27 - 28 November 2003 Vienna, Austria

The goal of the meeting was to stimulate energy sector improvements through such tools as policy consultation, policy preparation, capacity building, sustainable energy solutions, implementation of existing regional or national obligations and improvement of communication between stakeholders. It was stressed that  policy making and implementation should be strengthened by focusing on the multi-causality of sustainable energy solutions and awareness raising of innovative technologies. Participants from the Stability Pact and donor countries explored concrete projects and cooperation packages.

This meeting emphasised the importance of district heating for the social and economic well-being of large parts of the population in the countries of South Eastern Europe. It was also highlighted that district heating and combined heat-power generation can make an important contribution to the overall sustainable development.