The REFORMERS project is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek), taking place in Brussels starting October 12th. Under this year’s motto, “Strong regions, strong Europe”, the event stands as the premier gathering to discuss EU Cohesion policy and showcase how local and regional actors drive sustainable growth.
Aware of the relevance of this topic for all regions of Europe, REFORMERS invited its sister project, CRETE Valley, to also contribute to the contents of the session titled “Energy valleys, human stories. How regional cooperation is powering the European green transition” that will take place on Wednesday 14th October (12:00-12:30 CET) at Square Brussels, Agora in Exhibition Hall.
Structured as an EURegionsTalk, a short, TED-style 30-minute inspiring session, our presentation goes beyond pure technology to focus on what truly drives change: people. While Energy Valleys serve as living laboratories for testing innovative energy solutions, local energy success ultimately hinges on citizens, local policies, regulatory frameworks and public trust.
During the talk, we will explore how four different European regions are advancing toward a net-zero energy future while navigating real-world constraints.
Topics and speakers
- Alkmaar (Netherlands): How practical technical assistance turned business skepticism into collective action.
- DDS (Dendermonde, Belgium): How the team addresses regional challenges as genuine opportunities.
- Crete Island (Greece): How “door-to-door” outreach moves beyond monetary incentives toward true energy democracy.
- Konin (Poland): How the city is leading the shift from merely informing the public to active co-decision making and shared responsibility.
Input for the session, coordinated by Bart Kaas, Energy Consultant for ICT, Strategy & Policy at TNO, were provided by:
- Annemie De Proft, Climate and Energy Advisor at DDS Streek Regisseurs
- Paweł Adamów, Deputy Mayor of the City of Konin for Economic Affairs
- Elissaios Sarmas, Senior Researcher at NTUA and CRETE Valley Project Manager
If you believe that permanent regional coordination is essential to ensuring all stakeholders have a say in their energy future, join us in Brussels!
Registrations for partner sessions will open soon. Stay tuned through the conference website or reach out for more information at info@reformers-energyvalleys.eu
Explore the official programme on the events’ website.
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