The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) has become a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy movement, now preparing for its 20th edition with EUSEW 2026. This milestone edition celebrates two decades of advancing Europe’s transition to clean, efficient and sustainable energy. Over the years, EUSEW has brought together a passionate community dedicated to creating a secure, resilient, and clean energy future for the next generations. Since its launch in 2007 by the European Commission, EUSEW has grown into a key platform for dialogue and collaboration on EU energy policies and initiatives. It is an annual flagship conference organised by the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) in close partnership with the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
No, everyone is welcome! The EUSEW Policy Conference in Brussels and Sustainable Energy Days around the world attract energy experts and agencies, policymakers, private companies, NGOs, industry associations and the media. Each edition has a different overall theme or focus, but broadly, the goal is to engage everyone with a stake and interest in helping the EU meet its energy and climate goals, including energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.
The EUSEW 2026 Policy Conference will be hosted in a hybrid format, with speakers and attendees in Brussels and online from 9 to 11 June 2026.
You can now register for the hybrid Policy Conference.
There are no eligibility criteria for participating in the EUSEW Policy Conference as an attendee. The event is open to everyone with an interest in clean energy.
The theme for EUSEW 2026 will be 'A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.
Each application should be submitted by two different organisations, with at least one being an umbrella organisation (an umbrella organisation is an association that formally incorporates other institutions working together towards the same goal or interest, such as youth, consumer, or industry associations). While other organisations can also contribute to the session, each application must specify two lead entities including a contact person for each.
We highly recommend that both organisations are independent of each other because EUSEW targets plurality of views in the policy debate, not only among the speakers but also among the applicants of a policy session. EUSEW policy sessions bring together different perspectives, expertise, and organisational backgrounds in order to enable discussions during the Policy Conference. However, applicants are encouraged to propose speakers from organisations different from those partnering to submit the application. You can have up to six speakers plus the moderator.
Whilst you can apply with two organisations from your project consortium/association, it is recommended that a project consortium/association apply as one organiser, which allows for another organisation to bring in additional perspectives that can potentially enrich the debate and demonstrate synergies between actors engaged in the clean energy transition.
It is better if the entire consortium is under one organiser, demonstrating synergies with other actors/organisations.
An EU-funded project can apply either as the organisation or the coordinator, or as the EU-funded project itself. However, it is crucial that the two organisers are not from the same project to ensure diversity. If you are applying as the organisation or the coordinator, it must be clarified in the session description that the organiser is from the EU-funded project, and it should be mentioned that some speakers may represent the project.
Yes, one of the categories of organisation types eligible to apply is 'national, regional/local authorities, agencies, or other public bodies (including their networks).'
EUSEW aims to have all sessions onsite. In exceptional cases, we may allow a speaker to join remotely.
Yes, a membership association is eligible as policy session organiser, as long as it meets the following criteria:
- They work as multipliers using a widespread network of contacts across Europe.
- They contribute to the development and implementation of clean energy policy.
- They apply jointly with at least one other organisation.
Yes, a university is definitely eligible to be a policy session organiser. Universities can play a significant role in shaping discussions and contributing expertise. Representatives of universities are also eligible to participate as speakers.
Yes, organisations from the Western Balkans are eligible to apply. However, they need to apply in collaboration with another organisation.
It is better that speakers are present onsite to facilitate effective networking with the audience in the room. However, in exceptional cases, we may allow a speaker to join remotely. If one of your speakers is having difficulties being onsite, please indicate this in the Agenda section of the application form.
The conference facilities allow for a maximum of six speakers/panellists and one moderator per room.
This also helps ensure that the session is manageable from a logistical point of view and ensures a dynamic discussion.
Yes, you may provide speakers from your organisation in more than two policy session applications. EUSEW is about a plurality of views and opinions; therefore, we will ensure a maximum diversity of organisations and speakers presenting at the Policy Conference.
The chances of success increase by ensuring that your application is clear. The evaluation team reviews many applications, and clarity in the objectives, agenda, and speakers enhances the application's quality. It is also very important that you ensure a plurality of opinions from different speakers/organisations. Moreover, maintaining a gender balance in your panel, promoting interactivity with the audience, and ensuring full alignment with the current policy debate on the clean energy transition are key winning factors.
We encourage applicants to read careful the section "Preparing your application" that is in the policy session guidelines as it includes relevant guidance.
