The meeting was opened by Ralitsa Zhekova, project manager at RAPIV, who underlined the importance of collaboration for the energy transition of the region. Among the participants were representatives of government institutions, academia, the business community, and non-governmental organizations.

The main focus of the meeting was placed on the review of good practices from Romania, showed during the 4th study visit in Iaşi earlier this year, presented by Irina Kircheva (RAPIV):

• Photovoltaic parc - Miroslava Commune: Built up using European funding, on an area of 5 hectares and with capacity of 1MW. The project is financed 76% from the European Regional Development fund, 22% state budget funding and 2% local budget contribution. The photovoltaic parc brings annual savings of around 300 000 euro to the commune.
• Projects of Ion Neculce Commune: Ion Neculce Commune is an exampple is an example of the strategic use of European funding. Photovoltaic park, on a land are of 516 429 square metres, covers the community's own consumption, particularly for public lighting and public buildings. Additionally, with support from the Operational programme „Supporting the transition to a low carbon economy“, the town hall building was renovated with energy efficiency measures, and photovoltaic panels cover 80% from its energy consumption. Another key project is the construction of a nearly zero energy building  (nZEB) to provide housing for specialists, which has created 7 new jobs.
• Microhydropower Plant (Moldova river, Roman commune): Financed by Operational Sectoral Programme  – „Increasing Economic Competitiveness“, the microhydropower plant features two turbines with total power of 580 kW, which fully covers the public lighting needs of the municipality. The project supports the local economic development and improves the energy independance of the region.
• Energy Cooperative  - Cooperativa de Energie: Cooperativa de Energie is the first energy community in Romania, established with the aim to secure access to clean and affordable energy, reducing the dependance on traditional suppliers. Founded in 2018 with 15 members, the community has since grown to more than 980 members. In 2021, it acquired an energy company, becoming the first 100% green energy producer and supplier in Romania. Members are involved both as consumers and investors, and the model provides transparent pricing and enhanced control over energy consumption.

• During the discussion, the stakeholders exchanged ideas and good practices. The participants underlined the need to promote renewable energy sources in the rural municipalities of Varna region, in order to change the public perseption and to foster sustainable initiatives. During the discussion, stakeholders exchanged ideas and shared good practices. Participants emphasized the need to raise awareness about renewable energy sources in the rural municipalities of Varna Region in order to shift public perception and encourage sustainable initiatives.

  The meeting concluded with a summary of key takeaways and future action plans, reaffirming the commitment to sustainable energy development in the region.

  SIreNERGY will continue to engage stakeholders in advancing regional energy initiatives. The next stakeholder meeting is expected to take place later in 2025, with further details to be shared in due course.