Transatlantic Energy Security Dialogues

During the past years, energy security has emerged at the top of the political agenda on both sides of the Atlantic. The Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis provoked a political shockwave that still reverberates through European capitals. Rising oil prices and the continuing crisis in the Middle East have turned "energy independence" into a prime policy objective of the Bush 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) will conduct the Transatlantic Energy Security Dialogues program. The purpose of the program is twofold: first, to promote a transatlantic dialogue on energy security 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 four sessions of the Transatlantic Energy Security Dialogues in Berlin between November 2006 and September 2008. 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. It is the goal of GPPi to continue the Transatlantic Energy Security Dialogues program on a biannual basis in the coming years.