Page 19 - European Energy Innovation - Summer 2016 publication
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Summer 2016 European Energy Innovation 19
NETHERLANDS PRESIDENCY
• forward-looking policy on climate A high level meeting in February to the ministerial EU Urban Agenda
and energy addressed the next steps towards The conference and the Amsterdam Pact.
Energy Union, which include regional Other events have included the SBE16
These policy areas are linked, perhaps co-operation to improve energy Utrecht conference, which focused
inextricably so; there has nevertheless security and cooperative governance on NET-Zero building refurbishment
been too much activity to review even on wind energy in the North Sea. and a RURI (Route to Rural Innovation)
that specific to Energy and Innovation. Energy Ministers also discussed the event for municipal managers, policy
Arguably, highlights have included the smooth integration of renewable makers and researchers interested
Open Innovation 2.0 Conference, which energy into a more flexible electricity research and innovation in urban areas.
discussed European Innovation Living market. Transport Ministers met to The European Innovation Partnership
labs and Innovation Ecosystems, as well discuss Smart mobility, Green mobility on Smart Cities and Communities is
as funding opportunities under Horizon and Innovating for the future, and then, scheduled to host an event continuing
2020 and online Engagement Platforms jointly with Environment Ministers, the rollout of smart city solutions that
such as Big Data. sustainable transport solutions, a follow integrate technologies from energy,
up to COP21, and global solutions for transport, and ICT.
Among big initiatives to receive Aviation and Shipping.
attention, the Single European Sky was The proverb at the beginning of this
deemed by the European Aviation Europe is a highly urbanised continent, article may loosely be rendered as
Summit to be “an essential component and the EU Urban Agenda has naturally “He who chases two hares will catch
for strengthening the competitiveness figured prominently. Organised events neither”. The Dutch are rightly proud of
of the entire European aviation sector”. have included a New Europe City a reputation for plain speaking: it would
A key message was agreement on Makers meeting in February, the 2016 seem that during the last six tumultuous
the need for a joint European aviation Cities of the Future and an international months, addressing new issues has
strategy; while drones and big data innovation conference in Amsterdam, not been at the expense of neglecting
were recognised as major new both in April; a COTR meeting and existing ones. The Presidency of the EU
technological developments. City Maker’s Summit in May, leading has been in safe hands. l
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