The energy transition is shaped not only by policies but by the stories that make change feel possible. Drawing on input from over 1,300 experts and extensive stakeholder workshops across Europe, Energy Efficiency Watch 5 (EEW5) examined which narratives open people up to new ideas — and which quietly close them down. One conclusion stood out: communication is most powerful when it comes from those closest to citizens. Local and regional actors such as Energy Agencies, energy communities and public authorities carry a unique proximity, grounded in their daily work on renovation, heating, public buildings and neighbourhood‑scale energy planning.

This session brings the EEW5 findings into dialogue with the EU Covenant of Mayors community, connecting high‑level insights with concrete engagement actions already underway, including Homegrown Energy, CitiesHeat Detox and Cities Refresh. Participants will also hear first‑hand perspectives from local transition leaders on what it truly means to have these conversations with residents — the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the narratives that help communities embrace change.