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The EU’s decarbonisation commitments have huge consequences for the EU’s electricity system. The Clean Industrial Deal highlights this, with a further push to accelerating wind and PV, and rapidly increasing electrification in industry, buildings and transport.

The Commission has announced a number of initiatives to achieve this acceleration, including a new Industrial Electrification Fund based on the Hydrogen Bank, the new Clean Industrial Deal State aid Guidelines, a revision of the TEN-E framework, the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, a Recommendation on network charges, and the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act. The revision of the ETS mechanism and the Renewable Energy Directive will then follow.

Clearly, without a considerable further push to decarbonising the EU’s electricity supply and increasing the share of electricity in the EU’s overall energy mix, the EU will not succeed in its climate commitments.  This also has competitiveness and security issues, and it may be said that Europe is ‘slipping behind’ here: in the EU roughly 22% of the final energy services are supplied by electricity of which 36% goes to industry; in China this goes up to 28% (and growing fast) and 59% to industry.

But without a fit-for-purpose gid, in terms of investment and operation, this objective will surely fail. The Commission has committed to tabling a new Grids Package, which is expected already by the end of 2025. Following a presentation of a recent paper on the Challenge of grids in the Clean Industrial Deal and Affordable Energy Plan by Professor Christopher Jones, the Panel will discuss what needs to be in the Grids Package and what more needs to be done.

Whilst it is too early to draw conclusions or speculate regarding the cause of the Spanish blackout, the session will shed light on the next steps of the procedure that is currently ongoing, as set out under EU law. The session will also introduce the technicalities of the blackout, and possible prevention measures, as explained in a blog by Carlos Batlle on the FSR website.

Programme

10.00-10.20: Introductory Presentations

Christopher Jones | Part-time Professor at the Florence School of Regulation

Carlos Batlle | Part-time Professor at the Florence School of Regulation, Professor at the Institute for Research in Technology of Comillas Pontifical University.

10.20-11.00: Panel Discussion

Moderator: Christopher Jones

Anca-Iulia Cimpeanu | Deputy-Head of Unit, Infrastructure and Regional Cooperation, DG ENER, European Commission

Noemi Szabo | Policy Manager, ENTSO-E

Catharina Sikow-Magny | Part-time Professor at the Florence School of Regulation

Leonardo Meeus | Professor and Director of the Florence School of Regulation and the Loyola de Palacio Chair in the Robert Schuman Centre

Carlos Batlle | Part-time Professor at the Florence School of Regulation, Professor at the Institute for Research in Technology of Comillas Pontifical University.

Join this debate exploring how to unlock flexibility and complete market integration to reduce energy costs and support EU competitiveness.

This debate will focus on how to enhance system flexibility and to complete market integration to minimise the cost of accomodating increasing shares of renewables into the electricity system, thus reducing overall energy system costs to the benefit of EU energy consumers and to improve EU competitiveness. More specifically, the Debate will discuss how to remove the current limitations – e.g. incomplete market integration and barriers to the participation of distributed resources in the markets – to the full potential of renewable-based generation to reduce electricity costs.

Electricity costs for EU consumers are driven by a number of factors, including primary energy costs, network costs and system costs. These costs are greatly affected by the increasing penetration of renewable generation, which is key to the achievement of the ambitious EU climate policy goals. More (intermittent) renewables calls for a more flexible electricity system. How to minimise the costs of flexibility is one of the main challenges of the energy transition, requiring progress in several areas:

• The electricity market is still not fully integrated across the EU. Cross-border capacity made available to the market is still generally well below the 70% target envisaged in legislation. Action plans will expire this year. What is next?
• There are also delays in other aspects of the implementation of the EU energy market rules. ACER reports that 27% of the terms and conditions or methodologies for the implementation of the network codes are delayed. How can timely implementation be ensured?
• The participation of Transmission System Operators (TSOs) in balancing platforms (e.g. PICASSO) is still limited. Last year ACER amended the EU electricity balancing rules to improve the efficiency of the PICASSO platform. Will this be sufficient?
• Flexibility could also be achieved by making the networks smarter. How? Shall this be promoted by new regulatory approaches?
• There are still barriers to the market participation of decentralised resources, such as demand response and storage. How can these barriers be overcome?
• Beyond regulatory barriers, there seems still to be behavioural aspects, especially in the case of residential customers, and implementation uncertainties regarding the role of aggregators, which might prevent demand response fully to deliver on its potential. Which are these aspects and how to address them?
• How to ensure that flexibility needs are met by leveraging the power of markets, instead of relying on support schemes as the default?

