Rapporteur Talks

An estimated 67 million Europeans rely on heat provided by district heating, which is currently undergoing a decarbonisation process to achieve the goal of being climate-neutral by 2050.

However, different district heating systems are at different stages of progress towards net-zero. Some systems, particularly low-temperature district heating networks, have already been fully decarbonised through the use of technologies like heat pumps and geothermal energy. In contrast, large-scale district heating systems that require high temperatures face more limited options, such as biomass, electrode boilers (as part of power-to-heat solutions), and energy storage.

A key principle of the energy transition is to ensure that no one is left behind, including customers of district heating systems. This transition presents a range of challenges, not only technical and technological, but also regulatory and economic. These difficulties will be especially pronounced in large, densely developed cities. To address this, it is essential to establish regulatory frameworks and effective mechanisms, in line with the Fit for 55 package, that will support investment and ensure the transformation is both feasible and acceptable for heat recipients.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the road to net-zero of district heating systems. Questions to be discussed include:

- What is the future role of district heating systems? With rising heatwaves across Europe, what potential do these systems have to provide both heating and cooling?
- What technological and regulatory solutions can be implemented to meet the new targets for energy-efficient district heating and cooling systems?
- How can the cost burden of the transformation be minimised for end users? What financial and regulatory tools are required to support the transition?
- What is the potential of power-to-heat solutions and thermal storage, and how can they complement the role of large-scale cogeneration units?
- Do heating networks pose limitations to the energy transition? How can high-temperature district heating systems be decarbonised?
- What regulatory frameworks are necessary for the district heating sector to effectively manage the transformation process?

The European Union is intensifying efforts to improve consumer protection in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. At the same time, industries are exploring how new technological solutions can be used to safeguard consumers in innovative new ways.

The forthcoming "Digital Fairness Act" will impact a range of industries, from e-commerce to entertainment, which will need to adhere to new standards, including transparent marketing practices and measures to prevent addictive behaviours, all aimed at creating a safer and more equitable digital environment for consumers.

The Commission has also launched a fitness check of EU consumer law on digital fairness to assess whether the current legal framework is sufficient to guarantee a high level of consumer protection in the evolving digital landscape.

Where the upcoming implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act specifically aims to regulate AI systems and their application in industry and the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulates online content, these new measures seek to level the digital playing field, address unfair practices, and ensure consumers are thoroughly protected both online and offline.

Lsiten to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the protection of consumers in the digital environment. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role does the Digital Services Act play in holding online platforms accountable for ensuring a high level of safety and privacy for consumers?
- What role should public consultation and stakeholder engagement play in shaping future digital fairness legislation to ensure it addresses real consumer concerns?
- What lessons can be learned from the lottery industry in their ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers and prevent addictive gambling behaviours?

Renewable energy projects require substantial front-end investment as well as complicated permitting and licensing in order to operate, but what happens when there are disputes in the sector? In 1994 the European Union signed the Energy Charter Treaty which provided for International Arbitration through the World Bank ICSID Court. However, earlier this year the EU signalled it’s intent to leave the Treaty, citing its support for traditional forms of energy. Why then are nearly all of the outstanding claims in renewable energy? And what impact will leaving the Treaty have on renewable investor confidence in Europe?

As an example, we will discuss the Spanish Renewable Awards. Spain has defaulted on more than 25 international arbitration awards amounting to €1.56 billion in compensation for the retroactive withdrawal of renewable premiums. This amount is further increased by over €315 million in legal and financial overcosts resulting from non-compliance with the rulings. The situation has become so bad that numerous enforcement procedures and asset seizures are in play through courts in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, and the United States.

The Spanish Government has been accused of taking an ideological position to refuse to settle these claims and has attempted to persuade the European Commission to retrospectively declare these awards as ’state aid’. If this is proven to be the case, what message does this give to large renewable investors about the rule of law in Europe?

Join us for this important and lively discussion with renewable energy investors, senior litigators and European officials.

Organised by: Aream Group SA
Media Partner: Euractiv

In 2020, as an integral part of the European Green Deal, the EU presented its Farm to Fork Strategy, aimed at making Europe's food systems more resilient, healthier and more sustainable. The Farm to Fork strategy was the first to integrate all aspects of the food chain (agricultural, ecological, and nutritional) into a unified approach to food systems, moving beyond traditional farm policy.

Scientific evidence underlines the urgent and exacerbated need for more sustainable and healthier food systems. This is due to factors related to the climate crisis, such as soil degradation and a decline in biodiversity, as well as other factors such as increased obesity levels in many countries.

