22 May 2024 to 23 May 2024

The electricity industry is getting ready to host its award-winning annual event Power Summit “Lights ON” on 22-23 May at Lagonissi  - Athens (Greece). This is our biggest event gathering every year around 500 energy experts from policymakers to industry leaders, researchers, NGOs and journalists to discuss Europe’s energy transition.  

This year we are happy to welcome: 

Description automatically generated" height="255" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/mnuEkOhF4c3xiuklLaO0Y_K4XOzu8Cw6Vax00r8NJBhpNjfujooXI9gVPyw-Lt1VlObyT2_D8saGoyxIdoBbXLR9WJ1ZaS6OnTjXUtLRymL43OQVWWN8af1xF0vwRrXMgTmSR7qzaEbfU7-UElEgnQ" width="437" />   and the list goes on, take a look: https://powersummit2024.eurelectric.org/speakers/

What’s new this year?

Keeping the lights on in Europe cannot be taken for granted anymore. As our society progresses and as we continue to decarbonise, electricity will become ever more present. It will drive your car. It will heat your home. It will power even industrial processes and it will come from a wide range of decentralised clean energy sources. More and more electricity will be needed for greater decarbonisation but for this electric future to happen we need the right enablers. 

On day 1 Eurelectric will present its flagship study “Grids For Speed” on how to get Europe’s power infrastructure ready for net-zero. A press conference will then follow hosted by Eurelectric’s President and E.ON CEO Leonhard Birnbaum together with our Summit host, Georgios Stassis Eurelectric’s Vice-President and CEO at PPC. 

This is only the tip of the iceberg of a much wider programme where we’ll discuss:

• Delivering on 2040 targets,
• The role of electricity in boosting industrial competitiveness in Europe,
• Security of supply in a new geopolitical dimension,
• Electricity market reform reaching national implementation,
• Digitalisation of the energy sector, 
• 24/7 carbon-free hourly matching,
• Integrating renewables and biodiversity and much more!

 

Check out our full programme and make sure to register here: https://membernet.eurelectric.org/en/all-events/power-summit-2024-lights-on/ 

 

 

GreeceEnergyLagonissi  AthensGreeceMore information here

17 Apr 2024

 

Dear Member of the European Parliament,

Dear Assistants,

Dear Journalist,

Dear colleagues and followers,

 

As the June 2024 call for EU voters to go to polls is nearing, the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) – official partner of the European Parliament campaign under the together.eu initiative - invites the EU community and its stakeholders to the presentation of the Construction Manifesto for Action – EU Term 2024-2029 - “Building a resilient and sustainable Europe together”. The event will be hosted on 17 April (from 15:30 to 18:00 CET) at the European Parliament INFO-HUB.

Jointly developed with the European International Contractors (EIC), the Manifesto's 10 key messages are set out to deliver FIEC's vision for the future of construction in Europe and to share what matters for the sector over the next 5 years. The event includes a discussion about the impact of construction policies, an overview on the main challenges and achievements for the sector and construction-related issues at European level, on the current EU mandate as well as on the next political agenda.

Join us for the launch of the publication and the Q&A session that will be followed by a networking cocktail.

The event intends to gather MEPs, EU officials, candidates to the forthcoming elections, stakeholders, representatives from industry and government organisations as well as the press, opinion-makers and other policy experts and sector analysts to spread the voice of the construction industry.

We look forward to welcoming you there!

Register here 

BrusselsInfoSocietyEuropean ParliamentEsplanade Solidarność1980  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

17 Apr 2024 12:00

Based on the analysis of ICLEI’s soon to be published Circular Cities Declaration Report 2024, the accelerator session will explore how cities and towns are integrating circular economy principles into climate action to reduce CO2 emissions across different sectors, preserve biodiversity and achieve common sustainability goals. As part of the session, cities featured in the report will share testimonials, offering practical examples of how the circular economy is increasingly driving strategic goals. They will highlight challenges, key success factors and best-practice recommendations for other cities to follow. This will be followed by ample time for discussion and exchange on remaining gaps to leverage the circular economy for climate and nature regeneration goals. The Circular Cities Declaration (CCD) is a commitment made by over 80 cities to date, to use the levers at their disposal to transition from a linear to a circular economy. This event is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2024.

