Renewable energies and alternatives to fossil fuels are important parts of today's research as they form the foundation for future energy use. It is obvious that resources of fossil fuels will be exhausted in several years and it is important to find both ecologically and economically friendly solutions to energy issues because of the high demand for warmth, electricity and motor fuels. A world without the use of power is unimaginable nowadays and no one could visualize living without working infrastructure or imported products. But the need for power is permanently growing, so alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, water, biomass or geothermal energies are essential. 

From 9-10th October 2008, the first European Science Parliament met in Aachen to discuss the central question "Europe energised - Will lights go out in 2050?" Scientists and experts, got together with citizens, students and pupils from different European countries to exchange opinions and get innovative ideas. The results will be handed over to EU-Boards in the form of "The Aachen Declaration" as a recommendatory presentation of views. 

The conference concentrated not only on the technological point of energy issues but also formed working groups on areas such as society, economy, geography and politics, and individual responsibility. The outcomes were finally represented in front of the whole parliament which then discussed and decided together on one controversial issue from each group. Topics such as nuclear energy, education and new technologies were in focus. The crucial point of discussions was, in many cases, public awareness and how to encourage it. To motivate and involve the youth and to become acquainted with their opinions was one of the main requests of the meeting. After all it is their future which being discussed and they are the ones, who will bear the responsibility of the world in a few years. Furthermore, supporting the dialogue between sciences and society on constructive future themes is an important purpose. 

The European Science Parliament is a joint project of the city of Aachen and RWTH Aachen University initiated under the auspices of the commissioner of the European Union for science and research, Janez Potocnik. It will take place in Aachen biennially from now on. This year's topic "Europe energised" is closely related to the university's institutional strategy "RWTH 2020: Meeting global challenges." 

The conference strengthened contact and conversation between youth and researchers, while the discussions among various European countries enabled an extensive exchange of views and ideas. Important energetic problems were addressed and a driving-force for solutions was generated in the final "Aachen Declaration". The European Science Parliament concluded that only a multifaceted approach can achieve essential changes.

Eva-Maria Leitner, Aachen, Germany 
Helena Hradilová, Olomouc, Czech Republic