CLR at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025: Empowering communities for a just energy transition

The Citizen-led renovation (CLR) initiative participated in the 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities, held in Brussels from 13–15 October 2025. As part of the joint workshop “Participatory Lab: Empowering Communities Through Inclusive Renovation and Regional Sustainability,” on 15 October, CLR joined forces with FORTESIE and RENOVERTY to highlight the transformative power of citizen-driven energy renovation across Europe.

Moderated by Jan Bormans, CEO at Th!nk E and CLR II project coordinator, the participatory lab brought together stakeholders from across the continent to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions for tackling energy poverty and accelerating the Renovation Wave.

CLR’s Mission and Impact

CLR is a European initiative dedicated to empowering citizens and communities to lead the energy transition through local renovation and renewable energy projects. By supporting pilot, learner, and follower communities, CLR builds local capacity for energy renovation and community investment, promoting inclusive, citizen-driven solutions to energy poverty.

During the workshop, David Ferge, Dr., legal advisor at Th!nk Europe, presented the legal foundations underpinning citizen-led renovation, emphasising the importance of EU directives (RED II, Citizen Energy Communities, RRF) and national legislation in enabling community-driven energy projects. Legal clarity, he noted, is essential for replicating successful models across Europe.

Strengthening Community Networks

CLR showcased its support for diverse communities in Hungary, Poland, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal, demonstrating how local alliances and shared expertise can turn legal clarity into community empowerment. The Alliance for Citizen-Led Renovation aims to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for energy communities, ensuring compliance and support for both EU and national legislation through training, templates, and cooperation networks.

Collaborative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The workshop featured interactive group work on three key themes:

• Pathways for Energy Communities and Microgrids in Central and Eastern Europe
• Volunteer Power in Housing Renovation: Building Dignity Beyond Bricks
• Inclusive Renovation Pathways: Tackling Energy Poverty in Rural Regions

Participants shared insights and synthesised recommendations for scaling up citizen-led renovation, with a focus on just, sustainable, and inclusive energy transition.