Climate & Environment  OnlineBelgiumMore information here

22 Apr 2024 12:00

Programme

11.45 Registration

12.00 Welcome

Jules Maaten, Regional Director, European Dialogue, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

12.05 Panel Discussion

Svenja Hahn MEP, Renew Europe Group

Janusz Laweandowski MEP, EPP Group

Radan Kanev MEP, EPP Group

N.N., DG GROW

Radovan Durana, Analyst, INESS

Moderator: Adam Bartha, Director, EPiCENTER

13.00 Q&A

13:15 Lunch & Networking
 

Register Now

Please register by 19 April, 2024 at the following link.
 

About the Event

EPiCENTER and the European Dialogue Programme of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom are delighted to invite you to the launch of Market Force, a pan-European research initiative assessing the success of the Single Market in the last 30 years and outlining a blueprint of liberalizing reforms that can ensure its success for the next 30 years.

The Single Market is at a pivotal juncture; new regulations and directives, particularly those pertaining to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, are imposing additional regulatory burdens on businesses. In addition, non-tariff trade barriers, such as labour market regulations that exclude a cheaper workforce from new member states, reduce the efficiency of the Single Market. Despite Commissioners stressing smart regulations and reducing bureaucracy, entrepreneurs in the EU have never faced so many barriers to scale up their business and compete on global markets. During the discussion, we aim to identify ways how, instead of introducing new barriers, European policymakers can focus on expanding and improving the Single Market in areas where it's still incomplete, such as the digital and service sectors.

Europe is currently following, rather than leading, in innovation and economic development, primarily due to increasing overregulation, especially in the technological and industrial sectors. This discussion aims to identify opportunities for how the EU can create a new strategy to enhance its competitiveness, recognize the potential of new technologies, encourage a regulatory environment for their adoption, and ensure that Europe remains open to business and trade.

  BrusselsInfoSocietyFNF Europe, Av. De Cortenbergh 711000  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

18 Apr 2024 19:00

Programme

19:00 Registration

19.15 Welcome by Jules Maaten, Regional Director, European Dialogue Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

19.20 Impulses on Due Diligence and EU-Turkish Relations

19.30-21.00 Get-together

 

Register Now

Kindly register for this event here.

 

About Liberal Afterwork

The aim of the Liberal Afterwork is to connect local chapters of European liberal parties with a presence in Brussels. It is organised by the Brussels office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Europe).

The main objective is to share experiences on how political parties abroad can mobilise their members and voters in light of the rolling political agenda and current EU affairs. Furthermore, experts will be invited to provide the impetus for fruitful discussions between politicians and members of respective organisations.

In order to foster further informal dialogue and provide a regular networking opportunity, our goal is to establish a tradition of these events regularly. Further organisations are also warmly invited to join as the aim is to gather as wide as possible within our liberal network.

  BrusselsInfoSocietyCafé Luxembourg, Place du Luxembourg 101040  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

16 Apr 2024 11:00

Speakers

Sina GUSSEK, Project Officer, Human Security Unit, NATO

Jonna NAUMANEN, Senior Advisor to the EU Ambassador for Gender & Diversity, EEAS

Olena ROZVADOVSKA (tbc), Founder of Voices of Children

Olga TOKARIUK, OSUN Academy Fellow, Chatham House

Maria MARTISIUTE, Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre (co-moderator)

Gemma PÖRZGEN, Editor-in-Chief “Ost-West. Europäische Perspektiven” (co-moderator)

 

Register Now

In-person registration link 

Online registration link 

 

Live-stream

 

About the Event

Women play vital roles during and after wars, despite facing significant societal and gender-based barriers. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a case in point. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian women joined the armed forces, including on the front lines. Women-led civic organisations in Ukraine play a crucial role in providing essential services, and yet women are not equally involved in planning and formal decision-making level, despite progress made towards gender-based equality.

Moreover, women and girls experience heightened risks of sexism, violence, scarcity of food and access to finance. According to the Updated Assessment of Needs in Ukraine, “some 14.6 million people are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024, 56% of whom are women and girls.”

The event will assess the role and needs of women, take stock of lessons learned in Ukraine, and propose solutions for greater empowerment of women and girls.

The event will take place online and in-person. In-person participation is very limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Participation is open to EPC members, WIIS members, FNF members, the media, and officials from international organisations.

