OSCE hosts expert meeting on protecting critical energy infrastructure from terrorist attack

VIENNA, 17 July 2008 - Protecting critical energy infrastructure from terrorist attack is the focus of an OSCE meeting that started in Vienna today.

"There is a growing risk of terrorist attacks on critical infrastructures, which, if disrupted or destroyed, would have a serious impact on the health, safety, security or economic well-being of citizens," said Raphael Perl, head of the OSCE Action against Terrorism Unit. "Enhancing co-operation between the relevant actors is essential, and the OSCE is well placed to play a role in these efforts."

The one-day expert meeting was jointly organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the OSCE Action against Terrorism Unit.

"The protection of critical energy infrastructures contributes to energy security in the OSCE area. This meeting is an opportunity to gather the relevant experts and get a comprehensive picture of the efforts that are already undertaken in this field. This will enable us to improve the co-operation between the organizations concerned," said Bernard Snoy, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

The meeting brings together 50 experts from the private sector, research institutes and international organizations with the aim of identifying areas where the OSCE could contribute to enhancing protection of critical energy infrastructure from terrorist attack and complement existing activities.