Against the backdrop of discussions on Europe's post-2030 energy framework, the event marked the launch of the new #KeepTheTarget campaign, calling on EU leaders to maintain a binding and ambitious EU-wide renewable energy target for 2040.
With Europe's energy security, competitiveness and climate ambitions at stake, speakers and participants delivered a clear message: renewable energy targets have worked for Europe and must continue to guide the continent's energy transition.
An evening of good energy
Rooftop REconnect has become one of Brussels' most anticipated energy gatherings, and this year's edition was no exception.
Guests from across the European institutions, industry, trade associations and the broader energy community came together for an evening of conversation, collaboration and optimism for Europe's clean energy future.
Adding to the atmosphere was SolarPower Europe's solar mascot, who quickly became one of the most photographed attendees of the evening, greeting guests and bringing an extra dose of energy to the event.
"Inaction is the most expensive path we could choose"
The evening's keynote address came from European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera.
Speaking to an audience of policymakers, industry representatives and energy leaders, Ribera stressed the need for Europe to accelerate the transition to homegrown renewable energy and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
"Better to seize the opportunities connected to this transformation than to wait and see what additional costs we may pay."
EVP Ribera’s intervention reinforced a core theme of the evening: renewable energy is no longer only a climate solution, but a central pillar of Europe's economic competitiveness, energy resilience and strategic autonomy.
Launching #KeepTheTarget
At the heart of the event was the official launch of the #KeepTheTarget campaign, a joint initiative led by SolarPower Europe and WindEurope together with a growing coalition of supporters from across Europe's renewable energy sector and beyond.
The campaign calls on EU leaders to retain a binding and ambitious EU-wide renewable energy target for 2040, arguing that renewable energy targets have been among the European Union's most successful policy tools. They have provided certainty for investors, accelerated deployment, strengthened energy security and supported industrial competitiveness.
The campaign's message is simple: Europe has a winning formula. Let us keep it.
European lawmakers: Renewables are key to Europe's competitiveness and resilience
During a fireside chat at the REconnect 2026 rooftop reception, MEPs Andrea Wechsler and Nicolás González Casares highlighted the crucial role of renewable energy in delivering Europe's climate, competitiveness and energy security objectives.
Andrea Wechsler stressed that the focus must now shift from setting targets to delivering results, stating that "what we need to focus on now... is implementation" and calling for faster electrification, increased investment and simpler frameworks to accelerate the energy transition.
González Casares echoed the need for greater ambition, arguing that "we need more renewables, we need more grids" and highlighting storage as an essential partner to renewable energy. He also described the clean energy transition as "a massive opportunity to increase our competitiveness", emphasising that renewables can strengthen Europe's sovereignty, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support industrial growth.
Together, both MEPs delivered a clear message: accelerating renewable energy deployment will be key to building a more resilient, competitive and secure Europe.
Reconnecting for the months ahead
Beyond the speeches and announcements, Rooftop REconnect remained true to its purpose: bringing people together.
Throughout the evening, guests exchanged ideas, strengthened partnerships and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing Europe's energy transition. As conversations continued long into the evening, one thing was clear: the new political season in Brussels has officially begun.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Rooftop REconnect 2026. We look forward to working together in the months ahead to advance Europe's renewable energy future!
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