  BrusselsInfoSocietyFNF Europe, Av. De Cortenbergh 711000  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

16 Apr 2024 12:00Programme

11.45 Registration

12:00 Welcome

Dr. Nele Fabian, Senior European Affairs Manager, European Dialogue, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

Panel Discussion

Katalin Cseh MEP, Renew Europe Group

Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP (tbc), Renew Europe Group

Andreas Johansson Heinö, Editor, Authoritarian Populism Index/ Publishing Director, Timbro

Casper de Boer (tbc), Policy Assistant, European Commission

Moderator: Adam Bartha, Director, EPiCENTER

13.00 Q&A

13.15 Lunch & Networking
 

Register Now Please register by 15 April, 2024 here.   About the Event

EPiCENTER and the European Dialogue programme of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom are delighted to invite you to the launch of the Authoritarian Populism Index to discuss the challenges facing liberal democracies and the rule of law in Europe. The event will reveal the latest edition of Timbro's Authoritarian Populism Index, which assesses political trends of all European democracies since 1980 and outlines the experiences of countries run by authoritarian populists.

The Timbro Authoritarian Populism Index (TAP) shows that today, one in four European voters cast their vote for an authoritarian populist party, which is more than twice compared to the early 2000s. At the same time, electoral support for liberal parties has also reached an all-time high, following a consistent pattern of growth since 2010.

Looking ahead to the European elections in May, it is essential to understand trends in electoral behaviour and prepare the EU's institutional set-up so that it can endure the rise of authoritarian populists in Brussels.

This event will present key results of the Authoritarian Populism Index and invites you to jointly discuss (among many other possible questions): how the European Commission's rule of law mechanism has performed over the last mandate; whether certain EU policies have contributed to the rise of populism and the slow erosion of centrist forces on the left and right in Europe; what new political ideas and communication methods could provide satisfactory answers for the concerns of the European electorate; how countries with authoritarian populist governance compare to their counterparts; what successful mechanisms can ensure that liberal democratic principles remain intact.

  BrusselsInfoSocietyThon Hotel EU, Rue de la Loi 751040  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

15 Apr 2024 18:00

Kindly register for this event here.

Watch the livestream here.

About the Event

The fight against disinformation is a long-term challenge for European democracies, undermining citizens' trust in democracy and its institutions, and contributing to the polarization of public opinion and disruption of democratic processes. Addressing disinformation has become critically important in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine, with Russia conducting an unprecedented disinformation campaign since 2022. Ukraine is targeted by propaganda and disinformation as part of the Kremlin's hybrid warfare tactics.

Cyprus is as a prime example of a European country heavily influenced by Moscow, with Russian officials and businessmen having enjoyed considerable economic and political sway on the island over the years. Their efforts aimed to win over allies within the country and maintain Kremlin's control over emigrants, contributing to a pro-Russian sentiment. Many Cypriot politicians and influential individuals acted in Russia's interests, harming their own country and the EU. Although Cyprus officially adheres to EU sanctions against Russia, Cyprus shows little interest in targeting Russian assets or tackling money laundering, instead they amplify travel arrangements through increased flights to Yerevan. Over 51% of the Cypriot population doubts Russia's primary responsibility for the war in Ukraine, reflecting a high acceptance of Russian propaganda, underscoring the extent of Russia's influence in Cyprus.

Given that Russian interference is a threat to democracy, it is urgent to enhance the EU's security framework by reforming rules on transparency, integrity, accountability, and combating corruption. Understanding how important these issues are, we want to set up a panel talk and bring together experts to explore and discuss vital concerns such as press freedom and the battle against disinformation.

BrusselsInfoSocietyFNF Europe, Av. De Cortenbergh 711000  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

10 Apr 2024 12:00

The upcoming US presidential election will not only significantly influence the United States but also extend its effects to the European Union. The election's outcome will have profound implications for the global economy, climate policies, social movements, and geopolitical dynamics.

Against the backdrop of various crises, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and China's growing geopolitical importance, transatlantic security relations are at a critical juncture. In the year of the EU and US presidential elections, our goal is to highlight long-term options for cooperation and collaboration between the United States and European nations in security policy.

