Brussels, 3 July 2024 – The European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) convened a high-level event on Implementing a Whole-System European Energy and Supply Chain Security Strategy at Brussels’ Steigenberger Wiltcher’s Hotel. This pivotal gathering aimed to address the pressing challenges of energy security and supply chain resilience across Europe and Allies. The convergence of key stakeholders from NATO, the European Commission, and leading industries underscored the urgency and importance of a collaborative approach to safeguarding Europe's energy infrastructure and supply chain integrity.

"We need to bring everyone to the table: energy players, mineral and metal companies, clean tech startups, automakers, the financial sector, the military, and of course politicians and regulators.,” EIES’s Executive Director, Albéric Mongrenier stated in his opening speech.

Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission’s Executive Vice President for the Green Deal, delivered a powerful keynote address outlining the Commission's strategic vision for a sustainable and secure energy future. He highlighted the renewed importance of economic and broader security for Europe, stressing the significance of the transatlantic partnership, especially in light of Russia's weaponization of natural gas. "We need to put more energy and efforts into creating Transatlantic Clean Tech Marketplaces that work on mutual standards, investments and sources to scale up together and deliver benefits to our citizens, as well as developing nations" EVP Šefčovič said. He added “we cannot afford to outsource the green transition to anyone else; it needs to be based with technologies that are made in Europe”.

The event featured two dynamic panel discussions, where industry leaders, DG ENER and DG GROW policymakers, as well as NATO representatives, shared their perspectives on various aspects of energy and supply chain security. Topics ranged from the integration of renewable energy sources to the resilience of critical infrastructure against cyber threats and geopolitical risks.

Kerstin Jorna, Director General of DG GROW, emphasized the need to assess the CRMA, REPowerEU, and NZIA together. She highlighted a 'one-stop shop' for streamlining permitting processes, access to de-risking funds, and the creation of skills academies. "Creating a coordinated market for clean tech within Europe is essential, as demonstrated by initiatives like 50 towns deciding to buy electric buses together to send strong market signals," Jorna noted. “Integrating resources, processing, and end users, along with the right partnerships and traceability, makes critical raw materials projects highly attractive for capital investments,” said Thomas Lagrée, Partner at InfraVia, talking broadly about current challenges to increased investments in the industry. “Without the inclusion of mining in the Taxonomy, long-term investments will be more complicated," he concluded.

NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary General James Appathurai focused on the threat landscape, NATO's response to recent attacks on energy infrastructure, and the need for continuous improvement in protecting critical infrastructure. "We must prepare for more attacks and improve relations between industry and NATO to protect our critical infrastructure," he noted. Former Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs identified political risks and stressed the importance of better and faster deployable energy security strategies based on risk evaluations. "Maintaining momentum for proactive measures is essential to avoid the pitfalls of reactive strategies," Piebalgs pointed out.

Talking about expanding Europe’s clean energy infrastructure, Ørsted's Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs Ulrik Stridbaek stated that “building a secure energy supply starts getting rid of our dependencies and become more self-sufficient thanks to clean energy – the safest energy”.

"It all starts and ends with secure, affordable, and clean energy. Europe must find its own path, but we are not an island. We need friends, and trade and security partners”, Mongrenier emphasized in his concluding remarks.

About EIES

The European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) advocates for secure pan-European and national energy policies, dedicated to fostering collaboration between government and industry leaders. EIES seeks to address critical energy challenges and champion comprehensive solutions for the benefit of Europe's energy security, transition, and industrial competitiveness. EIES works with the Energy Security Leadership Council-Europe (ESLC-Europe), composed of retired and active military, political and business figures, to achieve these goals.

Contact: Isabelle Dupraz, EIES Deputy Director – idupraz@secureenergy.org