Programme 

Host: Ilaria Conti

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.05      ​Introduction to the Debate

​​Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

14.05 – 14.15​       The regulatory perspective: tackling the persistent barriers to demand response and the importance of assessing flexibility needs in a robust manner

Christos Kolokathis | Team Leader – Flexibility and Resilience, Energy System Needs, ACER

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator:  ​Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

14.15 – 14.45​       Introductory remarks from the panellists

Nicola Rega | Executive Director Climate Change & Energy, CEFIC

Gheorghe Visan | Vice-Chair, Core Steering Committee, ENTSO-E

Guro Grøtterud | Markets & Networks Committee Chair, SmartEN

Laurens Rutten | Senior Energy Policy Officer, BEUC

Dylan McConnell | Senior Research Associate, UNSW

14.45 – 14.50​       Polls

14.50 – 15.20​       Comments on the polls outcome and Q&A from the audience
Panellists

15.20 – 15.30​       Concluding remarks
Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation
Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

Programme

14:00-14:05 Introduction to the debate

14:05-14:30 Insights from the Handbook on Electricity Regulation

14:30-14:45 Panel debate

14:45-15:00 Q&A

Find out more about the soon-to-be-published Handbook on Electricity Regulation, edited by Jean-Michel Glachant, Florence School of Regulation, Paul L. Joskow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Michael G. Pollitt, University of Cambridge.

This debate brings together experts to discuss the practical, scientific, and political dimensions of the EU’s strategy on production, use and trade of agrochemicals.

Learn more with our online course on the EU vision for agriculture and food.

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The EU chemical industry is highly regulated, so it is the use and trade agrochemical products. The Vision on Agriculture and Food, released on February 19 2025, has explained the strategy of the European Commission on the future of agrochemicals. The Commission aims to align production standards for imported products with EU values, particularly focusing on food safety and environmental protection. The ambition of the Vision poses technical and political challenges needing reflections and evidence-based recommendations. For instance, the ban on the most hazardous agrochemicals, already prohibited in the EU for health and environmental reasons, from entering the EU market via imports, requires reflections to preserve the competitiveness and resilience of the agri-food sector. In its efforts to reduce harmful agrochemicals use, the EU acknowledges the introduction of alternatives like biological or low-risk plant protection products, including a fast-track procedure for their market entry and provisional authorizations for products still under evaluation. Additionally, the Commission will address the export of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, banned within the EU1.

This event brings together experts to discuss the practical, scientific, and political dimensions of the EU’s strategy on production, use and trade of agrochemicals. It will offer a platform to explore the potential impacts on European farmers, industries, and international trade relations. The webinar will address how these policies can shape the future of agriculture and food systems, while also considering their broader global impact.

Programme

14.00 – 14.10     Introductory Speech

Fabio Santeramo | University of Foggia and EUI

14.10 – 14.15     Presentation of the speakers

Julie Pellizzari | EUI

14.15 – 14.35    The Regulation of Pesticides in the EU in the context of the Vision for Agriculture and Food

Klaus BEREND | Director – Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission

14.35 – 14.55    The common agricultural policy and crop protection

Gijs SCHILTHUIS | Director – Sustainability, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission

14.55 – 15.00     Environmental technical measures on agrochemicals

Emilia Lamonaca | University of Foggia

15.00 – 15.05    Pesticide regulatory heterogeneity and agricultural value chains

Dela-Dem Doe Fiankor | University of Goettingen

15.05 – 15.15    Q&A with business representatives

Paolo Marchesini | General Manager, ECCA – European Crop Care Association

Martin Dermine | Executive Director, PAN Europe – Pesticide Action Network Europe

15.15 – 15.25    Q&A with the audience

15.25 – 15.30    Concluding remarks

The webinar is aimed at scholars, professionals, and experts in the fields of agriculture, environmental science, policy, and international trade. Attendees are expected to have a strong interest in agrochemicals regulation, food safety, and environmental protection.

This FSR Debate aims at assessing the regulatory regime currently applicable to interconnectors with third countries and in which way this framework could be enhanced to enable their development.

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Electricity interconnectors with third countries, aimed at importing renewable-based electricity into Europe, are likely to become an increasingly important instrument in pursuing the decarbonisation of the EU energy sector. This FSR Debate will explore the regulatory framework applicable to these interconnectors and how it could be enhanced to support their development.

The ambitious decarbonisation targets to which the EU has committed suggest that all available options are considered — including expanding the geographical scope for siting renewable-based electricity generation to non-European regions. This generation is typically characterised by a better endowment of wind and solar resources and is therefore capable of providing energy production at competitive prices in the future.

