People in Need and local stakeholders.

The Climate Days Hodonín will take place from May to June 2025, featuring workshops, field visits, and a two-day regional conference (June 17–18). The planned events will bring together municipalities, citizens, experts, and activists to make local climate action visible and highlight the power of mutual motivation, education, and regional solidarity.

👉 Check out the event website

Climate protection is a shared responsibility

Under the ELCA framework, Climate Action Plans for Moravská Nová Ves, Hodonín, and Prušánky were successfully finalised with PIN this year – developed in partnership with local communities and now shaping official municipal climate initiatives and regional development. We are proud to see the ELCA trainees carrying this spark forward: they inform, inspire, unite and help to share knowledge for a climate-resilient future.

From 20 to 23 May 2025, REA North took part in the Central and Eastern European Energy Efficiency Forum (C4E Forum) held in Cavtat, Croatia. The forum brought together stakeholders from across the region to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing energy efficiency, particularly in the building sector. During the event, REA North presented two EUKI-funded projects: OUR-CEE and REDESIGN.

The OUR-CEE (Overcoming Underperforming Renovations in Central and Eastern Europe) and REDESIGN (Harmonised Renovation Methodology for the Worst-Performing Public Buildings in CEE) projects adopt complementary approaches to improving the energy performance of public buildings in the region. Both initiatives are supported by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) and target systemic challenges faced by municipalities and public authorities.

The synergy between these two projects enables a comprehensive approach: OUR-CEE provides insights into existing challenges and proposes solutions for improving the energy performance of already renovated buildings, while REDESIGN, as a kind of continuation of the OUR-CEE project, directs efforts towards establishing standardised criteria for future renovations of the worst-performing public buildings. Together, these projects strengthen institutional capacities, encourage knowledge and experience sharing, and contribute to the development of national building renovation plans, thereby accelerating the transition to a more energy-efficient and sustainable building sector in the region.

Knowledge Exchange and Regional Cooperation

On the second day of the forum, May 21, within the framework of the OUR-CEE project, REA North organised a Knowledge Exchange Event, which, along with project partners from Romania (EPG), Bulgaria (EnEffect), and Poland (PNEC), gathered a significant number of forum participants. This knowledge exchange event was conceived as a panel session titled “Advancing high-performance renovations in the public building stock of Central and Eastern Europe” with the participation of various experts from different countries.

In addition to the panel session, the OUR-CEE project was also selected to be featured in the Knowledge Hub through a poster presentation, further emphasising the importance of the issues addressed by the project.

Towards a Sustainable Building Sector

EUKI project REDESIGN, led by REA North as the main partner, targets the 16% of public buildings with the worst energy performance in Central and Eastern Europe. Its aim is to increase the readiness for energy renovation processes of these poorly performing public buildings by proposing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) which should be met by such buildings. In addition to REA North, project partners include the Center for Energy Efficiency (EnEffect) from Bulgaria and the Energy Policy Group (EPG) from Romania.

By participating in the C4E Forum and presenting the OUR-CEE and REDESIGN projects, REA North (as well as other partners) further reinforced its role as a key actor in promoting the energy transition in the region, advocating for concrete solutions and cooperation toward a sustainable future for the building sector.

This expanding alliance represents a powerful coalition of civil society organizations, research institutions, public authorities, and social enterprises that are dedicated to creating sustainable climate solutions. The Network’s growth from its initial formation of 4 partners to over 60 partners demonstrate the increasing recognition of the need for collaborative, cross-border climate action in the region.

„The strength of our Network lies in its diversity and shared commitment,“ said Zana Vokopola, Executive Director of the Urban Research Institute (URI), who leads the Climate Bridges Network. „By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors and countries, we’re creating a platform where local climate initiatives can be amplified, and regional solutions can emerge.”

Bridging Gaps in Climate Action

The Western Balkans region has long faced challenges including environmental degradation, fragmented policies, and limited coordination in climate efforts. The Climate Bridges Network specifically aims to bridge these gaps by fostering transnational cooperation and facilitating collaboration across borders.

The Network’s mission centers on three key areas that are crucial for the region’s climate future:

• Decarbonisation efforts that support the transition to clean energy
• Pollution reduction initiatives that improve environmental quality
• Biodiversity protection programs that preserve the region’s natural heritage

Supporting the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

As the Network continues to grow, its primary goal remains supporting the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans alongside other international climate frameworks. Through regular exchange of ideas, joint advocacy efforts, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, the Network empowers local actors to take collective action that creates meaningful impact.

The collaborative approach focuses on ensuring that climate solutions are rooted in local realities while connecting to broader regional strategies. This means that communities across the Western Balkans can access resources, expertise, and partnerships that might otherwise be unavailable to individual organizations working in isolation.

Get to Know Our Network Partners

The heart of the Climate Bridges Network lies in its growing alliance of partners across the region. Each organization brings unique insights, expertise, and a shared vision for climate resilience. Explore our full list of partners and learn more about who’s involved.

