The role of young professionals in the EU’s clean energy transition
Under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission is prioritising fostering dialogue and collaboration with citizens, especially young people, to strengthen awareness of EU energy policies and drive participation in the clean energy transition. To amplify young voices and encourage direct engagement, the European Commission launched the Young Energy Ambassadors (YEA) programme, now in its third edition.
About the Young Energy Ambassadors programme
The programme selects 30 dynamic young professionals, aged 18–35, who are actively working, studying, or involved in the energy sector, to take on a unique, year-long role as Young Energy Ambassadors. This unique opportunity offers selected individuals a platform to lead discussions, contribute to EU energy policy, and inspire their peers to take part in Europe’s clean energy transition. Next to taking the centre stage at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), YEAs receive the opportunity to publish with Europe’s leading media outlets specialising in sustainable energy issues.
Why does this programme matter?
The EU is committed to ensuring young people are equipped with the skills and opportunities to actively participate in the energy transition. A lack of awareness or access to information about energy careers can create barriers for young people to explore this dynamic and impactful sector. The YEA programme bridges this gap by giving young professionals a platform to learn, connect, and inspire others while contributing directly to shaping the future of sustainable energy in Europe.
Applications for the 2025 Young Energy Ambassadors are now open
The European Commission is calling on young professionals, aged 18–35, who are passionate about clean energy and climate action to join the Young Energy Ambassadors (YEA) programme. The call for applications is open until 1 March 2025. As part of their mandate, the Young Energy Ambassadors take centre stage during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), held on 10–12 June 2025, under the theme: “Powering a fair and competitive green transition.” This annual flagship event, organised by the European Commission, brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and citizens to discuss and advance Europe’s energy and climate goals.
NAME OF YOUNG ENERGY AMBASSADOR: Agnieszka Szostok
NATIONALITY: Polish
AGE: 33
JOB: Energy and climate specialist
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What did your role as Young Energy Ambassador bring to you on a personal level?
The role as Young Energy Ambassador allowed me to feel like an active part of the European community. I have been involved in energy transition efforts for several years, but this was the first time I truly felt connected to these ambitions at the European Union level. During the European Sustainable Energy Week I had the opportunity to discuss the European Green Deal with Maroš Šefčovič on stage. Together with fellow Young Energy Ambassadors we presented our recommendations and raised key questions. It was a truly inspiring experience.
How do you see your mandate as Young Energy Ambassador at the European Sustainable Energy Week contributing to your country’s or region’s green energy transition?
I am from and currently work in Upper Silesia in Poland, a region deeply connected to coal mining. Energy transition has always been a tangible experience for me and a topic close to my heart. My mandate as a Young Energy Ambassador has shown me that the perspectives of young professionals matter and empowered me to speak out with greater confidence. For example, I recently had the opportunity to participate in a study as part of the Regional Observatory of the Transition Process in Silesia (ROTP 2.0) project, which focuses on supporting and improving the management of the region’s socio-economic transformation. Serving as a Young Energy Ambassador has further motivated me to actively contribute my knowledge and experience.
What have you brought back from Brussels and shared with your community?
I brought with me the experience of collaboration that builds. As young energy ambassadors, we have different experiences and backgrounds, but shared goals and openness allowed us to develop twelve timely and crucial recommendations to the new Energy Commissioner. The diversity of perspectives on energy issues was not a problem – on the contrary, it enriched the discussion. It was a very inspiring experience.
What has been the best part of this unique experience?
That it will yield long-term benefits. Meeting other young energy ambassadors and people involved in this remarkable initiative is certainly an important milestone in my professional path. Taking part in the Young Energy Ambassadors cohort provided me with many valuable experiences and inspired me to continue advancing.
Why would you recommend this opportunity of being a Young Energy Ambassador for young people who might follow your example?
I highly recommend becoming a Young Energy Ambassador to other young people. It is an extraordinary experience both personally and professionally. It allows you to gain a new perspective on energy-related challenges, build valuable connections and feel actively involved in driving change.
What are you working on now and what are your plans for the future in terms of involvement in the clean energy sector?
I have recently started working on the STUDIOTOPIA program, which connects artists and scientists in reflecting on sustainable development. The project supported by Creative Europe (CREA) promotes interdisciplinary residencies that explore the relationships between art, science and technology to address the urgent issues of our time. I have the pleasure of developing the challenge Thermal Thinking: Beyond the Representation in Research as a Young Scientist.
My plans include further exploring energy-related challenges particularly at the intersection with other fields. I am interested in the social and environmental aspects of the energy transition. I would like to bring attention to topics that may not necessarily be at the forefront of discussions, but are still crucial for fair and sustainable transformations.
Source: Action Global Communications Ltd
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