Energy-efficient communities as an opportunity for local development

Energy communities, as part of the broader trend of green transition, can play a key role in sustainable development and represent a significant step towards decentralization of the energy system in the region - it was concluded at the round table "What do energy communities bring us", held in Subotica.

The event brought together representatives of local governments and public companies, providing an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas about the formation of energy communities - an innovative model that allows citizens and local actors to take a more active role in the production and distribution of energy from renewable sources.

Participants discussed the potential of this concept for reducing CO₂ emissions, strengthening energy independence and local development, as well as challenges for its implementation in rural areas.

The roundtable is part of the Energy Efficient Communities (ENGAGE) project, which aims to jointly prepare and develop a conceptual model and implement pilot activities for the creation of renewable energy communities in the cross-border region. The project is co-financed by the European Union within the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia-Serbia and is implemented in partnership with the City of Subotica, the municipalities of Strizivojna, Gorjani and Vladislavci (Croatia) and NALED.