Sebastian Mariz

I had the honor and great pleasure of hosting the Executive Director of the #GreenClimateFund (#GCF), Mafalda Duarte, at our #AtlanticCouncil booth located at the IMF headquarters during the #IMF #SpringMeetings this week. We discussed the road to #COP29 and the important role of the GCF in unlocking climate financing in #MENA, one of the most vulnerable regions worldwide to #climatechange. You can watch this important conversation using this link: https://lnkd.in/e_CJ3XF4

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Curious to learn how b-solutions is making a difference? b-solutions (https://lnkd.in/e3rZ-Gkj) is an EU initiative that helps local administrations and stakeholders in #euborderregions solve legal and administrative obstacles by providing tailor-made solutions from a bottom-up perspective. Managed by the Association of European Border Regions Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) and funded by the European Commission, it provides concrete solutions to make cross-border cooperation #Interreg easier and more effective. A new compendium of cases talking border obstacles was just published. Have a look here 👇 https://lnkd.in/exjDb8kG

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Today I represented @COGEN Europe in a round-table discussion hosted by the EU’s Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson, who has invited a range of European renawble energy stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the #REPowerEU Plan. The REPowerEU Plan was launched by the European Commission in May 2022, in response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The Plan includes measures to diversify Europe’s energy supplies, boost #energyefficiency, reduce energy consumption and accelerate the uptake of renewables. I took this opportunity to highlight the vital role that #cogeneration technologies have to play in making the most efficiency use of valuable renewable fuels such as #bioenergy, #geothermal, #solarthermal, #wasteheat and renewable gases - including clean #hydrogen and #biomethane. I also underlined the need for the EU and its member states to ensure the efficient integration of energy systems and infrastructure at local level, encompassing electricity and gas grids as well as district heating and cooling #DHC networks.

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Here’s my #1week1minute ✔EIB Strategic Roadmap and 8 key priorities endorsed by EU Ministers at #ECOFIN ✔EU-Ukraine Export Credit Guarantee ✔New projects approved by European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF) Boards ✔NextGenerationEU partnership with Spain ✔Good meeting with Christine Lagarde on Capital Markets Union

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The European Commission’s Recommendation on Energy Poverty and accompanying Staff Working Document offer an unprecedented, ambitious statement, that CEES welcomes - but mixes up the distinction between *activities in the energy market* and *ways of governing the energy system* For the first time, the European Commission spells out that #EnergyPoverty concerns all countries in Europe. There is now a strong urge to address the issue once and for all, with long-term solutions, tackling structural inequalities 🎉🎉 Among these recommendations is a recognition of the importance of citizen empowerment and of the role energy communities can play in tackling energy poverty 👏👏 Unfortunately, the Recommendation itself confuses the distinction between activities in the energy market and ways of governing the energy system. Collective self-consumption and energy sharing are activities that can be facilitated or undertaken by other actors, not just #EnergyCommunities (this is currently being discussed in the revisions of the Electricity Market Directive). Energy communities are a *unique* way of governing the energy system: they are the only form of collective governance of the energy system, enabling the participation of citizens, formalised by the EU. While we regret this mix-up in the actual Recommendation, the accompanying Staff Working Document largely rectifies this confusion. It underlines the untapped potential of energy communities as a “value driven, and community rooted business model (…) to create social cohesion, improve citizens’ understanding of the issues related to energy, climate and democracy, and trigger energy savings.” As a way of showcasing that potential, a number of results and examples from the CEES project are referenced, including the CEES survey carried out by the University of Birmingham and community projects Repowering London and Énergie Solidaire. Read our full analysis here: https://bit.ly/3Qje1b7