In this context, some electricity interconnection projects are being considered – under both the regulated and unregulated regimes – between countries in the Mediterranean basin, aiming at a deeper energy sector integration.

The European regulatory framework, extremely mature and detailed when it comes to interconnections between Member States, is still incomplete and not always clear with regard to the integration with third countries, especially when these are implemented as merchant initiatives.

Programme

Host: Ilaria Conti

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.15​     Introduction to the Debate

​​Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

14.15 – 14.25​     Interconnector with third countries: the EU neighbouring policy on energy

Florian Ermacora | Head of Unit, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, DG MENA, European Commission

14.25 – 14.35     ​The regulatory perspective

Jan Kostevc | Team Leader, Energy Infrastructure, ACER

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator:  ​Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

14.35 – 15.00     ​Introductory remarks from the panellists
Alessandra Pasini | President and CEO, Zhero
Peter Claes | President, IFIEC
Patricia Labra | Chair-elect, System Development Committee, ENTSO-E
Francesco Cariello | Head of EU Regulation, ARERA

15.00 – 15.05      ​Polls

15.05 – 15.30      ​Comments on the polls outcome and Q&A from the audience
Panellists

15.30 – 15.40​      Concluding remarks
Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation
Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

This debate, jointly organised by FSR and UNECE, aims at discussing energy access in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on the more vulnerable categories of the society.

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As the global community accelerates efforts toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, energy access remains a fundamental pillar. Ensuring that all people—regardless of geography or income—have reliable, affordable, and clean energy is a challenge that demands coordinated regulatory action, informed policy, and multilateral cooperation. This 1.5-hour debate will delve into how regulation and policy can help close the energy gap, with high-level contributions from both European and international perspectives.

The event is structured into two sessions. The Opening presentations from the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) and the United Nations Economic Committee for Europe (UNECE), will frame the scope of the debate – by providing, on one side, a glimpse of the European Union’s approach to ensuring sustainable and inclusive energy access and, on the other, highlights from the international context in terms of global strategies, challenges, and regulatory innovations.
Our second session will feature a panel debate with distinguished representatives from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the SECCA Project, the European Young Energy Network, and the African School of Regulation. Together, they will explore synergies, lessons learned, and potential pathways forward.

This is the first of a series of online debates jointly organised by FSR and UNECE and focusing on the nexus between energy policy and regulation and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Programme

Host: Branko Milicevic (UNECE)

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.05   Introduction to the Debate

Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

14.05 – 14.15    The European perspective

Tadhg O’Briain | DG ENER

14.15 – 14.25    The international perspective

Ray Pilcher | UNECE

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator:       Branko Milicevic | UNECE

14.25 – 15.00  Introductory remarks from the panellists

Bruno Idini | IEA

Silvia Sartori | SECCA Project

Federico Barbieri | European Youth Energy Network

Carol Awuor Ofafa | African School of Regulation

15.00 – 15.20    Q&A from the audience
Panellists

15.20 – 15.30    Concluding remarks
Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation
Branko Milicevic | UNECE

This online debate will explore:

• How the Clean Industrial Deal can be effectively implemented and monitored at the EU and national level
• The roles of industry, Member States, and institutions in translating strategy into action
• How monitoring frameworks, KPIs, and cross-sectoral dialogue can support adaptive policy and investment.

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On February 26, 2025, the European Commission adopted its landmark Clean Industrial Deal (CID) Communication – an ambitious initiative to drive decarbonization and strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. Delivered within the first 100 days of the new Commission, the CID underscores a commitment to boosting innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience across the EU.

The CID lays out 40 flagship actions across six key areas, addressing issues from access to affordable energy, the need to accelerate investment in renewables and infrastructure, to skills and quality jobs. However, achieving impact goes far beyond announcing flagship initiatives; the litmus test of whether the objectives of the Deal will be achieved are the detailed measures that will follow and monitoring their impact – a strategy is only as good as its execution. To track progress, ensure accountability, and allow timely adjustments, the CID introduces seven Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including:

• Increase economy-wide electrification rate from 21.3% today to 32% in 2030
• Reach 40% of domestically produced key components of clean tech products on the EU market
• Annually install 100 GW of renewable electricity capacity up to 2030, and
• Increase circular material use rate from 11.8% today to 24%28 by 2030

In parallel, the Antwerp Declaration, endorsed by over 1,300 signatories from 25 industrial sectors, has introduced its own Monitoring Framework with 29 KPIs across 10 pillars, reinforcing the need for collaborative, data-driven oversight.

