The kick-off event of the European Calculator project took place at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research from 12 to 14 December 2016. After an opening talk by H.J. Schellnhuber and some information about the new European Energy Strategy which was introduced by Franz Immler from the European Commission more than 40 researchers from the EU Calculator partner countries were discussing about society-energy modelling approaches and how these can be materialize in better policy support.