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The European Commission’s Recommendation on Energy Poverty and accompanying Staff Working Document offer an unprecedented, ambitious statement, that CEES welcomes - but mixes up the distinction between *activities in the energy market* and *ways of governing the energy system* For the first time, the European Commission spells out that #EnergyPoverty concerns all countries in Europe. There is now a strong urge to address the issue once and for all, with long-term solutions, tackling structural inequalities 🎉🎉 Among these recommendations is a recognition of the importance of citizen empowerment and of the role energy communities can play in tackling energy poverty 👏👏 Unfortunately, the Recommendation itself confuses the distinction between activities in the energy market and ways of governing the energy system. Collective self-consumption and energy sharing are activities that can be facilitated or undertaken by other actors, not just #EnergyCommunities (this is currently being discussed in the revisions of the Electricity Market Directive). Energy communities are a *unique* way of governing the energy system: they are the only form of collective governance of the energy system, enabling the participation of citizens, formalised by the EU. While we regret this mix-up in the actual Recommendation, the accompanying Staff Working Document largely rectifies this confusion. It underlines the untapped potential of energy communities as a “value driven, and community rooted business model (…) to create social cohesion, improve citizens’ understanding of the issues related to energy, climate and democracy, and trigger energy savings.” As a way of showcasing that potential, a number of results and examples from the CEES project are referenced, including the CEES survey carried out by the University of Birmingham and community projects Repowering London and Énergie Solidaire. Read our full analysis here: https://bit.ly/3Qje1b7

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The European Commission’s Recommendation on Energy Poverty and accompanying Staff Working Document offer an unprecedented, ambitious statement, that CEES welcomes - but mixes up the distinction between *activities in the energy market* and *ways of governing the energy system* For the first time, the European Commission spells out that #EnergyPoverty concerns all countries in Europe. There is now a strong urge to address the issue once and for all, with long-term solutions, tackling structural inequalities 🎉🎉 Among these recommendations is a recognition of the importance of citizen empowerment and of the role energy communities can play in tackling energy poverty 👏👏 Unfortunately, the Recommendation itself confuses the distinction between activities in the energy market and ways of governing the energy system. Collective self-consumption and energy sharing are activities that can be facilitated or undertaken by other actors, not just #EnergyCommunities (this is currently being discussed in the revisions of the Electricity Market Directive). Energy communities are a *unique* way of governing the energy system: they are the only form of collective governance of the energy system, enabling the participation of citizens, formalised by the EU. While we regret this mix-up in the actual Recommendation, the accompanying Staff Working Document largely rectifies this confusion. It underlines the untapped potential of energy communities as a “value driven, and community rooted business model (…) to create social cohesion, improve citizens’ understanding of the issues related to energy, climate and democracy, and trigger energy savings.” As a way of showcasing that potential, a number of results and examples from the CEES project are referenced, including the CEES survey carried out by the University of Birmingham and community projects Repowering London and Énergie Solidaire. Read our full analysis here: https://bit.ly/3Qje1b7

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Energy Council 🇪🇺 meeting in Luxembourg - 15 of October 2024 EU Energy Ministers: ✅ Exchanged views on the contribution of the energy sector to the EU’s competitiveness -> following up on the recommendations in #Draghi Report 📒 ✅ Held a discussion on the divergence of wholesale electricity #prices whithin the EU 📈 ✅ Discussed preparedness for the upcoming winter season ❄️ Ukrainian Energy Minister 🇺🇦 gave presentation on the energy situation in Ukraine 🇱🇹💛🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine ✅ Commission presented its report on #StateofEnergyUnion and provided a follow-up on the implementation of #REPowerEU Plan. In particular, how EU is progressing in achieving its goal to phase out Russian fossil fuels ⚠️ ✅ Some of the MSs called for more coordinated implementation of EU restrictive measures on Russian LNG transshipments 🚢 ✅ Ministers received update from the Commission on the implementation of “Fit for 55” legislation package🔋 https://lnkd.in/ejaxnHRg #EuropeanUnion #EnergyCouncil #TTE #EnergySecurity #Renewables #EnergyPrices #EUCompetitiveness

