In 2014, the energy policy world will start to move forward, with a push towards new climate and energy targets prompting a renewed discussion on the value of energy in Europe.The District Heating and Cooling, along with the Combined Heat and Power sector needs to be ready to highlight and reassert its importance and demonstrate its huge societal and economic benefits in order to be included in the European strategies.This annual conference has the potential to play a primary role in reaffirming and securing the sector’s importance and by showing policymakers that District Energy can make a valuable contribution to Europe’s energy targets. This one-day event will focus on communicating this message to policymakers, whilst equipping participants with the practical tools and knowledge base on how to meet the requirements set by the different strategies. It will also allow emphasising that constructive cooperation between the public and private sector can be done for the benefit of all, and in which measure. Finally, the importance and possibilities of European funding will be presented, from a political and banker point of view.