Our luncheon discussion event will specifically focus on the impact on transatlantic and international security. We aim to delve into important questions, including long-term developments in the European security architecture and the potential impact of the US elections on transatlantic security cooperation.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ian Lesser, Executive Director of the Brussels Office at the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMFUS) and Dr. Giovanni Grevi, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) of the Brussels School of Governance.

 

This discussion offers an opportunity to assess the potential impact on US-EU security relations and deliberate on possible solutions for future transatlantic security issues.

Kindly register for this event here.

BrusselsInfoSocietyFNF Europe, Av. De Cortenbergh 711000  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

09 Apr 2024 15:00

Europe installed 18.3 GW of new wind capacity last year, and saw €48bn of new wind investments. That’s a major improvement on the year before, particularly for financing. But can we accelerate this growth and meet Europe’s 2030 energy targets? And what effect will the Wind Power Package and Net-Zero Industry Act have on wind projects’ buildout?

On Tuesday 9 April we’ll be hosting a free webinar unpacking key findings from our recent reports on wind energy development, financing and investments in Europe in 2023. You’ll hear from WindEurope’s policy and market intelligence team, as we consider the latest political developments and the outlook to 2030.

Click here to register and here to save the date – and feel free to get in touch with our team if you have any questions. Make sure to forward it to your colleagues too! See you next week!

Energy  OnlineBelgiumMore information here

10 Apr 2024 18:30Join us for a celebration of the contributions of Deirdre Clune and Frances Fitzgerald as Members of the European Parliament. The evening will kick-off with a networking reception before we will be joined by MEPs Deirdre Clune and Frances Fitzgerald to recollect some of the highlights of their European Parliamentary careers.  This is a free event, open to members and non-members alike, however space is limited and entry is reserved only to those who receive a confirmation email.   Register here BrusselsInfoSocietyEPP Headquarters, Rue du Commerce 10  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

15 Apr 2024 12:30

As the EU moves into the next legislative term, industry and policy makers face the shared challenge of boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness. Fostering digital transformation and innovation within a secure, connected ecosystem, equipping the workforce with the right skills, and addressing international security threats will be paramount- as will be regulation, to support the latter. Now more than ever, dialogue between industry and policymakers is crucial to ensure the EU remains strong and competitive amidst global challenges.

Our panel, comprised of public sector and industry leaders including Member of European Parliament Dragoș Tudorache, Hans De Cuyper CEO AGEAS Group, Thibaut Kleiner Director Policy, Strategy & Outreach DG CNECT European Commission, Sapthagiri Chapalapalli Head TCS Europe will explore what to expect from the next EU mandate, how international developments will shape EU tech policy, and how the EU can lead in innovation and industrial competitiveness.

The event will be followed by a networking reception.

Additional speakers will be announced.

Register here

BrusselsInfoSocietyEuropean ParliamentRue Wiertz 60  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

09 Apr 2024 18:30

The European Union (EU) has emerged as a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights globally, with significant strides made in recent years through initiatives like the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, championed by key institutions such as the Commission and Parliament. Despite progress, a notable gap exists between the more progressive North and West and the conservative South and East EU member states. Furthermore, challenges persist beyond the EU borders, with LGBTQIA+ individuals facing severe threats in various European countries.

Europe has become a battleground for LGBTQIA+ rights, with right-wing populists promoting discrimination and hate speech, leading to the erosion of previous achievements. Socio-political discussions have highlighted critical themes such as hate crime, trans-rights, migration, and asylum.

In South Asia, LGBTQIA+ rights progress amidst a complex landscape of change and challenges. While there has been increased visibility and legal recognition over the past two decades, right-wing governments, populism, economic crises, and socio-political unpredictability hinder comprehensive integration.

To address these issues, the European Dialogue of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is organizing this event, focusing on understanding the LGBTQIA+ situation in both South Asia and Europe. The event aims to encourage political debate and develop liberal policies amidst ongoing elections in South Asia and the upcoming EU election in 2024. By facilitating discussions on the current political landscape in both regions, the foundation seeks to promote liberal values through cross-regional exchanges.