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Delighted that we British Irish Chamber of Commerce have launched our European Election Priorities Paper. Some points we'd like respective candidates consider include:   1.     Embrace a Global Trade Agenda. Candidates who represent Ireland should reject the growing trend of isolationism. Free and fair trade opens up new markets for exporters, gives consumers greater competition and options at home, it creates jobs and fuels innovation. 2.     Advocate for an EU – UK SPS Agreement. Agri-food products invoke the greatest levels on checks and inspections. These trade barriers are bad for consumers, farmers and retailers. A comprehensive SPS Agreement would address many of these barriers. 3.     Champion Framework Programme Funding The Chamber is urging MEPs to champion the budget for Framework Programme 10. The Chamber calls for an ambitious, ringfenced budget to deliver world-class research and innovation to solve global challenges and to increase the EU’s competitiveness. Furthermore, the UK’s association to FP 10 should be fast tracked.   4.     Support the Completion of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) The completion of the CMU should allow SMEs to have greater access to liquid capital markets to help fund the transition to a ‘green’ and ‘digital’ economy. The development of the CMU would only be effective if there is a streamlined approach to supervision and regulation across the EU.   5.     Reduce Bureaucracy – Create an EU Commissioner for SMEs   80% of Irish legislation originates from the EU, therefore it is important that it is understandable, implementable, and not contradictory. Excess bureaucracy is a costly burden on businesses and consumers alike and the EU has a reputation for bureaucratic entanglements. Amongst other things, a new SME focused Commissioner could be tasked with reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.   6.     Lead the Acceleration to Net Zero   To achieve this, we need to grow interconnection between Member States and the UK, the electrification of transport systems, and acknowledge the important roles of solar, green hydrogen, the Wind Power Package and the development of biomethane as an alternative source of energy.   7.     Support a potential UK request to link the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) with the UK ETS. Linking of carbon pricing is advantageous to both the EU and UK by increasing the pool of purchasers and sellers of Co2 permits and enhancing efficiencies for both the EU and UK markets.   8.     Protect the interests of Ireland’s Agri-food Sector   The CAP for over 60 years has supported Irish farmers and is critical in ensuring a balance between affordability of food and maintaining farm incomes. In Ireland, over a third of all emissions are derived from the Agri-food sector. Therefore, the onus of the green transition has a disproportionate impact on the sector and should be acknowledged through additional supports for Ireland in the next round of CAP negotiations.

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Achieving the balance between spurring economic growth and eliminating territorial disparities is the art of regional policy. Almost every EU member state, particularly the less developed ones, has had to deal with these issues simultaneously (and in most cases still has to do!). Thus, the EU is continuously developing new ideas and effective tools, and we should learn from their experience on our way to European integration. This is short part from the article that was recently published on Dzerkalo Tyzhnia with my colleagues Iryna Ozymok and @Yaroslav Zhydyk, which is focused on how to implement ideas of functional urban areas and approaches similar to integrated territorial investment in Ukrainian regional policy. #Ukraine #regionaldevelopment https://lnkd.in/d4tkar2h

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Press confernece on the Dragi report on competition. Some main takeaways before actually being able to read the report. Headline: Radical urgent concrete change is needed. Forecast is net-zero growth on GDP while 5% is needed and that has not been seen since the 70's. Question:Is this do or die ? No it is do or slow agony 30% of potential unicorns in Digital moved to the US due to barriers. The income growth has for the last 15-20 years been double in the US vs the EU. A lot more in the interview and more in the report... https://lnkd.in/d6gwzZ3c https://lnkd.in/dVwq73TC https://lnkd.in/d5ZQgkGj

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𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗣'𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀? The upcoming #Europeanelections are a critical juncture of climate action. The right-wing surge in European election polls is notable, with significant gains expected for the eurosceptic and far-right groups in the #EuropeanParliament. Polls suggest these groups could pick up nearly a quarter of the 720 seats. Although it is unlikely that the fragmented parties on the extreme right would unite, there is a chance that they will, for the first time, influence Europe’s policy agenda significantly, potentially blocking or overturning major green and climate laws. The landmark 𝗘𝗨 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲. The liberals and the greens are expected to face considerable losses., while the Christian-democrats and the social-democrats could likely remain the largest fractions. However, they will likely see their seats reduced considerably after the elections. The 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. The ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine poses an unprecedented security threat at Europe’s borders, while Israel’s war in Gaza adds to the geopolitical instability, impacting Europe-Africa relations. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 also to counter the influence of powers like China. However, political groups differ in their foreign policy views, including in the realm of development cooperation, which complicates a unified approach. A few days before the elections start, we cannot fully predict the final outcome or eventual formations. But to help you navigate the complex landscape of political positions, I summarised the 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 for ECDPM 🔎 🌍 . Glad to hear your views! #elections #EUGreenDeal #EU #Africa #climateaction #climatepolicy #foreignpolicy #security #development

