Partnerships&Events

Faculty of Sociology and Social Work,  through Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on socio-ecological transformations master program, in partnership with The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Romania, invites you to take part in the public event:
💡 „Energy policies and social justice. The challenges facing Europe and Romania in combating energy poverty.”
📅 Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Bucharest, Faculty of Sociology, headquarters at Schitu Măgureanu no. 9 (room 202)

Confirm your participation:
✍️ To take part in the event, please fill in the following registration form: https://forms.gle/Um6Coxk46EuMx4rN6 .
Access is free, but the places are limited. 

What are we going to discuss: 
Energy poverty is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in Europe, amplified by successive crises in recent years – from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These shocks have had major consequences for consumers, significantly increasing the burden of energy bills and exposing a growing number of households to the risk of vulnerability.

Energy poverty is no longer just a statistic—it is a real problem affecting millions of people, including in Romania, limiting households’ access to the energy essential for a decent and comfortable life. Romania faces a significant rate of energy poverty, which exceeds the European average, distinctly affecting both rural and urban areas. Over 76% of households experiencing extreme energy poverty are located in rural areas, but urban areas are also feeling the effects, especially middle-class households, which are forced to allocate a significant portion of their income to pay for energy, while also being affected by disconnections due to their inability to pay their bills.
What does it mean in concrete terms to be energy poor? What is the current debate at European level and what solutions are being proposed in this regard? What is the real direction of policies that seek to curb energy poverty? How will these measures change the situation in Romania? These are the questions that will guide the debate at this event.
GUESTS
🔹 Reghina Dimitrișina, climate and energy expert, Just Climate Competence Center – FES Brussels
🔹 Mihnea Cătuți, executive director, Energy Policy Group (EPG)
🔹 Laura Nazare, energy transition expert, Bankwatch Romania