Representing the Assembly of European Regions (AER), President Michèle Sabban attended the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Efficiency Forum in Monaco. Held by Johnson Controls and the Prince Albert II of the Monaco Foundation, the event has brought together 160 policy makers, NGOs and stakeholders from both the public and private sector of the European Union and Mediterranean basin. Together they discussed ways to improve energy efficiency outcomes and accelerate the adoption of regulation system through enhanced cooperation.The forum highlighted how energy efficiency practices could directly contribute to the struggle against climate change. It clearly appears that European regions play a crucial role in developing policies and strategies to boost energy efficiency and support environmental sustainability. Their activities include the financial support for research, economic development and innovation as well as the investment in construction and housing rehabilitation.

As a panel participant on “Key enablers to achieve Europe’s energy saving targets”, Michèle Sabban drew attention to the many actions taken by the AER in the field of sustainable energy, such as its participation in the MORE4NRG project, the organisation of the European Regions Energy Day, and the proposal for a strategy aimed at acknowledging the role of federal states and regions in the fight against climate change developed together with the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Manitoba and the Spanish region of Catalonia.

“AER has always placed  environmental issues at the heart of its actions. Through its activities, it has engaged Regions in climate change strategies and encouraged them to be environmentally aware in all aspects of their public policies. Today, thanks to these actions, the cause of the regions is increasingly powerful” stated AER President.

The event indeed set the tone for future initiatives from the alliance to further educate and influence governments, businesses and individuals to think and act on energy efficiency and climate change.

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