Agenda

There will be interpreting services FR<>EN in all site visits
and testimonial workshops.

We will kick off the forum and we will explain how the journeys are organised.

Participants will gather in groups according to the journey they have registered in.

They all will leave on foot or by bus to various places in Besançon and Grand Besançon area. DO NOT MISS THE DEPARTURE!

The five journeys will focus on finding collective solutions to achieve fair, greener and healthier cities. From renewables, local partnerships, co-investment models to circular economy. You will learn more about the initiatives Besançon is carrying out and share your experience and best-practices with other experts from all Europe.

They will follow the same structure:
– In the morning there will be an introduction of the topic and a site visit in the Besançon and Grand Besançon area.
– There will be a lunch pause in all of them from 12:30 to 14:00
– In the afternoon there will be a collective intelligence and a testimonial workshop. And they will be concluded with a short feedback session.

This journey will explore how local authorities’ approaches can engage more and cooperate with citizens and local stakeholders to encourage them to develop new projects.

This journey will analyse the role of municipalities to foster partnerships and develop new modes of co-investment to plan large-scale deployment of renewable energies in urban environments to improve citizens’ well-being.

This journey will analyse how cities are integrating sustainable practices to reduce consumption and be more efficient by encouraging the re-use of materials and developing new training courses, engaging in low-tech, and limiting urban sprawl and massive overbuilding.

This journey will show how cities can develop their green belts while preserving land and develop a sustainable agricultural and food policy. Experts will explain how it serves the health of residents, makes food access more accessible and reduces energy needs.

This journey will explore how cities can make their urban ecosystems more resilient and anticipate the negative effects of climate change by protecting and improving their infrastructures and networks.

During the evening, we will celebrate 35 years of connections with all our members and participants of the forum.

All the sessions of the day will take place at the building of
Région Bourgogne-Franche Comté – 4 Square Castan, Besançon

We will start the day with an introductory session to share views about the journeys.

Attend the one you prefer and get inspired!

In this session you will be learning about the diversity of opportunities our network offers its members, and you will be spoilt for choice. You can choose 2 from 8 options (tables) highlighting the important themes and opportunities that our team are currently working on. This will include an overview of our 5 Hubs, our LEARNing offer, key EU policies overview and details of our membership offer- all in one place!

Join us for an engaging Open Mic session, that encourages spontaneous discussions and interactions among participants. This session provides a dynamic space to share ideas, experiences, and insights. Whether you’re looking to connect with peers, seek inspiration, or share your own impactful story, this session gives the space to do so.

The Matchmaking session is your chance to explore funding opportunities under EU calls such as Horizon EU and LIFE, and other funding sources, while expanding your network and making impactful connections. Organised in 2 slots, this session is the « Tinder for partnerships », helping Energy Cities members find the perfect match to harness new funding opportunities. The two topics will be: Energy Poverty and Heating and Cooling.

The mayors clubs bring together small groups of local elected representatives to deep-dive into specific topics. These close-door meetings create a safe space for local elected representatives to have sincere, open exchanges on their experiences and the challenges they face in different areas. They also directly feed Energy Cities’ policy work at the European level. In 2025, the 3 mayors clubs will meet on time in Besançon during the annual forum and one time online later in the year to continue the discussions. Each club is co-hosted and moderated by two elected representatives.

Closed session

Local energy ownership is key for climate action and democracy. It combats energy poverty, fosters community cohesion, and empowers municipalities to lead. But how can we promote citizen-based renewable energy? Join this 2025 club to exchange insights with fellow mayors on advancing inclusive renewable energy. This session will contribute to shaping Energy Cities’ stance on the EU Citizen Energy Package.

Closed session

The transition to clean heating is vital for decarbonisation, but it comes with challenges. How can municipalities effectively communicate about this shift? How can we build alliances with citizens, businesses, and local stakeholders? And how do we respond to setbacks? This club will explore strategies for engaging communities in clean heating initiatives. It will also contribute to shaping Energy Cities’ position on the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy.

Closed session

Urban planning is a powerful tool for creating liveable cities, ensuring affordable housing, and reducing resource (land, water, material) and energy use. This club offers mayors a space to share experiences, and practical examples, and address challenges they face. This club will help shape Energy Cities’ perspective on the EU Sustainable and Affordable Housing Plan.

Members of Energy Cities network will gather for the annual General Assembly of the association while non-members are invited to attend an exchange moment together.

Closed session

Energy Cities’ Members will gather for the Annual General Assembly.

Exchange session for non-members of Energy Cities.

We will finalise the conference with a closing speech by Martin Vanier, Geographer, professor at the Ecole d’urbanisme de Paris and consultant at the cooperative consultancy Acadie.  

There will be interpreting FR<>EN.

Closing session and announcement of the 2026 host city.