Heinrich Böll Foundation, Schumannstraße 8, 10117 Berlin
Complete conference programme (PDF)
Conference Papers
- The majority of papers is German only - see our dossier "Europäische Energiepolitik".
- The following papers are available in English:
Conference languages
- There will be simultaneous interpretation of all conference presentations from German into English and vice-versa.
Please note: Workgroup 1 will be German only. Workgroup 2 will be simultaneous interpreted. Workgroup 3 will be English only.
Background
Energy policy is one of the key policies of the future. The alternatives are clear: either the end of the fossil age will be rapidly heralded in or the magnitude of climate change will profoundly change life on earth Technically speaking, it would be feasible to say goodbye to coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power. Political steps now have to be taken to drive the transition to the age of renewable energies.
It is about investment incentives and the markets of the future, about energy security and power issues and technical innovations and changing the way we think as a society. Europe is at a crossroads. Do not be fooled by the failure of the Copenhagen Global Climate Summit: environmental structural change is unavoidable. The only question is whether it is happening fast enough to prevent a huge crisis. Concentrated activities on the part of the European countries alone can make EU the frontrunner leading the charge in global energy change.
We need more co-operation in all fields, from research and development through to transnational power grids. The principle of "energy solidarity" established in the Treaty of Lisbon should only be thought of as a call to mutual assistance in case the supply of natural gas is interrupted. Energy solidarity also means supporting the countries particularly dependent on fossil fuels on their path to more energy efficiency and including them in the European Community for Renewable Energy.
The conference is a place for experts from politics, science and society from many European countries to come together. It offers an exceptional discussion forum on the best and fastest way to achieve a sustainable energy future for Europe.
Contact & further information
- Dr. Christine Pütz, Head, Europe Department, puetz@boell.de, +49-30-285 34 391
- Bastian Hermisson, Head, EU/North America Department, hermisson@boell.de, +49-30-285 34
380 - Melanie Sorge, Politcal Consultant/ Project Manager, melanie@boellstiftung.org , +49-30-417 23
395, +49-179-871 60 93
