European Sustainable Energy Week 2026

At this year’s European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) in Brussels, representatives from industry, civil society, academia and politics came together to discuss the framework conditions and success factors for a sustainable and just energy transition.
Across numerous sessions, one message became clear: participation, trust and financial benefit-sharing are essential prerequisites for accelerating the energy transition in a way that is socially just and locally embedded. This was particularly evident in a panel discussion held in the context of the Fast & Fair Renewables project, which focused on the role of governance, inclusive approaches and public participation. Several practice-based projects shared their experiences and highlighted the importance of early engagement, transparent processes and fair participation models for the acceptance and implementation of renewable energy projects.

Practice-Oriented Workshop with ICLEI in Nordhausen

How can municipalities actively shape the expansion of renewable energy and foster greater local acceptance? This question was at the heart of the practice-oriented workshop “Faster and Fairer Renewable Energy Development”. The discussion was based on the “Fast & Fair” principles developed across Europe, which establish a shared understanding of fairness in the energy transition for the first time. An accompanying checklist helps municipalities apply these principles in a concrete and straightforward way.

A key takeaway from the event was that participation does not slow down the energy transition—quite the opposite. Scientific evidence shows that early participation can help resolve conflicts and create added value for the region.