The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) participated in the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, held from 8 to 10 September 2026. Bringing together more than 6,500 participants from 55 countries and over 500 events, the Forum provided a platform for dialogue between policymakers, businesses, local authorities, academia and civil society on key economic, social and geopolitical challenges.

IEEP was represented by Thomas Nowak, Deputy Chair of the IEEP AISBL Board, who took part in the panel Energy Transition in Practice: An Opportunity for Businesses and Local Governments Part II. The session brought together representatives from Polish politics, business, regional development and local government to discuss how cooperation between businesses and municipalities can support Poland’s energy transition.

Thomas Nowak highlighted that delivering the energy transition requires more than investment in new energy infrastructure: it also depends on how energy systems are planned and integrated locally. In particular, he emphasised the potential of heat pumps, renewable energy, storage and energy communities to improve energy efficiency, strengthen energy security and support local economic development. Municipalities can play a key role in bringing these solutions together through local heat planning and practical support for residents. The discussion underlined the importance of placing local communities at the centre of the energy transition. Municipalities can help translate national energy objectives into practical solutions by integrating heating, renewable energy and storage into local energy planning, while providing residents with clear guidance on available options. This can help build public trust, facilitate the uptake of new technologies and ensure that the benefits of the transition—including greater energy security and local economic opportunities—are felt by communities. IEEP’s participation in the Forum reflects its engagement with European stakeholders on the practical implementation of climate and energy policy, including the role of local authorities in advancing a secure, sustainable and socially beneficial energy transition.