Energy and Security: Global Challenges – Regional Perspectives

October 19 – 21, 2004, Prague

In 2004, PASS decided to provide a forum for debate on energy security from both the global and regional perspectives.

The conference entitled: “Energy Security: Global Challenges – Regional Perspectives” took place in the Wallenstein Palace, seat of the Czech Senate, on October 19 – 21, 2004. The issue of energy security remains a major challenge for the Czech Republic and other Central European countries after their entry into the EU. The conference discussions addressed a broad range of issues, including: rising oil prices; the mix of energy resources that can achieve sustainable economic development, environmental quality, national security, and energy security; how Europe can avoid undue dependence on any one source of fuel; and how the international political situation will affect energy choices for Europe, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Russia. Key conclusions from the discussion are available in the Publications section  under “Prague Principles for Energy Security.”

Panelists were drawn from academia, industry and government experts from the Czech Republic, throughout Europe, Russia, the USA, Japan and the Middle East. Participants included the Former Prime Minister of Poland, Jerzy Buzek; US Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky; former President of the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Nobuya Minami; the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Eisenhower Institute, Susan Eisenhower; David Waller, the Deputy Director General of IAEA, and many others.