The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat held its annual Clean Energy for EU Islands Forum in the Azores in 2025, bringing together representatives and experts from islands across the European Union to exchange ideas on accelerating the energy transition.
Alejandro Ulzurrun, Head of the Just Transition, Local Initiatives and Consumers team at the European Commission, reflected on the outcomes of the two-day event in a video.
“The energy and atmosphere over these days have been fantastic. We had very insightful discussions, excellent exchanges of views, and above all, a strong sense of working together to ensure that the energy transition benefits all citizens – and in particular, the citizens of EU islands,” he said.
Mr Ulzurrun noted that the forum had provided valuable input for future policymaking in Brussels. “What I will take back with me are not only the good contacts and ideas but, above all, the wealth of experience from experts and colleagues who are working on the ground in the islands to make the transition a reality. These contributions will be directly incorporated into the EU’s upcoming policy framework.”
With the European Union preparing key decisions on its next budget and legislative initiatives, the insights gathered in the Azores are expected to play a significant role in shaping measures to accelerate and strengthen the energy transition.
Watch the video here: Views from the islands: The energy transition happens | Clean energy for EU islands