In the policy sessions hosted in the EUSEW venues (Charlemagne Building and NH Brussels Berlaymont), only EUSEW branding is allowed. Organisers are not allowed to bring personal roll-ups. However, session organisers are welcome to feature their branding alongside EUSEW in the promotion of the session on social media and in newsletters.
An individual organisation that is part of an umbrella organisations having already submitted two proposals, can apply as leading organisation by partnering with another different umbrella organisation. However, EUSEW aims to ensure a plurality of views in the policy debate, not only among the speakers but also among the applicants of a Policy Session.
EUSEW Policy Sessions are designed to bring together different perspectives, expertise, and organisational backgrounds in order to foster meaningful discussions during the Policy Conference. Therefore, the individual organisation should clearly demonstrate this plurality in the application, including by presenting a different concept, focus, and added value compared to the other proposals it contributes to.
If by organiser and co-organiser you mean the two organisations that must apply together for the Policy Conference, we confirm that the limit of two applications applies to both of them. This means that neither of the two organisations can apply more than twice to the Policy Conference.
Each application must include only two lead organisations (with at least one being an umbrella organisation). However, other organisations can also contribute to the session and may be mentioned in the dedicated section of the application form, but only two organisations will be considered as organisers and contact points for the session if it is selected. Having said that, applicants are encouraged to propose speakers from organisations different from those partnering in the application, in order to ensure a plurality and diversity of opinions and voices.
The EUSEW Secretariat issues a call for submissions several months before the annual EUSEW Policy Conference. After the call has closed, the submissions are checked against the eligibility criteria and assessed by European Commission staff and an external technical committee consisting of experts from different fields of clean energy.
The final nominees in each category are selected by a high-level jury, with the winners decided via an online public vote and announced at the Awards Ceremony taking place in Brussels on 9 June 2026.
A wide range of profiles and initiatives can apply for a EUSEW Award. Over the years, the EUSEW Awards have attracted public figures and activists, citizen-led clean energy-awareness programmes, public schemes promoting energy-saving buildings and private firms leading the way in green tech, carbon-neutral manufacturing, and much more.
The Women in Energy Award recognises women leading outstanding activities advancing clean energy transition in Europe. This category recognises individuals. Organisations cannot apply but they can nominate a candidate for the Award.
No. The Awards are not limited to EU-funded projects. Eligibility depends on each category, as outlined in the guidelines:
- Women in Energy is open to women carrying out activities in the European Union or the European Economic Area.
- Local Energy Action is open to projects carried out in at least one country of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
- SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency is open to activities, projects or actions carried out in the European Union.
EUSEW awards are prestigious recognition prizes for the contributions organisations/individuals make to the clean energy transition in Europe. While there is no monetary reward, recipients receive a trophy, become part of the community, and benefit from promotion and increased visibility. EUSEW covers the trip and hotel of the finalists invited to come to Brussels and produce a video of their projects, which will be disseminated across Europe.
Yes, if the organisation has different projects, it can submit multiple applications for the same or different categories. However, the organisation cannot apply multiple times with the same project.
Activities, projects or actions that have previously been shortlisted as EUSEW Awards finalists are not eligible to re-enter the competition. Organisations or individuals that have previously been shortlisted are eligible if they present new activities, projects or actions.
Yes. Please note that, in this category, the achievements of the woman are rewarded, not those of a company.
Yes, if you can demonstrate that the art exhibition has delivered tangible impacts on clean energy. In the application form, you will need to provide evidence of these impacts to be eligible for the awards.
No. This category is not limited to EU-funded projects. Moreover, both commercial development stage projects and pilot projects are eligible.
No. This category focusses on business and financing models to advance energy efficiency solutions, notably in buildings and industry. Existing solutions are likely to be the focus combined with an innovative business or financing model that would substantially increase its uptake. For example, this may include models such as social leasing of heat pumps, Energy As a Service, new forms of Energy Performance Contracting and tailored financing solutions.
This category focusses on awarding business and financing models upscaling existing energy efficiency solutions, notably in buildings and industry. For example, this may include models such as social leasing of heat pumps, Energy As a Service, new forms of Energy Performance Contracting and tailored financing solutions.
No. This category focusses on business and financing models to advance energy efficiency solutions, notably in buildings and industry. Existing solutions are likely to be the focus combined with an innovative business or financing model that would substantially increase its uptake. For example, this may include models such as social leasing of heat pumps, Energy As a Service, new forms of Energy Performance Contracting and tailored financing solutions.
