What happens to energy efficiency programmes when municipalities are ready to act, but financial and administrative decisions are delayed?

On 24 and 25 June in Gabrovo, the fifth edition of the Mayors Talk discussion forum will place this question at the heart of the conversation between local authorities, national institutions, funding organisations, experts and partners working towards the sustainable energy development of Bulgarian municipalities.

This year’s forum will be held under the motto “Awaiting the Budget: Will We Find Solutions to Delayed Processes?” and will focus on the practical difficulties municipalities face when preparing and implementing projects related to energy efficiency, building renovation and renewable energy. The event will seek answers to questions that are particularly important for local authorities today: What funding opportunities can be expected? How can programme implementation be accelerated? How can coordination between central government and municipalities be improved? And how can local policies be supported with realistic instruments?

The first day will begin with examples from Bulgaria and a presentation of Gabrovo’s experience in implementing sustainable energy projects. The session will examine the results achieved, the challenges encountered and the lessons learned from investments and locally developed solutions. The forum will then continue with a discussion on national policies, the role of energy efficiency in the vision for sustainable energy development, available funding instruments and programmes, and forthcoming opportunities for the renovation of multi-family residential buildings.

During the subsequent panel discussion, representatives of municipalities, the Sustainable Energy Development Agency and funding institutions will discuss the challenges involved in implementing energy efficiency programmes in public and residential buildings. The conversation will highlight the practical problems faced by local authorities, ranging from project preparation and engagement with citizens to process management, the quality of implementation and the need for clearer and more predictable support.

The second day will be dedicated to the role of cities and local authorities in sustainable energy development. The programme will cover opportunities for Bulgarian municipalities to participate in European climate initiatives, access to European-level funding for municipal projects and an integrated approach to urban sustainable development policies.

The forum will continue with practical presentations on project preparation and implementation, including requirements for contracting authorities when designing zero-emission buildings, building renovation using prefabricated components, automation of heating, cooling and ventilation systems, innovative solutions for district heating systems, the use of geothermal energy, the development of renewable energy communities, and training opportunities for municipal experts and energy advisers through one-stop shops.

Mayors Talk will once again provide a space for direct dialogue between institutions and municipalities, focusing on real cases, workable solutions and the conditions required for local authorities to implement energy efficiency and sustainable development policies more successfully.

Participation in the event is free of charge, but prior registration is required here: https://forms.gle/Xr6RcJMb1y9Ukib48

View the forum programme here.

In addition, we would kindly ask you to complete a short survey on the challenges municipalities face when implementing sustainable energy projects. The survey consists of several questions and should take no more than seven minutes to complete.