A Vision for Regional Climate Resilience

Looking ahead, the Climate Bridges Network envisions a future where climate action in the Western Balkans is characterized by:

• Cross-border cooperation as the standard approach to environmental challenges
• Inclusive participation where diverse stakeholders work together effectively
• Community empowerment that ensures local voices shape climate solutions
• Policy influence that reflects the needs and priorities of the region

Strengthening Regional Solidarity

The achievement of over 60 partners represents more than just numbers, it demonstrates growing regional solidarity around climate action. Each new member organization brings unique expertise, resources, and perspectives that strengthen the collective capacity to address the interconnected challenges of climate change.

As the Network continues to evolve, it remains committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative space where organizations can tackle climate change in ways that are equitable, sustainable, and locally driven. The member organizations play a central role in shaping the Network’s direction, ensuring it remains a dynamic and adaptable force for change in Southeastern Europe.

Join the Movement

The Climate Bridges Network welcomes new organizations to join this growing alliance. Whether you’re a civil society organization, research institution, public authority, or social enterprise dedicated to climate action, your participation can strengthen the collective impact of regional climate efforts.

Learn more about membership opportunities and how to get involved by visiting our website: https://climate-bridges.com/

Together, we’re building bridges, not just between countries, but between communities, ideas, and solutions that will shape a more sustainable future for the Western Balkans.

The Climate Bridges Network continues to expand its reach and impact, connecting climate champions across Southeastern Europe in the shared mission of creating lasting environmental change through collaborative action.

On May 8 Green Liberty hosted an informative discussion-based event in Rēzekne to address mobility challenges and explore potential solutions in Latvia’s rural regions. The event featured a presentation of research by RTU scientists Antra Viļuma and Sandra Treija on the availability of public transport in Rēzekne municipality and its resulting recommendations. Participants also heard insights from Beata Berķe, a representative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), who explained the upcoming extension of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2) to cover buildings and transport, as well as the role of the Social Climate Fund. 

Linda Leja from the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) presented insights of the draft of Latvia’s forthcoming Social Climate Plan and its significance for municipalities. Zane Siliņa, Senior Officer at the Ministry of Transport’s Department for Public Transport Services, introduced policy developments concerning demand-responsive transport. Tomass Beikulis from the Road Transport Administration discussed the current accessibility of public transport in the region, while Klāvs Grieze from Latvian State Roads outlined upcoming plans for improving Latvia’s road network. 

The second part of the event featured valuable ideas and experience sharing from Aiva Apša-Ķīšeniece (Latvian Rural Forum), Laila Gercāne (Vidzeme Planning Region), Anna Vērdiņa (Kurzeme Planning Region), and Salvis Skabs (Latvian State Roads), along with a representative from the Latgale Planning Region. 

Opening the event, Rēzekne Municipality Executive Director Ērika Teirumnieka highlighted the need to act and adapt in response to global developments while ensuring environmental protection. She stressed the importance of municipalities seeking greener solutions. Understanding the current situation, opportunities, and obstacles is essential before selecting the most suitable and effective measures. Therefore, researchers Antra Viļuma and Sandra Treija were invited to present the results and recommendations of their study on mobility access in Rēzekne municipality. 

The study evaluated residents‘ experiences and needs when using public transport and publicly accessible infrastructure. While the public transport network ensures general accessibility, the bicycle infrastructure is insufficiently equipped, lacking adequate cycling paths and secure parking. The researchers emphasized that proper bicycle infrastructure includes not only bike lanes but also secure, weather-protected long-term storage facilities to encourage cycling. 

One key recommendation was the introduction of a mobile application that allows users to track real-time transport schedules and receive notifications about delays or changes. To improve mobility in sparsely populated areas, state subsidies for implementing demand-responsive transport services were deemed necessary. 

Upcoming Policy Changes: ETS2 and the Social Climate Fund 

From 2027, the expanded EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2) will apply to CO₂ emissions from heating buildings and using fossil-fueled vehicles. This will increase costs for households still reliant on fossil fuels such as natural gas. ETS2 aims to stimulate demand for energy efficiency and zero-emission alternatives. 

To offset this burden, the EU has established the Social Climate Fund, which will support investments in energy efficiency and zero-emission measures. These funds will directly benefit vulnerable households and small businesses most affected by rising costs. In Latvia, about 24.3% of the population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2023, with the share exceeding 50% in some municipalities. 

The Ministry of Climate and Energy is currently coordinating the Social Climate Plan with other ministries and will soon publish the plan for public consultation. Although the full list of planned actions will be revealed during the consultation phase, Linda Leja shared insights into expected directions. These include improving public transport availability and reducing housing costs for supported households through energy efficiency renovations. 

The plan will likely feature support for: 

• Demand-responsive transport, 

• Zero-emission vehicle purchases, 

• Micromobility enhancements, 

• Public transport infrastructure upgrades and electrification, 

• Vehicle acquisition for social and healthcare service providers. 

An information center is also planned to provide guidance and practical help on energy efficiency improvements and transport accessibility. 

