The Energy Community Secretariat amplifies regional climate action and energy transition at COP29

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (11–22 November), the Energy Community Secretariat has been actively engaging in events to spotlight the critical role of climate action and energy transformation in the Contracting Parties of the Energy Community, including preparations for an upcoming side event focused on gender and its link to the energy transition.

Our delegation, led by Director Artur Lorkowski and including Adam Cwetsch, Head of the European Green Deal, and Monika Figaj, Climate and Just Transition Expert, co-hosted a high-level roundtable on Climate and Energy with European Commissioner Kadri Simson on 14 November. The delegation organised and participated in a series of side events, while Director Lorkowski held numerous bilateral meetings with regional and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, and foster knowledge exchange in the energy sector.

The Energy Community Secretariat took to the global stage to highlight the significant progress made by its Contracting Parties in advancing their climate action agendas. The Secretariat also showcased key tools driving this transformation, including the Energy Community Decarbonization Roadmap, 2030 climate and energy targets, National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), and Long-Term Strategies (LTS). These comprehensive, forward-looking strategies, developed with the expertise and support of the Energy Community Secretariat, are designed to guide energy and climate policies in the region. They play a vital role in aligning with the EU's climate and energy goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“With nearly two decades of close collaboration with our Contracting Parties, the Energy Community Secretariat is uniquely positioned to leverage deep expertise and regional insights, acting as a trusted facilitator and technical authority in driving the energy transformation across the region,” stated Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat.

A significant highlight at COP29 was the release of a joint statement by the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group and the Government of Ukraine. The statement reaffirmed strong international solidarity with Ukraine amidst the ongoing challenges caused by Russia's aggression, and emphasised support for Ukraine’s green recovery, the restoration of its energy infrastructure, and the development of decentralised renewable energy solutions. It also acknowledged the vital role of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, operated by the Secretariat, which has mobilized substantial resources to rebuild and enhance Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

On 21 November, the Energy Community Secretariat co-organises a side event titled “The Power of Finance: Women’s Leadership for a Just Energy Transition,” focusing on empowering women in the energy workforce and advancing gender equality in climate finance and decision-making. The event is organised as part of the Gender and Energy Compact coalition, with the Energy Community Secretariat as a key partner.