About FREE
Get to know the FREE initiative and how we are promoting the use of sustainable energy within rural areas and communities
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Learn more about the specific energy transition challenges and opportunities for heating in rural areas in various EU member states
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Find our latest articles on rural energy needs in Europe

FREE Initiative – The Future of Rural Energy in Europe

Latest News

26.03.2025

Press Release

Flexible, affordable, secure, Rural Energy Needs for the New European Mandate

“Flexible, affordable, secure, Rural Energy Needs for the New European Mandate” was the theme of the FREE Initiative relaunch event organized on March 26th.

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16.06.2022

Articles

Open letter to the European Parliament: Rural households are at risk of being left behind with the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The Future of Rural Energy in Europe (FREE) initiative, alongside Liquid Gas Europe (LGE) and the European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Heating and Cooking Appliances (C.E.F.A.C.D), sent today an open letter to the European Parliament on the Energy Performance of Building Directive, warning against the risk of limiting consumer choice and leaving vulnerable consumers behind, and instead calling for an inclusive and multi-technology approach.

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18.06.2021

Articles

FREE Webinar recap: Rural Energy in Europe – What does the future hold?

On 3 June 2021 the RUMRA & Smart Villages Intergroup in the European Parliament & the FREE – Future of Rural Energy in Europe – Initiative launched the webinar series Get out of Town – Fill the Rural Energy Gap.

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Rural Energy by the Numbers