As part of the European Green Deal, the EU has set itself a binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In light of this, the EU is working to achieve the ambitious goal of transforming its energy sector into a system based on renewables and low-emission energy sources.

This transformation means a complete reform, not only in how energy is produced in the EU but also in how it is used by consumers. 'Nobody should be left behind' is a phrase often quoted when discussing the energy transition.

Achieving climate neutrality is a great challenge for both the European Union as a whole and individual Member States. Some industry stakeholders express views that the cost is not just economic, but also social, as energy poverty is on the rise. They also say that when designing ambitious goals, EU institutions should take into account the economic and social circumstances of different Member States as well as the current geopolitical situation.

The European energy sector is at a crossroads. Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to discuss its future. Discussed questions included:

- How do we ensure that the 2030 and 2050 targets can be achieved in light of the recent geopolitical developments?
- With most Europeans facing a winter of sharp price increases, how can energy poverty be addressed?
- What are the necessary technologies needed to ensure an efficient energy transformation? And at what cost?
- What has already been done to help climate change mitigation?
- What approaches are taken by different Member States to reach climate neutrality?
- What are the challenges and costs related to the energy transformation?