We’re honored to welcome Miguel Gil Tertre, Head of Cabinet to the First Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, for a keynote address. His presentation will be followed by a high-level panel discussion featuring voices from industry, academia, and policy:

James Watson | Director General, Eurometaux

Marco Mensink | Director General, CEFIC

Laura Cozzi | Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks, IEA

Adolfo Aiello | Deputy Director General of Climate and Energy, EUROFER

Anne-Sophie Corbeau | Global Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy

Join us on April 30 to explore how Europe can make the Clean Industrial Deal a true engine for climate leadership and industrial renewal.

This debate aims at discussing the extent to which the latest reform of the electricity market design, introduced by legislation in 2024 and currently being implemented, with a greater role foreseen for long-term contracts (PPAs and CfDs) and for procurement mechanisms, impacts on the efficiency of such a market and what roles spot market will continue to perform.

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The design of the European electricity market is undergoing a reform process aimed at supporting the clean energy transition and delivering energy security, ensuring competitiveness and affordable energy for EU citizens and industries. As a greater role is foreseen, under the new legislation, for long-term contracting and procurement mechanisms, particularly for renewable generation capacity and flexibility sources, the Debate will revolve around the implications of such changes on the shaping of the future electricity sector towards net-zero in 2050.

The event is organised on the occasion of the publication of ‘A companion to the European Electricity Market: Market Design and Public Policies for Decarbonisation’, of the Loyola de Palacio Series of European Energy Policy, and aims to bring together the main players and institutions involved in EU electricity markets including policymakers, regulators, electricity system operators, market participants and representatives from consumers, as well as independent experts.

Programme

Host: Ilaria Conti

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.05     ​Introduction to the Debate

​​Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

14.05 – 14.15     ​The electricity sector: between markets and policy intervention

Guido Cervigni | Co-author of the Companion to the European Electricity Market and Managing Director of DFC Economics

14.15 – 14.25​     The policy perspective

Annamaria Marchi | Deputy Head of Unit, Internal Energy Market, DG ENER, European Commission

14.25 – 14.35​     The regulatory perspective

Christophe Gence-Creux | Head of the Electricity Department, ACER

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator:  ​Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

14.35 – 14.55​     Introductory remarks from the panellists
Andreas Tirez | Energy Expert, IFIEC
Javier Barrantes Egaña | Market Design and RES Working Group Co-convenor, ENTSO-E
Cillian O’Donoghue | Director of Policy, Eurelectric

14.55 – 15.00​     Polls

15.00 – 15.20     ​Comments on the polls outcome and Q&A from the audience
Panellists

15.20 – 15.30​     Concluding remarks
Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation
Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

This FSR Debate will explore whether capacity-based remuneration models could offer a more effective alternative to traditional production-based schemes for clean hydrogen in the EU.

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As the EU seeks to scale up its hydrogen economy, policymakers are testing different support models to bridge the gap between ambition and market reality. But which approach best balances incentives for investors while ensuring cost efficiency and market stability?

As policymakers explore different remuneration models, the discussion on how to support clean hydrogen in the EU is gaining momentum. While production-based schemes have been the dominant approach, capacity-based models are emerging as a potential alternative. These discussions come amid key policy developments, including the Clean Industrial Deal and the establishment of the Decarbonisation Bank, which seeks to accelerate hydrogen deployment.

As the sector evolves, understanding how different support mechanisms influence investment decisions, cost efficiency, and long-term market stability remains essential. This debate will bring together experts to discuss the role of remuneration models in the EU hydrogen economy and their interaction with broader decarbonisation policies.

The event features a keynote presentation by Alexander Hoogsteyn, who will introduce insights from his paper “Interactions and Distortions of Different Support Policies for Green Hydrogen.” His analysis examines the strengths and weaknesses of existing policy frameworks, highlighting how different support models shape investment decisions and influence market development.

Following the presentation, a panel of expert discussants will engage in a dynamic conversation, weighing the potential of capacity-based remuneration against production-based schemes. They will examine how these models interact with recent EU policy shifts, such as the Clean Industrial Deal, the Decarbonisation Bank, and the growing experimentation with auction mechanisms in decarbonisation policies. With clean hydrogen struggling to gain traction, the panel will explore potential solutions to accelerate its growth and overcome current barriers, considering the broader context of EU decarbonisation efforts.

Audience engagement will be a key part of the debate. Participants will have the opportunity to pose questions, challenge perspectives, and contribute to the discussion on how best to accelerate clean hydrogen deployment in Europe.

