The high-level policy discussion will take place on 15 October 2026 at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event will bring together 150–200 participants and is supported by the main political groups of the European Parliament.
Speakers and participants will include Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission,
senior industry leaders, and civil society organisations.
This panel will explore how improving efficiency across the entire energy system – from production and grids to buildings, industry and transport – directly lowers energy costs for citizens and businesses. It will highlight energy efficiency as a competitiveness tool, enabling European industry to reduce exposure to volatile energy prices, strengthen productivity, and maintain global leadership while delivering social, environmental and economic benefits.
Focusing on European and global energy security challenges in a changing geopolitical context, this discussion will also examine how energy efficiency reduces dependence on imports, lowers demand pressures, and increases system resilience. Ahead of COP31, the panel will also place Europe in a global perspective, showing how efficiency policies and solutions contribute to strategic autonomy, stability, and international cooperation.
This panel will look ahead to the post-2030 horizon, assessing how energy efficiency must evolve within future EU climate, energy, and industrial policies. It will discuss what is needed to ensure that energy efficiency remains a central and enabling pillar of Europe’s long-term decarbonisation, competitiveness, and security objectives.