On 8 June 2026, EERA, SINTEF and EASAC co-organise a panel discussion on strengthening Europe’s energy resilience, preparedness and competitiveness in the context of the low-carbon energy transition.

Europe faces renewed geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, digital vulnerabilities and fragile supply chains. In this context, sustainability, energy security, resilience and competitiveness are increasingly interconnected priorities.

Bringing together experts from research, EU institutions and industry, the discussion will translate research into actionable policy recommendations and explore how EU research and innovation frameworks — including discussions on FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund — can better support resilient, secure and competitive energy systems.

Programme

15:30 – Registration & welcome

16:00 – Introduction (10 min)
Opening remarks and framing of the discussion.
Moderator: Rosita Zilli, Policy Director, EERA

16:10 – Scientific input (10 min)
Scientific perspectives on strengthening Europe’s energy resilience and preparedness.
Speakers:
• Professor Paulo Ferrão, EASAC Energy Steering Panel member
• Knut Samdal, Vice President Research, SINTEF

16:20 – Panel discussion (40 min)
A moderated exchange on practical pathways to strengthen Europe’s energy resilience, preparedness and competitiveness.
Panellists:
• Ruud Kempener, Deputy Head of Unit, Energy Security and Safety, DG ENER, European Commission
• Layla Sawyer, Secretary General, CurrENT
• Thomas Garabetian, Research & Innovation Manager, SolarPower Europe
• Professor Paulo Ferrão, EASAC Energy Steering Panel member  
• Knut Samdal, SINTEF, Vice President Research 
Moderator: Rosita Zilli, Policy Director, EERA

17:00 – Q&A (25 min)
Questions from participants, in person and online.

17:25 – Closing remarks (5 min)

17:30–18:30 – Networking reception