Keynote speaker

Alexander Hoogsteyn | KU Leuven

Discussants

Ewelina Daniel | DG CLIMA, EC

James Kneebone | EUI

Moderators

Marzia Sesini | EUI

Nicolò Rossetto | EUI

Join this online debate where experts will discuss the EU’s strategy to reduce harmful chemicals in agriculture and its implications for farmers, trade, and sustainability.

Learn more with our online course on the EU vision for agriculture and food.

On 19 February 2025, the European Commission released its Vision on Agriculture and Food, outlining its strategy for the future use of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers. The strategy includes aligning production standards for imported products with EU environmental and animal welfare values. The Commission proposes banning the most hazardous substances—already prohibited within the EU—from entering the internal market via imports. An Impact Assessment will be launched in 2025 to evaluate the effects on competitiveness and international relations, with legal proposals to follow if necessary. The EU is also working to reduce harmful substances by promoting the use of biological and low-risk alternatives and establishing a fast-track approval process for such products. The Commission further plans to address the export of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, banned within the EU.

This webinar will bring together experts to examine the EU’s agro-chemical strategy from scientific, practical, and policy perspectives. Speakers will explore the implications for European farmers, industry stakeholders, and global trade relations. The discussion will address how these measures can shape future agricultural and food systems and their broader environmental impact. Organised as an online event, the webinar will feature expert presentations followed by a Q&A session. It is open to scholars, professionals, and experts in agriculture, environmental policy, and international trade, particularly those interested in agro-chemical regulation and sustainability.

Speakers

Falk Hemsing | DG AGRI

Robert Finger | ETH

Nathalie Jas | INRAE

Kris AG Wyckhuys | University of Queensland

Alice O’Donovan | CELCAA

Eric Gall | Organics Europe

Stefano Torriani | FiBL

Moderator

Lea Heinrich | FSR Climate

Chair

Fabio G. Santeramo | EUI & University of Foggia

Join this discussion to explore regulatory trends in the US and UK, assessing their implications for the future of energy markets.

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At the end of the 20th century, electricity regulation evolved to accommodate the creation of wholesale and retail markets. Today, it faces new challenges as the energy transition accelerates. How does it react regarding the frame of regulation to the growing prospects of energy transition? Can insights from the US and UK provide guidance on the future direction of electricity regulation concerned with Climate Change? Is the new presidency of Donald Trump already revisiting the recent past or the main trends? Has the UK reached a new consensus equilibrium, or not?In the newly published Handbook on Electricity Regulation, Paul Joskow (MIT), Michael Pollitt (University of Cambridge), and Jean-Michel Glachant (FSR) review the evolving landscape of Electricity Regulation, addressing the challenges of climate change and the path to Net Zero.

Programme

This webinar will explore how AI-driven solutions can optimise energy distribution, improve grid resilience, and support the EU’s decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changing technology with the potential to significantly advance Europe’s energy transition. As the EU seeks to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the shift to sustainable power, AI-driven solutions could revolutionise how energy is produced, consumed, and distributed.

The Competitiveness Compass for the EU underscores the importance of AI leadership, stating that ‘Integrating AI into strategic sectors where Europe has traditionally been strong will be critical to maintaining their competitive edge.’ The Apply AI Strategy, currently under development, aims to drive new industrial applications of AI, including in the energy sector, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of innovation.

From AI-powered smart grids that optimise energy distribution to predictive maintenance that prevents equipment failures, AI is already transforming energy management. Machine learning algorithms enhance grid resilience, improve the reliability of renewable energy, and provide real-time recommendations for efficient energy use. AI also plays a key role in energy market forecasting and trading, ultimately supporting the EU’s decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

However, AI adoption in the energy sector is not without challenges. High initial investment costs, the need for a skilled workforce, and increasing cybersecurity risks remain barriers to large-scale implementation. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes, while AI innovation is advancing rapidly, its full impact and adoption remain uncertain.

To fully unlock AI’s potential, collaboration between energy providers, policymakers, and AI developers is essential. A shared understanding of the most promising applications and key enablers will be critical to bridging gaps and accelerating AI-driven transformation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into how AI can help achieve the EU’s energy goals.

Introduction – Ivars Ijabs, MEP

Case Studies – Real-world applications of AI in energy
Luis Cunha, E-REDES
Carla Silva Gonçalves, INESC TEC

Panel Discussion
Vincent Berrutto, DG ENER, EC
Jesse Scott, Hertie School
François Beaude, ACER
Jorge Vasconcellos, FSR