The JRC at EU Sustainable Energy Week 2025

The Policy Conference is at the heart of EUSEW, featuring dynamic and innovative sessions, including the following co-organised by the JRC (all times CEST).

10 June, 14:30 to 16:00 // Housing for resilient cities: empowering citizens for a clean energy transition

This session spotlights policy tools and local solutions to deliver affordable, decarbonised housing and tackle energy poverty in European cities, supporting the EU’s climate and social goals. With buildings responsible for 40% of EU energy use and 36% of emissions, energy efficiency and renovation are central to the Green Deal and Renovation Wave. At the same time, rising housing costs and inefficient buildings are pushing more people into energy poverty, especially among vulnerable groups. The discussion will focus on how to align renovation and energy performance policies with affordability, ensure public funding reaches those most in need, and empower citizens and communities to drive energy savings and clean energy uptake. 

Speakers: Lorena Reula Gil, Filip Watteeuw, Giorgos Koukoufikis, Kostas Komninos, David Cis, Carlo Tacconelli, Kristina Eisfeld, Anne Weidenbach

Moderator: Brooke Flanagan

Session: EUSEW Interactive

11 June, 16.30 - 18.00 // Climate risk: how extreme weather events disrupt energy supply and prices

This expert panel session will examine how extreme weather events affect European energy systems and markets, while exploring comprehensive strategies to enhance resilience and stability. The increasing frequency of such events, combined with challenges in renewable energy integration, poses significant risks to the security, wellbeing and financial stability of European citizens and businesses.

Speakers: Andreas Tirez, Abi Olikathodi, Chiara Cagnazzo, Sebastian Sterl

Moderator: Marija Miletić

Session: EUSEW Interactive

12 June, 09.30 - 11.00 // Smarter than ever: how the potential of AI is reshaping Europe’s energy grids

This session explores how AI-driven smart grids can accelerate Europe’s energy transition by enhancing the integration of renewables, improving grid flexibility and reliability, and supporting the EU’s climate and competitiveness goals. With 40% of Europe’s electricity grids over 40 years old, and demand expected to rise by 60% by 2030, modernisation is increasingly urgent.

Participants will examine how technologies like digital twins and distributed intelligence can address operational challenges, optimise resource use, and drive energy efficiency. The discussion will also identify key policy, regulatory, and investment priorities to build a smarter, more resilient energy system aligned with the EU’s net-zero targets and the Clean Industrial Deal.

Speakers: Antonio De Paola, Stavros Stamatoukos, Volker Hoffmann, Luis Vale Cunha, Christiane Mann, Sophie Yule-Bennet

Moderator: Luciano Martini 

Session: EUSEW Interactive

12 June, 09.30 - 11.00 // Equitable and sustainable rural development: the role of the Clean Industrial Deal

In the pursuit of a clean and just transition, rural areas in Europe risk being left behind. This session will bring forward solutions for sustainable and equitable rural development, emphasising the importance of integrating social, economic, and environmental considerations. The Joint Research Centre will share insights from the Rural Observatory, focusing on energy poverty and needs in EU rural areas.

Speakers: Clara Hormigos Feliu, Gabor Mester, Vojtech Klezl, Raquel Rodríguez Martínez, Salomé Pegard, Piotr Sadłocha

Moderator: Mara Oprea

Session: EUSEW Interactive

Beyond its policy sessions, EUSEW offers a platform for connection and collaboration through the Energy Fair and the prestigious EUSEW Awards, which recognise and honour individuals, projects, and initiatives driving Europe's shift towards a clean and sustainable energy landscape. 

Additionally, European Youth Energy Day, held during the conference, provides a unique opportunity for young leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 to contribute their innovative ideas and perspectives on achieving a climate-neutral Europe.