REGISTER NOW

Kindly register for this event by 08.04.2024 at: https://forms.gle/fuFu5NbpMnfiB4hJ9 *

BrusselsInfoSocietyFNF Europe Office Av. de Cortenbergh 711000  BrusselsBelgiumMore information here

26 Mar 2024

As we gear up for the upcoming European elections, it's crucial to actively participate in shaping the democratic landscape of our continent. To raise awareness and encourage engagement, we are launching the "Run for European Elections" campaign. This six-week campaign, running from now to April 12th, aims to combine physical activity with environmental sustainability and political advocacy. By participating, you'll not only contribute to a democratic Europe but also help plant trees for a more sustainable future using the Summitree app.

Joining the campaign is simple:

• Download the Summitree app (Apple Store or GooglePlay).

• Follow the steps outlined in the attached flyer.

• Run as an individual or create a team.

• For questions, refer to the FAQ flyer here: https://rb.gy/91ayqr

By uniting with more than 15 organisations across Europe, including ALDE, ELF, Europe without Borders, Party Party and others, you'll be part of a Europe-wide movement dedicated to reshaping our continent for the better.

FNF Europe will also be coordinating a joint walk through Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels on Tuesday, March 26th. Participants are encouraged to collect their T-shirts from the FNF Europe office. The assembly point will be at the office, from where we will proceed as a group to the park, conveniently located just a five-minute walk away.

PROGRAMME

11.45-12:00 Registration and Pick-up “Run for European Elections” T-Shirt at FNF Europe, Av. De Cortenbergh 71, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

12.00-13:00 Lunchtime Walk to the Cinquantenaire Parc and Photo Time

REGISTER NOW

Kindly register for this event at https://forms.gle/FqRdLnd6QgdaWnpk7 *

BrusselsInfoSocietyMore information here

25 Jun 2024 to 27 Jun 2024

In June 2024, the International Flow Battery Forum (IFBF) will hold its thirteenth in-person conference in Glasgow, supported by Invinity Energy Systems and Flow Batteries Europe. A must-attend event discussing the latest innovations, policy updates and market challenges for the development of the flow battery sector. 

In the face of the escalating demand for renewable energy sources while keeping grid stability, flow batteries stand out as a helpful solution as they are a reliable, low cost and an environmentally benign method for energy storage. To foster knowledge on this topic, the International Flow Batteries Forum (IFBF) gathers together for three days the most important profiles in the flow battery sector, presenting the latest updates on research, policy and market. 

Over the years, the Forum has become an appointment not to be missed for those involved in the flow battery sector, thanks to its mix of scientific presentations, policy panel discussions, networking breaks, poster sessions, exhibition area and site visit. In 2023, more than 350 delegates from all over the world attended the conference in Prague. 

In 2024 the IFBF is taking place in Glasgow, UK at the Hilton Hotel from Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 June. The conference will feature a social dinner at the Glasgow Science Centre and a site visit at a manufacturing facility owned by Invinity Energy Systems. For those that cannot make it to Glasgow, but are still interested in the topic, the event will be live streamed, and recordings and presentations will be available online afterwards.

“Business leaders, policymakers, developers and researchers from all over the world. The IFBF is unique in how it brings all players in the flow battery sector together.’’ said Anthony Price, IFBF President. “We are enthusiastic that the call for proposals launched in January has received more than 100 presentations, resulting in a high-level programme and a large number of posters showcased”. 

To encourage students the posters displayed will be judged and awards given to the best presenters. This year’s edition will also feature a new award: a photo competition on the subject of flow batteries, showing the artistry and power behind this sustainable industry, from large-scale installations to technical details and unusual scenes of work in laboratories.  

Demonstrating the great interest in the conference, the exhibition area is already almost full and several leaders in the sector have chosen to sponsor including Invinity Energy System, Quino Energy, US Vanadium, Jena Flow Batteries, Oxkem, Sumitomo Electric, H2, Redox One, Shunk, and Pinflow. 

Tickets for the IFBF are currently on sale with the Early Bird reduction of 170 pounds on the regular price. This offer is valid until the 31st of March. Tickets are available for three categories of public: standard, academic and students. Virtual tickets are available as well. For further information, please visit the ticketing platform: www.accelevents.com/e/international-flow-battery-forum-2024

 

Media contacts 

Paolo Nouvion – CLERENS Senior Communications Consultant

p.nouvion@clerens.eu

+32 465771743

 

 

EnergyMore information here