Transatlantic Energy Governance Dialogues

During the past years, energy security and global energy governance have emerged at the top of the political agenda on both sides of the Atlantic. Volatile oil prices, climate concerns and the continuing crisis in the Middle East have turned energy security into a prime policy objective of the Obama Administration. The increasing energy appetite of China and India is a cause of concern in both the US and Europe.

Yet, while both the EU and the US are preoccupied with energy issues, the discussions seem to run in parallel without coming together to weave a genuine transatlantic strategic dialogue on energy security. This is a deplorable state of affairs for two reasons: First, we stand to learn from comparing the energy policy experience and strategies on both sides of the Atlantic. Second, dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the US is essential to devising joint strategies for effectively dealing with the increasingly global challenges of energy security.

Objectives

In order to help fill this gap, the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) and the Brookings Institution will conduct the Transatlantic Energy Governance Dialogues program. The purpose of the program is twofold: first, to promote a transatlantic dialogue on energy security and governance issues by bringing together highly qualified young professionals focusing on these issues; and second, to contribute to establishing a transatlantic strategic community on energy security. Such a strategic community is vital for developing innovative new approaches to tackle the political, economic and environmental challenges of energy policy in the 21st century.

GPPi held seven sessions of the Transatlantic Energy Security Dialogues between November 2006 and March 2010. The sessions brought together participants from all relevant sectors (including government, NGOs, business, the media, think tanks and universities) in order to promote a strategic community for building bridges between the US and Europe; between the sub-communities dealing with sustainability, security of supply and economic efficiency; and between policymakers from different parts of the government, civil society, business and the media.