Many stakeholders argue that the transition to sustainable food systems needs to be accomplished in a manner that respects and preserves Europe's natural resources. Farmers play a key role in this transition. Recent protests throughout the EU highlighted that the upcoming mandate will be critical in delivering the necessary assistance and funding farmers' needs for this transition.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the way forward to more resilient and sustainable food systems in the EU. Questions to be discussed include:

- What are the main financial challenges currently faced by farmers in the transition towards sustainable food systems?
- How can EU policy frameworks be adapted to provide more flexible and financial support to farmers transitioning to sustainable practices?
- How can we create favourable market conditions that protect natural resources while transitioning to sustainable food systems?

Neurotechnology, where neuroscience meets technology, includes all the tools and methods that are used to improve our understanding of how the human brain functions as well as what can be done to improve or repair the brain’s capacities. These advancements are opening new possibilities across various aspects of life, from healthcare to daily activities.

However, the rapid development of neurotechnology raises important questions regarding its societal impact and regulatory requirements. As neurotechnologies intersect with various EU legislative and policy initiatives, a comprehensive and integrated approach will be necessary for the EU to establish a legal framework governing these technologies.

Moreover, certain applications of neurotechnology could pose challenges related to fundamental rights, such as concerns about mental surveillance or consent to collection and processing of brain data. The EU will need to identify potential gaps in existing fundamental rights’ protections and address them to ensure neurotechnology advances responsibly. A key element of the EU's approach will be engaging stakeholders and ensuring inclusiveness in discussions on the regulation and application of neurotechnology.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss neurotechnology's rapid evolution and its legal implications in the EU policy-landscape. Questions to be discussed include:

-With the evolution of other technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the effects of neurotechnologies become even more elusive. How can we anticipate their long-term consequences?
-Do neurotechnologies fit into existing fundamental rights’ protections or do we need new human rights frameworks and rights for the brain?
-How can we ensure equal access to these technologies and address the risk of exacerbated or even new types of inequalities?
-How do we prepare a legislative framework for neurotechnology, with a focus on inclusive and participatory discussions?

With elections on both sides of the Atlantic, 2024 is set to bring many changes to transatlantic relations. If the elections result in new leadership, priorities and strategies will shift, impacting trade and competitiveness policies.

Launched in 2021, the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) aims to revitalise transatlantic cooperation through coordinated approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues. Both regions have strong incentives to collaborate, but the specifics will depend on the outcomes of the elections and the policies adopted by new or continuing leadership. Moreover, the EU and the US may seek to renegotiate or reaffirm trade agreements to face global competitors such as China.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss what impact the upcoming US elections might have on transatlantic cooperation and how EU-US relations may develop in the coming years. Questions to be addressed include:

- How might European multinationals and SMEs, production and exports be impacted by the US election outcome? Is there scope for reduced trade barriers?
- What does industrial competitiveness mean for free trade? What role does the US Inflation Reduction Act play in transatlantic relations?
- What scope is there for new agreements and collaborations, addressing supply chain disruptions and labour market challenges? And how does that fit with reducing dependencies on global competitors such as China?
- What could be the implications of the upcoming US elections for EU security and defence, and the outcome of the war with Ukraine?

Gas venting, flaring, and leakage accounts for tremendous wastage. An estimated 267 billion cubic metres (BCM) of natural gas could be made available to gas markets with a global effort to reduce methane emissions and tackle non-emergency flaring. These volumes amount to over 70% of the EU’s annual gas consumption, which was estimated at 360 BCM in 2023, and could be worth $48 billion.

This wasteful practice harms not only the environment due to high heat-trapping potential of methane, it also harms the health of local communities in the vicinity. Conversely, if this gas was captured instead of wasted into the atmosphere, it would produce revenues for producers, energy security for purchasers, and help slow near-term global warming.

Unfortunately, this major opportunity isn’t on the radar of companies, banks and governments for several reasons. This is in part due to poor data on flaring and emissions, the lack of internal incentives to prioritize their reduction, and high competition for other company priorities. Even when gas-recovery prospects are identified, project development can be expensive and risky, and the economic feasibility can be hampered by tax regimes, expensive borrowing costs, and poor visibility on upstream demand for abated gas.

This event will bring stakeholders together to discuss a new whitepaper from CATF, illustrating how the EU’s You Collect We Buy initiative can be shaped to capture and market gas that would have been leaked, vented or flared.

Ahead of the EU’s anticipated engagement at COP29 on methane reductions in the energy sector, this event will consider how to build the necessary engagement, coordination, and partnerships to capitalise on these opportunities, and create economic, energy, and climate benefits for all.

