The recent BRIDGE workshop “Fostering the uptake and social impact of the energy transition through citizen engagement”, held during the European Week of Regions and Cities (EUWRC) explored the pivotal role of citizen engagement in the energy transition.

The event focused on strategies to enhance public participation and address the social and behavioral barriers that hinder the acceptance of new energy technologies. The workshop gathered experts from across Europe to discuss best practices and successful case studies, with particular emphasis on how cities can lead to citizen engagement at the local level.

The first speaker Michael Brenner-Fliesser, Chair of the BRIDGE Citizen and Consumer Engagement Working Group (CCE WG) and Scientist at Joanneum Research, introduced the BRIDGE initiative. He emphasised that citizen engagement is crucial for the energy transition, as it involves the public in decision-making processes.

Vaggelis Marinakis, President of DAEM and Assistant Professor at NTUA, highlighted Athens' proactive approach to citizen engagement through initiatives like the Athens Climate Forum and the Climate Youth Assembly. He emphasised the importance of involving citizens at the local level to foster meaningful participation. Marinakis detailed how Athens' strategies, adopted by Mayor Haris Doukas, address energy poverty, promote energy communities, and offer educational programs tailored to the unique needs of its residents, demonstrating that tailored engagement can lead to impactful policy outcomes while aligning with broader European climate neutrality goals.

Minna Kuivalainen, a member of the CCE WG and behavioral scientist at Smart Innovation Norway, led a discussion on engagement practices in European energy projects. She explored the challenges of encouraging citizen participation and shared successful examples from BRIDGE initiatives.

The workshop was moderated by Meline González Piloyan, Project Coordinator and Policy Advisor at NetZeroCities, EUROCITIES. Her expertise in policy advisory and coordination provided valuable context for the discussion on how cities can facilitate the energy transition.

Coordinated by Eva Martinez Cruz, Technical Expert of the BRIDGE Citizen and Consumer Engagement Working Group and Senior Social Innovation Officer at ICONS, the workshop shaped the dialogue around practical steps for enhancing citizen engagement.

In conclusion, the workshop underscored that citizen engagement is a critical pillar for the success of the energy transition. It demonstrated how cities can proactively involve citizens, create energy resilience, and ensure an inclusive shift towards a sustainable future by sharing best practices and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.