We are delighted to invite you to join us for this pivotal gathering dedicated to Europe’s energy and industrial transitions. Taking place at the EIHP Pozar Institute in Zagreb, the Spring Event will span three days of strategic discussions, expert panels, and collaborative workshops.
21 May 2025 Workshop: Energy Transition in South-East Europe
This day will focus on the regional challenges and collaborative opportunities in implementing National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), with contributions from researchers, policymakers, and industry.
Agenda Highlights:
Walk-in coffee until 09:00
Opening Session (09:30–10:00)
Welcome: Dražen Jakšić (CEO, EIHP)
Structure and goals: Laurens de Vries (TU Delft), Maja Božičević Vrhovčak (University of Zagreb)
Session 1 (10:00–11:00) – Regional Transition Policy and Implementation
Panel discussion: Višnja Grgasović (Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition of Croatia), Marija Živković (University of Belgrade), Mariya Trifonova from University of Sofia, Bulgaria, and LEI representatives from Lithuania
Key topics: NECP implementation gaps, budget limitations, research needs
Coffee break until 11:30
Session 2 (11:30–13:00) – Energy Systems Integration and Policy Instruments
Presentations by Dražen Balić, Lea Leopoldović (EIHP), Goran Strbac from the Imperial College of London and others
Session 3 (14:00-15:00) – Tour visit of EIHP PV Power Plant
Coffee break until 15:30
Session 4 (15:30–17:00) – Research Challenges and Funding Gaps
Keynote: Ivan Matejak (EERA)
Contributions from Ana Maria Boromisa (IRMO), Hrvoje Pandžić (University of Zagreb), and LEI
Dinner at 19:00 in Zagreb City Centre.
22 May 2025 Workshop: Industrial Decarbonization and the Clean Industrial Deal
A full-day workshop examining the interface between industrial decarbonization and energy infrastructure development, with a strong focus on European policy and cross-country collaboration.
Morning:
We will get first hand insights on the European Clean Industrial Deal from the European Commission and shed light on joint international activities related to industrial decarbonization (e.g. Net-zero industries mission). Subsequently we will make a deep dive on country-specific activities and peculiarities, aiming to explore synergies and best practices in facilitating and guiding the industrial transition (including e.g. NEFI New Energy for Industry).
Opening keynote: Antonio Ferrandez Garcia (EC DG RTD)
Presentations on EU Clean Industrial Deal and Net-Zero Industries Mission by Bernhard Gahleitner (AIT)
Country-specific presentations: Austria (Bernhard Gahleitner/Gustav Resch), Netherlands (Laurens de Vries), Belgium (Jelle Meus), Germany (TBC)
Afternoon:
The afternoon is dedicated to the interdependencies between industrial decarbonization and energy infrastructure development. We will share our experiences and interactively elaborate how Energy System Integration activities can best meet the needs arising from the industrial transition and related innovations.
Interactive session on interdependencies between industrial decarbonization and energy infrastructure
Integration of research and policy perspectives
Dinner at 19:00 in Zagreb City Centre.
23 May 2025 (for ESI Members only) EERA JP ESI Steering Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Main agenda items:
Presentation of the 2024 Annual Report
Financial Report 2024 and Budget 2025 approval
Discussion on ESI Membership Fees
Organisation of the Brussels Research Meets Policy Conference (23 Oct 2025)
Members’ Events
Strategic input on the 2026/2027 Horizon Europe Work Programme
AOB
We warmly encourage all EERA members to take part in this strategic event, fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and new partnerships to drive Europe's sustainable energy future.
Practical information
Date
20 May 2025 - 23 May 2025
Venue
Energy institute HRVOJE POŽAR - EIHP
Contact
Gloria Botton EERA - JP Energy Systems Integration
Zagreb, Groatia