Policy Progress and Regional Pilots 

The Ministry of Transport has already submitted a legislative amendment proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers to establish a legal framework for demand-responsive transport. This model would allow residents to request transport services in advance via an app or call center, and special rides would be organized based on demand. 

Laila Gercāne from the Vidzeme Planning Region shared insights from pilot projects in Mazsalaca and Alūksne municipalities, where demand-responsive transport was tested over ten months. With flexible routes and schedules tailored to users‘ needs, this service complemented existing public transport and was well-received by residents. Alūksne recorded an average of 25 rides per month, while Mazsalaca reported as many as 98. Residents appreciated the personalized service and improved access to essential services, even in remote areas. This approach also helped reduce social isolation and increased the overall sense of security and mobility satisfaction. 

Conclusion: Understanding Local Needs for Better Mobility 

Developing mobility solutions that are truly helpful and improve residents’ quality of life requires a deep understanding of their real needs. This is not only about infrastructure but also about social inclusion and regional development. 

Green Liberty expresses sincere thanks to all event participants whose contributions made the discussion meaningful, and to our partners – Rēzekne Municipality, the Latgale Planning Region, moderator Regita Zeiļa, the researchers, and all project collaborators. 

Access the RTU research (in Latvian): Public Transport Accessibility in Rēzekne Municipality.

Follow the implementation of the Social Climate Plan across Central and Eastern Europe at www.climatefairmonitor.eu  

A topic of fundamental importance

The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from ministries and municipalities, civil society organizations, and the private energy sector in Albania and Kosovo, as well as technical partners from Poland and Hungary. The workshop aimed to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to improving energy efficiency in buildings, a topic of fundamental importance for the region’s energy transition.

Challenges named by participants

During the event, thematic presentations were given, and in-depth discussions were held, comparing the current realities of Albania and Kosovo regarding energy renovation policies. EU experts shared best practices for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and participants from Albania and Kosovo expressed the specific problems they face, such as a lack of complete legal frameworks, low institutional capacity, limited access to financing, and a low level of citizen awareness.

A comprehensive regional approach

The presentation of the comparative report on the EPC framework in the EU, Albania, and Kosovo served as a starting point for discussions about current obstacles, priority measures for each national context, and the possibility of creating a harmonized, comprehensive regional approach.

The importance of addressing energy poverty was highlighted, particularly the need to create support measures for vulnerable groups who are often excluded from sustainable renovation and transformation processes.

Conclusions

The workshop concluded with concrete recommendations, emphasizing the need for close cooperation between public, private, and civil society sectors in both countries, as well as continued technical and financial support from international institutions. This event is an important step toward creating sustainable, integrated policies for a more energy-efficient, fairer future for all regional citizens.

“Exchange of experience among the representatives of the V4 Member States as well as with Austrian partners has brought an unique added value to the project and provided our energy communities with the good practices which we hope they will be able, with our support, to implement to their day-to-day operations,” Boris Valach from SAPI and Krzysztof Fal from WiseEuropa agreed.

A Glimpse into the Current Situation

The tour began with the official opening of Christian Furtwängler, Head of Center Economy, Consumers & Prices at Austrian Energy Agency, followed by a short introduction of the EUKI funding instrument, with the first block concluded by the presentation of the COMMENCE project led by Boris Valach, a Project Manager from SAPI – Slovak Association of Sustainable Energy. Then, country-specific presentations followed, where participants shared the status of energy communities in their respective countries. These presentations focused on the legal frameworks and challenges in establishing such initiatives in Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary. The following experience sharing presentations of the Austrian initiatives aimed at aiding the local communities in taking advantage from the share renewable resources such as Urban Innovation Vienna or Robin Powerhood.

A Visit to an Innovative Energy Provider

In the afternoon, the group visited the innovative energy provider Beyond Carbon, which supplies an entire district with emission-free heating and cooling through creative energy solutions. After the presentation, vital discussion took place where the participants had the unique opportunity to ask questions to the founder of the company as well as to share their experience in terms of H&C supplies.

Herbertz Hetzel giving speech on beyond carbon energy © 2025 Boris Valach

Practical Examples from the Region

On the second day, participants visited two inspiring energy communities of the Elsbeere Wienerwald and Göttweigblick Energy Community, where they had an unique opportunity to discover the operational models and to discuss the opportunities & challenges being faced by these communities at the beginning as well as during their development.

Christian Hofmann giving a deep-dive presentation on Energiegemeinschaft Göttweigblick © 2025 Boris Valach

Building brighter future for the energy communities in the V4

The study visit helps representative of the V4 countries to better understand the opportunities, options for development of energy communities in these countries. This experience has supplemented the knowledge-sharing experience brought by the COMMENCE project though the national guidelines for energy community founders and a series of national workshops dedicated to the local communities, energy sector and other stakeholders.

Now, the COMMENCE team is entering the phase of its outreach actions aimed at sharing the findings of project across the national decision-makers and through these actions, to ensure better understanding of the role of energy communities in energy transition in the CEE region.