How can cities meet the growing demands for energy savings and improved quality of life?

Which tools and partnerships help local authorities achieve tangible results?

On 27 November 2025, the 19th Conference of the Association of Bulgarian Energy Agencies (ABEA) will take place at the Grand Hotel Sofia, in partnership with the National Trust EcoFund (NTEF), under the motto “Cities in Transformation: Strategic Vision, Building Renovation Solutions, Energy Communities and New Skills.”

The forum will bring together representatives of national institutions, municipalities, financial organisations, businesses and civil society, who will discuss effective approaches for implementing national and European policies in support of sustainable local energy development. Among the attendees will be Nadezhda Bobcheva – Deputy Mayor for “Green System, Ecology and Land Use” of Sofia Municipality, Tanya Hristova – Mayor of Gabrovo Municipality, as well as representatives of the European Commission and the Net Zero Cities initiative.

Highlights include presentations of the climate plans of Sofia and Gabrovo, discussions on financial mechanisms for municipal projects, practical examples of energy communities in Bulgaria, as well as initiatives for specialist training and the development of new professional skills.

The conference will provide space for discussing concrete project ideas between operators of financial instruments in the field of sustainable energy and those implementing them at the local level, while also enhancing knowledge and competencies in key areas of daily work for Bulgarian municipalities.

Participation in the event is completely free, but requires prior registration here: https://forms.gle/KERnfjjXs6ySa6W4A