European Sustainable Energy Week reaches 20-year milestone

A highlight of the first day of the event is a panel bringing together former energy commissioners Andris Piebalgs (2004-2009), Günther Oettinger (2010-2014), Miguel Arias Cañete (2014-2019) and Kadri Simson (2019-2024), each of whom played a key role in shaping Europe’s energy policy, with the current commissioner Dan Jørgensen, to discuss how the continent’s priorities have evolved and what must come next in the changing geopolitical and economic landscape. 

The central focus of the event is the policy conference, which over three days will feature high level segments and 50 policy sessions hosted by energy stakeholders and the European Commission. The sessions are due to explore a wide range of topics and solutions to encourage debate on clean, secure and efficient energy, with a focus on new policy developments, best practices and innovative sustainable energy ideas.  

Also of interest
The moonshot moment for energy communities: Expectations from the citizens energy package
Agrivoltaics: Protecting land, food production and energy security
Green hydrogen or lost leadership? Europe must act before China wins

On the opening day, the EUSEW awards ceremony is due to recognise outstanding individuals and projects across three categories: ‘Local energy action’, ‘Women in energy’ and a first for this year, ‘SMEs driving energy efficiency’ –  this latter to highlight SMEs that have developed and deployed innovative business or financing models to advance energy efficiency solutions,  particularly in buildings and industry.  

The nine EUSEW awards finalists will be announced on 5 May 2026, when an online public vote will be launched. 

Alongside the policy conference, the energy fair provides the opportunity to find out more about projects and other initiatives being showcased by organisations, associations and project consortia. 

More of interest
Urban industrial symbiosis: a path towards sustainable partnerships
How offshore wind can unlock a competitive EU steel industry

Another focus of the event is on the young energy ambassadors, selected for one year as emerging experts in clean energy from across Europe, who bring the intergenerational voice and perspectives to the debate. Together the outgoing and incoming cohorts total 60 young people. 

Last but not least sustainable energy days showcasing local clean energy actions are being planned in the lead up to the event week, with the call to apply open until 24 May 2026. 

EUSEW 2026 takes place in hybrid format, i.e. in person and online, at the European Commission conference centre Charlemagne and NH Brussels EU Berlaymont hotel in Brussels. 

For more information, view the EUSEW 2026 programme. 

Registration is now open: Register for EUSEW 2026.