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Massive migration flows nowadays represent a huge financial burden for many states and the question arises as to whether host countries may obtain under international law a compensation from countries of origin for the costs relating to admission of people who were forced to flee therefrom. To claim compensation successfully, one first has to establish that people fled from the country of origin as a result of its acts. Then, one has to present a valid ground for the claim for compensation, which is either a violation of the obligation not to cause large-scale flows of forced migrants, which is owed to the host country individually, or violations of human rights as erga omnes partes obligations, which are owed to a certain group of states, including the host country that is specially affected by those violations. Finally, one has to demonstrate the occurrence of actual damage, namely all the costs relating to admission of forced migrants which are of sufficient causal proximity to the wrongful acts of the country of origin, and which the host country cannot avoid.

The paper discusses the outcomes of the conference organized by the InDeal project. The conference took place on 12 December 2018 in Montpellier as part of the EnerGaia energy forum 2018. A holistic interdisciplinary approach for district heating and cooling (DHC) networks is presented that integrates heterogeneous innovative technologies from various scientific sectors. The solution is based on a multi-layer control and modelling framework that has been designed to minimize the total plant production costs and optimize heating/cooling distribution. Artificial intelligence tools are employed to model uncertainties associated with weather and energy demand forecasts, as well as quantify the energy storage capacity. Smart metering devices are utilized to collect information about all the crucial heat substations’ parameters, whereas a web-based platform offers a unique user environment for network operators. Three new technologies have been further developed to improve the efficiency of pipe design of DHC systems: (i) A new sustainable insulation material for reducing heat losses, (ii) a new quick-fit joint for an easy installation, and (iii) a new coating for reducing pressure head losses. The results of a study on the development and optimization of two energy harvesting systems are also provided. The assessment of the environmental, economic and social impact of the proposed holistic approach is performed through a life cycle analysis. The validation methodology of the integrated solution is also described, whereas conclusions and future work are finally given.