Your guide to a successful policy session proposal for EUSEW 2026

The EUSEW Policy Conference is where Europe’s clean energy community comes together to debate and drive forward the policies that will shape our energy future. Each year, the wider EUSEW community submits session ideas, and a selection of around 60 sessions is featured in the programme. 

The 20^th edition of EUSEW will gather energy experts, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, civil society organisations and youth in Brussels and online on 9-11 June 2026 to accelerate Europe’s clean, secure and competitive Energy Union.  

In the last edition, more than 60 Policy Conference sessions in five thematic blocks were held both in-person in Brussels and online. Over 9 000 participants tuned in from 125 countries. If you are planning to host a session in 2026, this article will help you with the key information on how to craft a compelling application that stands out. 

Before diving into the specifics, make sure to watch the recording of the EUSEW 2026 Info Session, which offers essential context from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) and the European Climate , Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). We also put together the Policy Conference guidelines to provide the full framework and requirements for crafting a successful application. Once you are ready to put forward your application, head to the official submission form. 

Anchor your idea in Europe’s energy priorities 

At EUSEW, relevance to policy is crucial. An ideal proposal should clearly address the key challenges outlined in the 2026 theme: “A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union”. 

Ensure you align with two official thematic blocks, which you will need to indicate in your application:  

1. Competitive and secure Energy Union: energy prices, clean energy infrastructure, interconnections, resilience, security of supply, Energy Union governance, NECPs (National Energy and Climate Plans), critical raw materials and minerals, skills, innovation, clean tech, digitalisation;
2. Energy affordability: empowering citizens and communities as well as regions and cities, energy prices, energy poverty, Citizens’ Energy Package, housing, youth engagement;
3. Renewable energy: Permitting, clean tech manufacturing, electrification, renewable energy sources for industry and households, heating and cooling, innovation;
4. Energy efficiency: reduction of energy demand, energy performance of buildings, products, energy labelling, decarbonising industry, transport and heating and cooling, heat pumps, financing energy efficiency;  and
5. Decarbonisation framework in the EU and globally: 2030 targets, 2040 climate target plan, 2050 climate neutrality objective, European Green Deal implementation, EU-led global pledges, critical energy transition minerals, youth engagement.   

Grounding your proposal in concrete policy developments will highlight the added value this session brings to the EUSEW community. 

Build a strong partnership between two lead organisations 

Each proposal must be submitted by two different organisations, with at least one acting as an umbrella organisation that has a broad network of institutions working towards the same goal or interest, such as youth, consumer or industry associations. This collaboration is not just a formal requirement - it helps demonstrate reach, credibility and relevance to diverse stakeholders. 

We suggest that applications show how your partnership enhances the session concept: 

• What expertise does each partner bring?
• How does collaboration strengthen the session’s policy relevance?
• Are additional organisations contributing? If yes, highlight their role. 

A strong consortium signals to evaluators that the session responds to the community needs. 

Craft a clear and engaging narrative 

Your application will include general session information, including the session title, a short description, and the challenge addressed, as well as a detailed description, including concept and focus, relevance of the topic, and agenda. The character limits are strict, so it is important to make every word count. 

• Title: precise, specific, and compelling. Avoid buzzwords, acronyms, and overly broad phrasing. Consider what would make you stop scrolling in a programme of 60 sessions.
• Short description: your session in three or four sentences. This is your public pitch: concise, concrete and focused on the impact of the session.
• Challenge addressed: the ‘why’ behind your idea. Be explicit about the policy problem you intend to unpack. This helps evaluators understand context and urgency.
• Concept and focus: what are your leading question(s) for this session? What are the objectives of the session? Which target groups are addressed? What is the structure/format of the session? What interactive elements does the session include?
• Relevance of the topic: What will this session bring to the energy policy debate? How does the content of the proposed session fit with the EU sustainable energy policy agenda?
• Agenda: Provide an outline of the session, including a preliminary agenda (the list of speakers should be provided in another application section). Describe how you are ensuring that a variety of stakeholders/speakers’ perspectives are featured in your session.  

Prioritise diversity, expertise and confirmed speakers 

EUSEW places strong emphasis on gender balance, diversity of opinion, intergenerational dialogue, and the inclusion of youth. Your proposed speakers should represent: 

• a mix of sectors (industry, policy, research, civil society and others);
• a balance of perspectives (not panels of similar profiles);
• geographical and gender diversity; and
• representation of younger voices where relevant. 

Additionally, having confirmed speakers at the proposal stage is highly recommended. This strengthens your application and shows feasibility. 

Keep in mind that the total number of speakers, including the moderator, cannot exceed seven. 

Design a format that values participation 

A successful policy session is not a sequence of monologues; instead, it is a space for interactive debate. While you may choose from formats like panel discussions, workshops, campfire talks, soapbox interventions or debates, the guidelines encourage creative approaches. 

Your detailed description should clearly explain: 

• the leading question(s) driving the session;
• the structure and flow of the discussion;
• how the moderator will stimulate interaction; and
• what audience engagement tools you will use, such as polls, Q&A, facilitated discussions, storytelling, case studies and live feedback. 

Aim to dedicate at least a quarter of your session to audience involvement, ensuring that onsite and online participants feel equally included. 

Tell evaluators what makes your session different 

With dozens of proposals received each year, evaluators look for ideas that offer something unique: 

• new data or analysis;
• underexplored policy angles;
• innovative technologies or social models;
• lessons from recent EU-funded projects; and
• fresh formats or participatory methods. 

Make sure your application highlights the distinct value your session brings to the 2026 programme. 

Bring your voice to Europe’s biggest energy policy stage  

The EUSEW Policy Conference is not just another event, it is where Europe’s clean energy priorities are debated collectively. 

Your proposal is an opportunity to spark fresh conversations, strengthen networks, and influence how Europe moves towards a clean, secure and competitive Energy Union. If you are looking for inspiration, make sure to check out the previous EUSEW editions. 

Start early, think strategically, collaborate widely and tell a compelling story. 

Apply until 26 January 2026 (deadline extended).

We look forward to reading your ideas.