Private and public sector united – communication is the key to energy renovations

Commissioner Šuica: energy efficiency in buildings boosts jobs and innovation in a sustainable way

 C4E Forum 2025 Opens with Strong Focus on EPBD Implementation in Central and Eastern Europe

 The Central and Eastern European Energy Efficiency Forum (C4E Forum 2025) officially commenced today at Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, with a dynamic line-up of pre-conference events followed by a high-level Opening Plenary. The Forum brings together key stakeholders from 23 countries to drive forward the energy transition in the region, with a focus on the implementation of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

At this large international conference, it was repeatedly emphasized that the EPBD is an extremely demanding regulation that will require a lot of preparation and little time. Namely, the member states have until the end of May next year to implement the directive into their national legislation.

EU Commissioner Šuica set the tone for an impactful C4E Forum 2025

The Forum’s Opening Plenary was centered around the theme of “Implementation of the EPBD”. The plenary underscored the pivotal role Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries play in achieving EU climate objectives through deep building renovations.

In a video address, Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, emphasized the urgent need for all EU Member States, especially those in Central and Eastern Europe, to prioritize the transposition and implementation of the EPBD.

The medium and long-term rollout of energy efficiency in buildings boosts jobs and innovation in a sustainable way. There is a clear timetable with clear targets. This gives governments, regional local authorities on the one hand and the market participants on the other hand the necessary security for planning and investment to be successful. Šuica she stated. She also said that a lower energy consumption means lower energy bills for homeowners, tenants, businesses and the public budgets.

A lower energy consumption also means a higher level of energy security.  It has a Geo strategic advantage having to import less energy. This strengthens our autonomy and our economic stability – highlighted Commissioner Šuica.

Participants in the large panel discussion, representatives of the public and private sectors, emphasized one of the key problem – communication. Key public sector representatives joined the panel, including Pau Garcia Audi, Team Leader at DG ENER, European Commission; Nathalie Markova, Director of the Energy Efficiency and Savings Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Czechia; and Anca Ginavar, General Director of the Urban Planning and Construction Directorate, Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, Romania. They each provided national-level insights into ongoing preparations and legislative frameworks to support EPBD implementation.

From the business sector, prominent industry leaders such as Radek Bedrna (Knauf Insulation), Andrzej Kielar (ROCKWOOL), and Mario Giordano (Signify) echoed the necessity of public-private collaboration to ensure the EPBD’s goals are met through innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships. The session was moderated by Katarína Nikodemová, Director of Buildings for the Future, who guided the discussion with a focus on actionable pathways forward.

Representatives of the public and private sectors have emphasized several times that the goals of the EPBD are high and that they will be challenging to achieve. However, it was stated that there should be sufficient money, there is desire and it is necessary to communicate clearly with all stakeholders. It is also extremely important that citizens know and educate themselves.

The panel discussion emphasized that cooperation between public and private partners, i.e. the public and private sectors, is necessary. Only in this way can the energy renovation of buildings be carried out as planned.

The interlocutors agreed that it is best for each member state of the European Union to start with the energy renovation of public buildings. Namely, public buildings are large, ownership is clearer, procedures are clearer. However, what is more important, the public will see the results faster and will want to implement these procedures and examples in their buildings and homes.

The message from the European Commission is that they are a partner to all member states, they are available to all, and together we can achieve the positive results that the EPBD ultimately brings to everyone – lower energy consumption, energy independence, lower CO2 emissions.

Knowledge Sharing Ahead of the Main Event

Kicking off the afternoon, attendees participated in two interactive pre-conference sessions designed to equip energy professionals with the latest tools and strategies:

• The session titled “Turning the new Energy Efficiency Directive into an opportunity”, co-organised by ENSMOV plus, Enefirst Plus, and SEED MICAT projects, offered participants insights into publicly available resources and tools to navigate the updated Energy Efficiency Directive (EED).
• Parallelly, the CoolLIFE Tool & Knowledge Hub Training introduced participants to innovative solutions to better integrate low-carbon cooling strategies into energy planning and policy, aligning with municipal and national climate goals.