The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) brought together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders at its 2026 Annual General Meeting and Symposium in Brussels to discuss the future of heating and cooling in Europe.
During the AGM, EPEE members reviewed the association’s activities, policy developments and strategic priorities. The meeting also covered governance decisions, financial updates, Steering Committee elections, regulatory developments, market trends and the role of heating and cooling technologies in Europe’s climate, energy and competitiveness objectives.
The Symposium focused on building a sustainable, competitive and resilient heating and cooling sector. Participants called for closer collaboration between policymakers and industry, highlighting the sector’s technical knowledge, innovation capacity and practical experience.
Rosalinde van der Vlies, Director for Clean Planet (ENER.B) at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, delivered the keynote speech. The programme also included a panel with representatives from EHPA, APPLiA, Covenant of Mayors & Energy Cities, DG GROW and DIGITALEUROPE.
“Heating and cooling are no longer peripheral to Europe’s policy agenda — they are central to energy security, industrial competitiveness and climate action,” said Russell Patten, Director General of EPEE. “Europe cannot deliver a successful green transition without fully recognising the strategic importance of our sector. EPEE remains committed to ensuring that the voice of heating and cooling is heard and to working collaboratively with policymakers and stakeholders to shape ambitious, practical solutions for Europe’s future.”
