The 22nd edition of the Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debates, organised by the Border Focal Point Network, was successfully held on the morning of February 20th, 2025. The debate focused on the fundamentally important topic of Cross-Border Energy Communities.

Our esteemed host, Lord Andrew Lansley, moderated the discussion, welcoming the four panellists in the topics of cross-border cooperation and energy management, representing the European Commission, organisations involved in territorial policy and research, and cross-border energy communities. He highlighted the significance of cross-border energy communities in providing positive opportunities amidst geopolitical challenges and emphasised the importance of energy generation, distribution, and climate change solutions.

Delia Bonsignore, Programme Manager at DG REGIO, explained that energy communities play a vital role in integrating citizens into the energy transition, promoting resource sharing, and enhancing local energy production and outlined the European Commission's efforts to support border regions in achieving Green Deal objectives. She discussed various EC programs that provide financial support for cross-border projects and emphasised the need to overcome legal and administrative obstacles.

Bernd Schuh, Senior Expert at Spatial Foresight, presented findings from the Handbook on Cross-Border Energy Communities, detailing their functions, such as energy generation, distribution, and shared consumption across borders. He described the necessary steps to establish these communities, including defining common needs, developing joint visions, and creating governance models. Bernd stressed the potential benefits of cross-border cooperation, such as improved energy security and innovation, while acknowledging existing legal and administrative challenges. He noted the presence of various initiatives across Europe and encouraged communities to learn from each other and take incremental steps toward establishing successful cross-border energy collaborations.

A very interesting video from the EGTC Duero-Douro highlighted their projects #EnergíaParaElPueblo and Efiduero Energy, which focus on collaborative production and consumption of energy in the cross-border region between Spain and Portugal, known as La Raya.

Achille Hannoset, Policy and Legal Officer at DG ENER, discussed the European Commission's initiatives to support energy communities, emphasising their role in decarbonising energy supply, increasing renewable energy uptake, and fostering citizen participation. He highlighted the importance of developing medium and low voltage distribution links to facilitate cross-border energy sharing.

Dr. Josef Pesch, representing the 'Zusamme Solar Colmar' cross-border energy project, described the project and through his description shared insights on the challenges of cross-border energy projects, particularly around bureaucratic barriers and financing issues. He advocated for harmonising regulations, simplifying processes, and creating funding mechanisms to encourage collaboration among communities. Josef pointed out the need for local energy pricing models to benefit communities directly from their energy production.

The ensuing lively discussion with the panellists revolved around the potential of community-led energy initiatives, the existing challenges, and the necessary support to facilitate cross-border cooperation in energy production and distribution. Of particular importance were comments regarding the upcoming initiatives of the EC on upcoming energy legislation and policies, infrastructure investments and financing opportunities, but also on the pace of progress in cross-border energy cooperation and the pressing need for more decisive actions to engage communities in energy transition. The idea of ‘islands of sustainability’ could constitute a stepping stone toward more significant cross-border energy communities.

The two poll questions that were featured on the debate were:

1. What is the most significant benefit brought about by Cross-Border Energy Communities?

2. What form of support is most needed at local level to establish a cross-border energy community project?

Watch the replay here!

Download all the presentations below!