Energy Democracy Input Seminar

The POWERINGCITIZENS project aims to address the critical issue of energy poverty across Europe, where millions of households struggle to afford adequate heating and face deteriorating housing conditions. Vulnerable groups, such as single-parent families, have been particularly impacted by rising energy costs. Despite the urgency of the issue, many energy-poor citizens in partner countries lack access to and participation in energy, housing, and climate policies.

The event highlighted these challenges while promoting energy citizenship as a pathway to a fair and inclusive clean energy transition. The conference emphasized empowering citizens to take joint action against energy poverty, with a focus on increasing education and providing tools to engage youth in energy transition efforts.

The session was opened by Gosia Binczyk, the Deputy Head of the Representation in Berlin of the Europäisches Haus, who underlined the importance of accessibility-related projects for citizens.

Panel on Energy Democracy across Europe

The agenda featured a panel on energy democracy in Europe, where experts discussed the state of citizen participation in energy generation and decision-making with speakers: Anna Krenz, Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy (Denmark); Meivis Sturga,ETMI (Albania),
Jerome R. Haßler, Climate Adaption Manager of the city of Luckau (Germany).

Powering Citizens as a project to address energy poverty and democracy. An impossible possibility?

A roundtable discussion followed, exploring the feasibility of projects like POWERINGCITIZENS in addressing energy poverty and promoting democratic participation in energy transitions.