The online public vote for the Awards will be open from 5 May to 31 May 2026. Winners of the three categories will be announced at the EUSEW Awards Ceremony in Brussels on 9 June 2026.
The finalists for all three EUSEW Awards categories will be announced on 19 March 2026.
The winners of each Awards category will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on 9 June.
The hybrid Policy Conference will host an Energy Fair, which offers opportunities for onsite participants to connect with fellow professionals and energy enthusiasts.
The call to host a stand at EUSEW is now closed.
Registrations to the conference will open on 14 April.
The Energy Fair is a special feature of the European Sustainable Energy Week. It gives participants the chance to foster social connections and share information by bringing together key players in the field of clean energy.
The Fair features interactive stands presenting initiatives in renewable energy, where stand organisers can also run brief pitches to showcase innovative solutions or demonstrate a project. There will be a website announcing the organisations present at the venue, but all interaction will happen on-site.
The 2026 edition will host approximately 30 stands in the European Commission’s Charlemagne building, in Brussels.
The Energy Fair takes place in Brussels throughout the European Sustainable Energy Week on 9-11 June 2026.
No, you will need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs to be present at the venue.
EUSEW will provide you with the essential elements for your stand, including a table, high stools, a screen, and a Wi-Fi connection. However, you are responsible for bringing your own roll-ups and additional materials. EUSEW does not cover the costs associated with these supplementary items. EUSEW is a paperless event.
Sustainable Energy Days take place anywhere around the world between March and June 2026.
The call to submit your proposal for a Sustainable Energy Day is now open.
You can discover Sustainable Energy Days taking place near you on the dedicated interactive map once they are announced.
The added value is having the visibility of the side event as part of EUSEW. These events are featured on a map on our website, and we promote the concept of Sustainable Energy Days through our social media accounts and our newsletter. Additionally, we provide the different organisers with a toolkit to promote the Sustainable Energy Days.
Yes. An event occurring at the end of June is eligible for inclusion in the Sustainable Energy Days provided that the application is sent before the call closes on 24 May 2026.
No, submitting an application to host a Sustainable Energy Day (SED) does not automatically mean that your event is recognised as part of EUSEW. Only events that have been reviewed, approved and put on the map are considered official SEDs. All applications must meet the guidelines to be eligible and organisers will be informed once their event has been approved.
Please note that the use of the EUSEW promotional toolkit, including logos, banners or any references such as ‘as part of EUSEW’ or ‘EU Sustainable Energy Day’ is strictly reserved for approved events only. The use of these materials prior to approval is forbidden.
You are welcome to use the materials available on the resource page to promote the EUSEW main conference (9-11 June, Brussels and online) across your channels.
The overarching goal is for Young Energy Ambassadors to serve as representatives of the young generation, bridging the gap between policymakers and young people and providing valuable input on the debate of the clean energy transition and decarbonising Europe by 2050.
Responsibilities include acting as amplifiers of the clean energy transition. While individuals may engage in various activities, it is crucial that Young Energy Ambassadors disseminate information to audiences not typically reached.
This involves outreach at local level and connecting with those more disconnected from EU policy making. In terms of tasks we expect an ambassador to sharing event-related material, promoting calls, and ensuring the discovery of impactful projects and applicants.
The call to become a Young Energy Ambassador is now closed.
We strongly encourage you to subscribe to the EUSEW newsletter to receive updates about the call in the future.
The European Youth Energy Day (EYED) is the dedicated space for the Young Energy Ambassadors at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).
Participation in youth activities may be open to all EUSEW participants attending the event onsite or online, depending on the programme, which will be defined at a later stage. These activities are designed to inspire and engage people of all generations in the energy transition. However, the title of Young Energy Ambassador is reserved for participants aged between 18 and 35.
If you are an EUSEW participant, there are no specific requirements to take part in the youth activities, where applicable; you simply need to register to attend the event. Participation opportunities will be confirmed once the programme is finalised. However, if you are aged between 18 and 35 and wish to become a Young Energy Ambassador, you must complete an application form.
This form should include information about yourself, detailing your impact, whether you are an activist or an academic, and explaining why you are passionate about the energy transition. Additionally, please provide relevant links and any other information that adds value to your application.
The call for Young Energy Ambassadors is now closed.