PRACSIS events feature prominently at the 13th European Week of Regions and Cities

The 13th European Week of Regions and Cities drew 6000 visitors interested in regional and urban development to Brussels. PRACSIS was present, organising two key workshops for the European Commission’s Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME).

Energy efficiency

As a service contractor for ManagEnergy, PRACSIS organised a workshop on Financing Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Heating and Cooling, a theme that has arrived at the top of the political agenda.  Momentum for the event was created by the Commission’s recently adopted Energy Union, the current review of key legislation and the upcoming strategy on heating and cooling.

A speaker line-up consisting of European Commission experts and high-profile specialists was able to give the latest information on the use of EU funds and financial instruments. The event, which attracted over 250 registrants, closed with a networking event and cocktail, allowing participants to connect with other stakeholders.

Urban mobillity

At the same time but in another venue, PRACSIS organised the workshop Active transport in the metropolitan age, attracting 100 participants. This event, on the benefits of walking and cycling in cities, was also part of the series of ManagEnergy networking events. Chaired by Eurocities’ Secretary General Anne Lisa Boni and featuring speakers from Vienna, Sofia and Ghent, the meeting presented many local experiences. Speakers of the OECD and the European Commission elaborated on the policy framework.

The workshop was held at the grandiose KBC-building in Brussels’ historic canal area, a venue that is both attractive and highly relevant for a workshop on urban matters.

To give participants a flavour of cycling in a metropolitan city, PRACSIS organised a guided cycling tour prior to the workshop. Led by an experienced cyclist, a number of participants arrived by bicycle, which set the scene for the event.