Published: 08.10.2026
Rural areas cover 83% of the EU’s territory and are home to 137 million people, almost a third of the EU’s population. Many rural households still live in older, off-grid buildings where the energy transition is most challenging and expensive. Whether Europe’s heating transition succeeds, and keeps public support, will depend to a large extent on these homes.
In December 2026, the European Commission is expected to present its Energy Union Package, revising key legislation on domestic heating. Taking place only weeks before adoption, this event offers a timely platform for the speakers to set out their vision for the Package and to hear directly from those who will implement it and live with its outcomes: national and European policymakers, rural consumers, young people, and industry.
Organised by the Future of Rural Energy in Europe (FREE) Initiative, the debate will explore how the revisions can deliver affordable and fair decarbonisation for all consumers, including those in rural areas, which solutions can be scaled across the EU, and what support households need to make the switch.
Following successful editions on France, Italy, and Ireland, this fourth edition focuses on Germany, the EU’s largest energy market, where around 57%1 of the population lives in rural areas and where the future of domestic heating remains high on the political agenda.
The event takes the form of a breakfast panel debate. A moderated panel discussion followed by audience Q&A will ensure an interactive exchange of views.
Attendance will be in person & by-invitation only.
Date and time
Tuesday, 17 November 2026, 09:00-10:30
Location
Political Intelligence office (Rue de la Loi 38, 1000 Brussels)
Invited speakers:
- European Commission representative (invited)
- European Parliament’s ITRE Committee representative (invited)
- German Permanent Representation to the EU representative (invited
- Stakeholders:
- Rural Youth Europe (invited)
- Maarten Jan Oskam, CEO Primagas Germany (confirmed)
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