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This is a unique opportunity for everyone with an interest in green cities to comment on the Actions proposed by the Greenin Cities Partnership of the Urban Agenda for the EU

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Mario Draghi, former Italian Prime Minister and President of the European Central Bank, has released his highly anticipated report on EU competitiveness. The report identifies three main areas for action to reignite economic growth. The first area is innovation, where Draghi proposes the creation of an 'ARPA-type agency' to support high-risk projects with the potential to deliver breakthrough technological advances. Directionally, his innovation thesis aligns closely with our recent report, Engines of Growth. You can find it here:

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The recent financial analysis of IPA funds utilization has revealed alarming results. It's time to transition from mere declarations of commitment to EU integration to concrete actions. The efficiency and effectiveness of our use of European funds are not just administrative concerns; they are vital for our national development and our journey toward EU membership. We must confront these challenges directly and fulfill our obligations to our citizens. Let’s turn our declarative commitments to the EU into meaningful actions. 🇪🇺 #EU #IPAFunds #Reforms #StrongerTogether

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This year annual #UCAB event, #LFM left all partisipants with several important questions to consider, particularly given the significant impact these discussions have on the industry and the broader state strategy for #EUintegration. However, before delving into those reflections, I want to express my sincere gratitude to @Olexandra Avramenko, Taras Kachka, and Taras Vysotskyi for their continuous, thoughtful, and creative efforts in shaping the industry and advancing the government's approach to #EUintegration. As Ukraine continues its path towards deeper integration with the European Union, significant milestones lie ahead, particularly in the agri-food sector. In 2021, Ukraine accounted for 7% of agri-food exports to the EU, a figure that surged to 61% by 2023, underscoring its crucial role as a supplier. However, the journey towards fully aligning with EU standards presents a number of challenges. With the expiration of export quotas on January 1, 2024, Ukraine faces the dual task of negotiating market access while meeting stringent European regulations. The potential cost? Transitioning to EU's complex regulatory framework, especially concerning animal welfare, industrial pollution, and pesticide use. Ukraine's role as a key EU supplier was acknowledged by the European Commission, but difficult negotiations lie ahead. Poland, for instance, has expressed opposition due to a lack of certain trade restrictions. Despite these hurdles, the formation of an agricultural alliance between Ukraine and the EU holds promise, provided there is support for small farmers and flexibility in transitional periods. A pivotal date looms: June 5, 2025, when trade preferences come into play. Meanwhile, September 2025 will mark the start of more formal negotiations with the EU, a process that will require significant dialogue, financial assistance, and mutual compromise. Is Ukraine prepared for the shift to European standards, and can the idealized vision of sustainable agriculture become a reality without undermining economic stability? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the potential rewards for Ukraine’s agri-food sector are immense. #Ukraine #EUIntegration #AgriFood #TradeLiberalization #SustainableAgriculture #EconomicGrowth #EURegulations #InternationalTrade

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Unlock Opportunities in the Italian and Spanish #Bioeconomy Sectors: Join us for a joint trade delegation to Italy with a pre-conference in Spain with the Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux. This collaborative initiative offers organizations in the bioeconomy sector a unique opportunity to expand their global footprint. ECOMONDO - ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP, Italy's leading green and circular economy exhibition, is complemented by a matchmaking session in Spain focused on sustainability and environmental innovation. You will gain access to a diverse network of professionals, businesses, and experts across #Italy & #Spain and while exploring synergies and potential collaborations that transcend borders. This opportunity positions your organization at the forefront of international advancements in sustainable practices and bioeconomy technologies. The bioeconomy is considered a strategic sector in Europe, focusing attention on the business-led initiatives and on public-private partnerships with innovation from both public and private players. Don't miss this chance to elevate your presence on the global stage! For more information: https://lnkd.in/d8pesuqE Eugenia Pérez Peña

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🌍🔋 How Can Finance Ministers from the 27 Member States Lead in Energy Transition? "Seeking resources to achieve the highest possible goals is essential. But focusing on the resources available to prioritize and achieve key objectives is realistic." A few thoughts (in Greek) on insider.gr 👉 https://lnkd.in/dPb_d3ra #Energy #EnergyTransition #Finance #EUFinance #Sustainability #Eurogroup #Ecofin

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