ReRURAL – Renew Rural Areas is a regional initiative that empowers rural communities in Southeast Europe to lead socially just energy transition. ReRURAL is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through the European Climate Initiative (EUKI), and it is implemented by: SDEWES Centre (Croatia), LIR Evolution (Bosnia and Herzegovina), RDA Green Karst (Slovenia), City of Đurđevac (Croatia), and Balkan Green Foundation (Kosovo). The project focuses on raising awareness on renewable energy integration, energy poverty reduction, and the development of local energy communities.

Within the project’s activities, two summer schools are organized to bring together motivated individuals and local community members passionate about sustainable energy solutions. These summer schools offer a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of energy transition, explore innovative approaches to tackling energy poverty, and learn about the connect of energy communities.

What are summer schools about?

The ReRural Summer Schools are a dynamic and intensive, hands-on training designed to deepen participants’ understanding of rural energy transitions. Over three days, energy experts will deliver insightful lectures focused on just energy transition, renewable energy, sustainable technologies, energy communities, energy policies, and regional challenges, including structural dimensions of energy poverty and its mitigation. Interactive group workshops will foster collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the exchange of innovative ideas among participants, encouraging creative solutions to real-world energy issues. Social activities and networking opportunities will enhance cultural exchange and build connections among young individuals coming from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Additionally, a study visit will offer practical exposure to energy projects and best practices, aligning with theoretical knowledge gained through summer schools.

Why join summer schools?

• Learn from leading experts in fields of energy transition and sustainable development.
• Network with like-minded individuals and organizations across Southeast Europe.
• Contribute to sustainable development and energy justice in rural areas.
• Gain practical knowledge to implement sustainable solutions in your community.

Where and when?

• First Summer school in Đurđevac (Croatia) 01– 04 September 2025
• Second Summer school in Postojna (Slovenia) 22 – 25 September 2025

Who can apply to summer schools?

For each summer school, we are seeking 40 participants, young individuals, professionals, researchers, students, and community representatives, aged 18 – 30, who are:

• residents of project countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia or Kosovo.
• motivated for new learning opportunities and cultural exchanges, and committed to fully engage in all summer school activities, ensuring a collaborative and enriching experience for everyone. 
• strongly interested in topics of energy transition, including renewable energy and sustainable development, energy poverty and energy communities, and are willing to contribute to regional changes, driving sustainable solutions in their own communities.
• proficient in English, since all lectures and official activities will be conducted in English. Participants must have a strong knowledge of the language for effective communication, participation in discussions, and understanding topics covered during the summer schools.

How to apply?

To apply, please complete the online registration form via following link: https://forms.gle/n6A2HkKaa6j22Wjd9

The deadline for the registration is: 20 June 2025.

To be considered, applicants must also submit a motivational letter (as PDF file in English) in registration form. A one-page (400-600 words) motivational letter should address the following:

• How your background (disciplinary, personal, or experiential) informs your understanding of energy transition and/or rural sustainability challenges.
• What specific insights, experiences, or questions you have on topics covered by summer schools.
• Describe an energy related challenge that concerns you and how you intend to apply the knowledge or approaches gained during summer school in your own context (community, research, professional setting, etc.)

Additional Notes

• There is no participation fee for the summer schools, and all meal costs are covered. Transportation and accommodation costs will be covered for participants travelling to other country. Croatian participants that apply to summer school in Đurđevac, as well as Slovenian participants that apply to summer school in Postojna, are expected to be local and not require accommodation or travel support.
• A certificate of participation will be provided upon successful completion of the summer school, including group work evaluation.

CONTACT PERSON: Ognjenka Zrilić, e-mail: ognjenkaz@lir.ba   Tel: +387 51 329 750