OSCE Bratislava forum calls for stronger inter-institutional co-operation on sustainable energy, new technologies and connectivity in digital era

BRATISLAVA, 27 May 2019 – Sustainable energy is indispensable for growth, prosperity and security in the OSCE region. Participants of the 2^nd Preparatory Meeting of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF) today in Bratislava called for stronger inter-institutional co-operation and an inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders, focused on economic progress and security. They stressed that energy co-operation, good governance and connectivity in the digital era are key prerequisites for a successful energy transition. 

Addressing the opening of the meeting, Slovak State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs František Ružička said that Slovakia has long advocated for a stronger OSCE focus on the protection of critical energy infrastructure against natural disasters and man-made challenges. “As the 2019 OSCE Chairmanship, we are promoting an exchange of experiences and knowledge as a means to prevent incidents and effectively deal with crisis situations when they do occur.”

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said that two critical challenges have helped the OSCE define its engagement in the field of energy co-operation: reducing the environmental footprint of energy usage, production and transport and protecting critical energy networks. “Risks are on the rise and many OSCE participating States have suffered blackouts and other disruptions on a significant scale. Improving the resilience of critical infrastructure is a must,” he said. 

Representatives of 57 participating States, international organizations, the business and academic communities and civil society discussed needs and priorities and how to raise awareness and stimulate political will in dealing with economic, environmental and security-related challenges.

Oľga Algayerová, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said that in order to ensure effective planning and implementation, environmental governance must be improved. “UNECE’s key multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Aarhus, Espoo and Water Conventions, our work in water management, industrial safety and public participation in environmental decision-making and our close co-operation with the OSCE in this field are making a difference. What truly matters is that the collective outcome delivers the needed result: the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dialogue and co-operation on energy issues and environment must strengthen for benefit of all.”    

Participants noted that energy transition has the potential to provide great opportunities in terms of economic growth and sustainable development, but also brings new challenges and exposes energy networks to new vulnerabilities. “No country can meet these challenges alone,” said the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Vuk Žugić. “Our pathways may differ depending on national circumstances, but it is still important that we keep an open dialogue and support each other in understanding the key areas where joint efforts are required to foster our global energy security.”  

The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental activities is currently working on two key projects: one on promoting green ports and connectivity in the Caspian Sea, and one aimed at the creation of a virtual training platform which will allow the OSCE to broaden the scope of action of its capacity building courses. 

On 28 May, EEF participants will visit a hydroelectric power station on the Danube River and the Slovak Interior Ministry will provide a presentation on crisis management.