Securing reliable sources of energy has bedeviled nations of the transatlantic community since the discovery of oil.  Threats of war and actual wars over access to energy supplies, and financial wars over pricing, were landmarks of 20^th century geopolitics.

 

The beginning of the 21^st century has seen energy escalate to a geopolitical imperative with nations defending existing, dwindling energy supplies while searching for alternative sources.  Prices of fossil fuels have soared, terrorists threaten the energy infrastructure, and attacks at the source in some producer nations are now valuable terrorist weapons.  Today, electricity grids and natural gas pipelines lace the maps of multiple regions, linking countries, continents, and pricing in complicated and unprecedented ways.  While the EU was relieved at the end of the Russia–Ukraine gas row earlier this year, Europeans were confronted dramatically with the consequences of energy dependence.  As a result, nuclear energy is not only back on the table but is rising to dominate the debate.  Energy policy has become a critical arena for transatlantic coordination and cooperation.

How can the transatlantic community address the issue of energy security?  Are the Black Sea and the Caucasus the solution to diversifying energy corridors into Western markets?  If nuclear power gains in popularity, how do the U.S. and Europe keep their own lights on while they keep fissile material out of the wrong hands in sovereign nations?  What new energy options are on the horizon?  How does Turkey’s desire to join the EU couple with its strong strategic position in the energy world?

General James L. Jones, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of the U.S. European Command, has identified energy security as a key issue for preserving peace.

 

Peter MacKay is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, which is an energy-rich North American country and NATO member that desires a sustainable and secure energy supply.

 

Andris Piebalgs, the EU Commissioner for Energy, has as his key task securing Europe with a stable energy supply while keeping electricity and gas at an affordable price.

 

Radek Sikorski is the Defense Minister for Poland, which has called for the EU and NATO  partners to form a pact to secure their energy supplies, especially in the face of a crisis.

 

Robin West, Chairman of PFC Energy, has advised executives of leading international oil and gas companies and national oil companies on corporate strategy and acquisitions.

 

Moderator: Fred Kempe, Assistant Managing Editor, International, The Wall Street Journal