Teaser forum 2

In times of upheaval, the energy transition can always count on citizens. A European gathering of citizen energy communities in Kraków aims to strengthen a cross-border movement for bottom-up, democratic renewable solutions.

For its 2025 edition, the annual European Energy Communities Forum will take place in  Kraków (Poland) on 20-22 May. Organised by REScoop.eu, the European federation of energy communities, and CoopTech Hub, Poland’s first cooperative technology center, the event will bring together an estimated 180 participants from 42 countries.

Sara Tachelet, coordinator at REScoop.eu explained, “The event will unite leaders of energy communities, local authorities, experts and activists from all over Europe – it’s a space to get inspired, build our capacity, share strategies, and develop joint projects to further strengthen our emerging movement for energy democracy.” 

The Deputy Climate minister of Poland, along with the Mayor of Kraków and representatives from the EU Commission, are set to speak at the event to discuss the supportive role officials can play and the importance of implementing and adapting national and European legislation to boost citizen energy initiatives. The Forum will also include the official launch of the European Energy Communities Facility – a new project coordinated by REScoop.eu, aiming to allocate €7 million to at least 140 energy communities across Europe. 

Organisers have designated the famous Polish legend of St. Mary's bugle call as an inspiration for this year's edition: symbolising the power of mobilisation and communities, and framing the event as a call to action. “As we face renewed conflicts, climate disruption, and economic instability, fostering cross-border solidarity is more important than ever. Our annual European gathering strengthens collaboration between citizens and empowers them to navigate the challenges of the energy transition,” said Dirk Vansintjan, president of REScoop.eu.

The Forum also aims to support the development of energy communities in Poland. Although the national energy law was amended in 2023 to improve the legal landscape for energy communities, CoopTech Hub noted persistent gaps hindering the development of community energy initiatives. “Energy communities are not just about technology or energy production – they are above all a new model of cooperation that gives citizens agency, strengthens the security of local communities and gives them energy to develop. The Forum is a place where ideas can become actions, tools and partnerships – but we also need strong legislation to support emerging initiatives, ” said Jan Oleszczuk-Zygmuntowski, CEO of PLZ Cooperative, which runs CoopTech Hub. 

 

About REScoop.eu

REScoop.eu is the European federation of energy communities, representing over 2,500 energy cooperatives and 2,000,000 European citizens building local solutions for a green and fair energy transition.

 

About CoopTech Hub

CoopTech Hub is Poland’s first center for cooperative technologies, operating under PLZ Cooperative. Their mission is to build cooperative alternatives that empower people, strengthen local economies, and foster shared ownership.

 

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