The European Union stands as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change, driven by a commitment to secure a sustainable future for all. At the heart of EU climate action lies the European Green Deal, a framework for transforming the EU into a carbon-neutral and circular economy by 2050.

The European Commission set different milestones that are essential to achieve in order to reach the climate-neutral economy objective by 2050. In that context, the 2030 climate and energy framework sets different key targets for the year 2030, notably in terms of emission reductions, the share for renewable energy, and improvement in energy efficiency. Achieving the EU's long-term climate objectives depends on the successful implementation of the 2030 framework.

Among the challenges, a successful transition needs to go hand in hand with economic growth, competitiveness and security of supply, and will also depend on public acceptance. In that context, the next European Commission will have a crucial role to play in setting a regulatory framework while ensuring sustainable growth for all.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the way forward for a successful transition and the next steps to achieve the EU’s climate goals. Questions to be addressed include:

- What are the main challenges the EU faces in meeting its objectives, and how does it plan to address them?
- What will be the key priorities for the next European Commission to achieve the EU’s climate goals?
- What role does innovation play in achieving the EU's climate goals?
- What are the strategies to ensure a just transition for all communities and sectors affected by the shift towards a sustainable economy?

Regional revitalization – driven by green policies and technological advancements – is a key priority across Europe, and it is clear that this transformation is most urgent in rural, post- industrial, and suburban areas adjacent to major cities.

The role of large companies that operate in these areas cannot be overstated. Their contributions, spanning job creation, upskilling of local workforces, and community investments, play an important role in transforming these areas. Moreover, private sector initiatives can serve as a model for a pan-EU strategy that would breathe new life into these areas.

“Regional Revitalization: The Transformative Power of Investment in Rural and Post-Industrial
Areas Across Europe” will highlight the experiences of these companies and serve as a platform to discuss effective models that EU leaders can look to when navigating regional revitalization. The event will feature insights from experts through roundtable discussions on a variety of topics, such as the current status of post-industrial regions in Europe, the EU's perspective on job creation and economic impact that results from re-industrialization, and shared experiences of revitalizing rural and post-industrial regions.

Panels will include representatives and experts from various sectors, including distinguished figures from various European institutions. Professionals from key industries such as automotive, food, and logistics will also share their perspectives and experiences on how private sector companies can play a crucial role in boosting local economies across European regions.

The European Commission identifies buildings in the EU as the primary energy consumer, accounting for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as part of the so-called ‘Fit for 55’ package.

In March, MEPs adopted the proposed revision of the Directive. It aims to progressively decrease greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sectortowards climate neutrality by 2050.

Specifically, all new buildings should be zero-emission as of 2030, while Member States must enact measures for energy consumption reduction and renovate a portion of poorly performing non-residential buildings. Additionally, there is a focus on decarbonising heating systems.

Improving building energy efficiency not only reduces bills and energy poverty but also enhances Europe's energy independence, stimulates the economy, and generates green jobs, particularly in construction.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Some questions to be discussed include:

- Is the Directive sufficiently aligned with the EU's climate ambitions?
- Are the measures feasible for Member States to implement?
- What existing initiatives address energy efficiency and the renovation of buildings?
- Are measures needed to support the construction industry in fulfilling the Directive's objectives?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 893858.

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