CATF's Report "Developing an Implementation Plan for ‘You Collect We Buy’ Capitalising on the gas capture opportunity" can be accessed here: https://www.catf.us/resource/developing-implementation-plan-you-collect-we-buy/

In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the fight against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Europe has committed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 and EU-wide progress has been made towards the UNAIDS goals.

However, many countries – including in Europe – are not on track to meet the global goals. HIV continues to pose a public health threat in the EU/EEA countries where an estimated 765 000 people are living with the virus and approximately 23 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Advocates have been calling for stronger actions at EU and national levels to end the HIV epidemic in Europe.

A new report published by BCG (commissioned by Gilead Sciences), “Going the extra mile to end the HIV epidemic”, lays out the need for sustained funding and investment in HIV prevention, innovation, and other policy efforts such as adopting a range of testing options. The report also highlights the importance of coordination and commitment from a variety of stakeholders, including governments, public health leaders, healthcare providers, and community-led organisations and people living with HIV.

Significant progress has been made in the fight to end the HIV epidemic, but we are currently at risk of falling short of the 2030 targets. An extra effort is required to achieve the global goal. Just 5 years out from 2030, join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the actions needed to end the HIV epidemic in the EU. Questions to be addressed include:

- Considering the UN SDGs, what steps can the EU take to accelerate its efforts to end the HIV epidemic in Europe by 2030?
- To what extent can the EU support its Member States in their fight against HIV? How can the Commission coordinate initiatives at EU and national levels?
- What role do biomedical innovations play in ending HIV in Europe and worldwide? How can they be accelerated?
- How can the EU and its Member States contribute to sustained funding and guarantee access to innovative treatments?
- What are the best practices for HIV testing?
- What is the role of the new EU Institutions in this important fight and to maintain the political momentum for action?

Panel I: Meet the candidates

Discussion of the upcoming elections with representatives of Uzbekistan’s political groups and civil society.

Panel II: EU and Central Asia – What avenues for future cooperation?

In 2022 and 2023, the Central Asian Heads of State and the President of the European Council held their first-ever high-level meetings, resulting in the preparation of a further joint roadmap for deepening ties between the EU and Central Asia. An EU–Central Asia leaders' summit is due to take place in 2024 and will be an opportunity to match the EU's political relevance in the region with its status of major donor and investor.

This intensification of high-level relations reflects Central Asia's growing geostrategic importance in the light of recent global developments. These developments also provide further avenues for partnership and cooperation in areas such as energy, agrifood, raw materials and connectivity.

Energy remains a cornerstone of cooperation, as the region holds significant reserves of oil and natural gas. This could present potential for more energy partnerships, as well as investments in pipeline infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and the development of green hydrogen initiatives. Raw materials are another critical area of cooperation, with the EU's high-tech industries and green transition relying on these materials. Enhanced cooperation in mining and sustainable extraction technologies could be pivotal in meeting the EU’s industrial needs while promoting sustainable practices in Central Asia.

The launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform in Astana on 12 June marked a milestone in strategic integration. This transport corridor is aimed at connecting Europe and Central Asia within 15 days or less to improve trade and connectivity and follows the Global Gateway Investors Forum in January this year.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to learn more about the untapped opportunities in the Central Asian region and what the new avenues for cooperation with the EU are. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role can the EU's Global Gateway play in modernising Central Asian infrastructure and further integrating the region with European markets?
- What new market opportunities are there for agrifood trade and Central Asian produce within the EU?
- What are the opportunities for EU investment in the region?
- What will EU-Central Asia cooperation look like under the new EU mandate?

The last European Parliament mandate introduced the first-ever legal framework on artificial intelligence through the AI Act. This act addresses the risks associated with AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally.

In line with this, the development of the new European AI Office ahead of the new mandate will centralise AI expertise across the EU and play a key role in implementing the AI Act.

Looking ahead, a shift to the right following the European Parliament elections may result in fewer regulatory initiatives in tech, a weaker push for market integration, but increased support for defence innovation, according to Euractiv.

Large-scale disinformation campaigns, particularly Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), as defined by the European External Action Service (EEAS), pose a major challenge for Europe and could be a significant focus in the upcoming mandate.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the new legislative agenda for 2024 to 2029 and explore the anticipated challenges and opportunities for the tech sector.

Questions to be discussed include:

- What will be the legislative priorities for the tech sector in the new Commission mandate, particularly regarding AI and disinformation?
- How will the new European Parliament formation impact tech policies in the next mandate?
- What will be the major challenges and opportunities for tech policy from 2024 – 2029?
- What are the key priorities for the tech industry in the coming years?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no 101070190.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.