Successful Conclusion of the 5th Transnational GREENgaged Meeting in Budapest – Energy Democracy

The 5th transnational meeting of the GREENgaged project concluded successfully, highlighted by RTIS’s outstanding presentation that once again showcased the network’s expertise and innovation. RTIS Network members played a leading role throughout the event, exemplifying their commitment and excellence.

This flagship gathering, held from April 28 to May 1, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, brought together over 20 partners from across Europe under the theme of Energy Democracy. The event was hosted by the Municipality of Zugló and marked a significant milestone as it was the first time that the Municipality of Alimos took on the role of organizer within the framework of the European CERV Programme.

RTIS delivered a dynamic and fully organic presentation that captivated the audience. Incorporating real-life insights from the recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal, the presentation provided a fresh perspective on energy issues, making it one of the most memorable and impactful sessions of the conference. The experienced project managers from RTIS expertly conveyed complex concepts with clarity and engagement, earning high praise from attendees.

The three-day agenda was filled with inspiring activities and fruitful discussions. The “GREENgaged Citizens” initiative continues to foster citizen participation in environmental policymaking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local authorities and communities. This edition concentrated on Energy Democracy, a vital concept within the environmental justice movement that advocates for the democratization of energy production and management, aligning with our shared goal of a sustainable and equitable energy future.

The Budapest meeting provided a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and strengthening partnerships among participants from Italy, Portugal, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and France. It also marked a historic moment as Alimos Municipality stepped into the role of event organizer for the first time, demonstrating the growing leadership and engagement of our local community on a European stage.

A particularly inspiring highlight was the presentation by students from the Private School EUROPA 2000 Gimnázium in Budapest. With creativity and passion, they shared their innovative ideas and initiatives to combat climate change through a compelling debate, delivering a powerful message of responsibility and hope for the future.

This successful event not only strengthened our network but also reinforced our commitment to advancing sustainable, participatory, and innovative approaches to energy and environmental justice across Europe.