This year's main theme is the recently adopted Communication on the Renewable Energy Strategy which explores the policy options for the integration of renewables into the European system post 2020. Announcing the Week ahead, EU Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger said: "Sustainable energy is at the heart of the Europe 2020 Strategy for sustainable growth and employment. It constitutes an economic opportunity. While Europe is already investing highly in more intelligent energy use, it is time for Europe to step up efforts in informing its citizens about the benefits of it, and ensure that renewable energy can become a competitive player in the European energy market."
On 19 June Commissioner Oettinger will open the three-day conference with a speech about Europe's energy future at the Charlemagne building, Brussels. On the same day, practical examples of available financing opportunities will be presented by the European Commission. On Tuesday evening, the winners of the five Sustainable Energy Europe Awards (categories: Communicating, Consuming, Learning, Living and Travelling) and the winner of the ManagEnergy Award, recognising the best practice in local and regional energy action, will be announced at the Théatre du Vaudeville.
On Wednesday, a visual media event at the Silken Berlaymont Hotel will illustrate the benefits of renewables to EU citizens.
Alongside the conference, the EU Sustainable Energy Week will this year feature about 150 events in Brussels, and over 950 events are expected to take place in over 40 countries in Europe and beyond in the context of "Energy Days". These will include exhibitions and workshops and will advise on how small businesses and households can contribute to the collective energy efficiency effort.
The EU Sustainable Energy Week is organised by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy.
The EU Sustainable Energy Week takes place while globally the International Community meets at the UN conference "Rio+20" in order to secure a renewed political commitment for Sustainable Development. For more information see MEMO/12/440 and information on the "Sustainable Energy for All" initiative see IP/12/363.
For further information:
For more information see also MEMO/12/445.
For the Conference programme and registration, refer to the EUSEW website:
http://www.eusew.eu/
For a full list of 'Energy Days' events and activities in Brussels and across the world:
http://www.eusew.eu/energy-days-europe
Further media highlights, incl. on the Awards Competition:
http://www.eusew.eu/awards-competition
