2026 ARL Brussels Talk

Striking a balance between biodiversity protection and accelerated growth targets 

Date: 14 April 2026, 11:30 am to 02:00 pm

Venue: On the premises of the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the EU, Rue Belliard 60-62, 1040 Brussels

Organised by: ARL – Academy of Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association and Stuttgart Region

The Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) aims to raise the EU’s renewable energy share to at least 42.5% by 2030 and was amended in November 2023 to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects across EU Member States. Key elements include the coordinated identification of suitable areas for renewable energy and infrastructure and the designation of Renewable Acceleration Areas.

While the Directive prioritises speed, a growing concern is that rapid implementation may come at the expense of environmental protection and public participation. Spatial planning is therefore central to navigating the fine line between fast expansion and high environmental and social standards.

The ARL – Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association and the Stuttgart Region invite experts and interested stakeholders from science, administration and policy to exchange on current challenges and opportunities in implementing RED III, with a particular focus on onshore wind expansion. The event brings together experts from different countries to share practical experiences, compare national approaches, and discuss diverse implementation practices. Participants will gain both a cross-country overview and in-depth insights into Germany and the Netherlands, showcasing different regional approaches to implementing the Directive.

Please register here: https://pro.formcloud.de/formcycle/form/alias/500/form_12946_3_2_2/

Participation is free of charge.

11:00 | Registration

11:30 | Opening
Bodo Lehmann (Head at Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU)

11:35 | Welcome
Axel Priebs (President of the ARL)

11:40 | Aims and objectives of the RED III Directive
Marta Andrés Vaquero (Legal and Policy Officer at Unit C1 (Renewables and Energy System Integration Policy) of DG ENER)

11:55 | Comparative approach to the designation of RAA in different EU countries
Flore Belin (Renewable Energy Policy Coordinator at Climate Action Network Europe)

12:10 | Designation of RAA in the Stuttgart Region
Thomas Kiwitt (Technical Director at Stuttgart Region Association)

12:25 | Bottom-up approach of RAA in North-Holland
Pierre Kas (Policy Advisor Energy Transition, Province of North-Holland)

12:40 | Panel discussion

13:00 | Networking Lunch

For any questions please contact international@arl-net.de