AccelerateEU through energy efficiency and electrification – Driving SME competitiveness from Brussels to Montreal
This live-streamed event, open to everyone including small business owners, industry representatives, and financial partners, will explore 2 interconnected themes
- how energy efficiency and smart electrification work together as the practical engine of the Clean Industrial Deal
- how targeted financing can be unlocked to drive SME competitiveness
2 focused 45-minute conversations will offer an informative, forward-looking discussion between policy experts and on-the-ground stakeholders. Energy efficiency is not just about achieving our energy and climate targets. In the context of the AccelerateEU Communication, it is our best tool to ensure energy security and competitiveness amid geopolitical tensions and market volatility. Energy efficiency is important to help keep businesses competitive and protect our energy independence.
The link to the live-stream on our YouTube channel will be available on this page in advance of the event which will be broadcast from the professional studio of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation in Brussels. The full recording will also be available on this page afterwards.
- energy policy | energy efficiency
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Wednesday 17 June 2026, 10:00 – 12:00 (CEST)
- Brussels, Belgium
- Live streaming available
Programme
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17 Jun 2026, 10:00 – 12:00 (CEST)Agenda
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome and setting the scene
- Moderator: Ms. Rosalinde van der Vlies – Director of “Just transition, consumers, energy efficiency and innovation”, DG ENER, European Commission
10:10 – 10:55 Session 1: The road to Montreal: Doubling down on energy security
- The focus: Why doubling our energy efficiency pace by 2030 is a necessity, and how a smart electrification approach leveraging efficiency is key for energy system resilience, phase-out fossil fuels imports and shield end-users from market volatility.
- Speakers
- Mr. Jérôme Bilodeau – Head of Analysis, Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transition, International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Mr. Thibaud Voïta – Energy Advisor, Jacques Delors Institute
- Mr. Jānis Kļaviņš – Energy Efficiency Expert & Lead Auditor, Kiwa Latvia / Training Developer for the LIFE23-CET-EcoSMEnergy project
10:55 – 11:05 Break
11:05 – 11:50 Session 2: Financing the economic backbone: SMEs competitiveness as a strategic asset
- The focus: The genesis and deployment of the Energy Efficiency for SMEs initiative. This session highlights how the EIB and the Commission are actively closing the investment gap through innovative co-investment models to help 350 000 smaller businesses modernise and thrive.
- Speakers
- Ms. Adalisa Vladacenco – Head of Unit, Co-Investments Equity, Growth Capital and Project Finance, European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Ms. Laura Carrère – Managing Director, Head of Business Development, Eiffel Investment Group
- Mr. Alexandre Feray – CEO, OpenAirlines
11:50– 12:00 Wrap-up and closure