One of the latest research programmes introduced by the Institute is the one on Regional Energy Security. Through this programme, the Institute tracks developments in the field and provides comment and analysis as required. As our region is experiencing unprecedented geopolitical turmoil with two full-scale wars in progress (in Ukraine and Israel/Iran), this programme has come at the right time to help shed light in areas related to energy which so far have attracted little public attention as they are considered more of an academic pursuit. IENE happens to have a different view and this is why we introduced this programme in order to widen the discussion.
Last August and December, and as part of the above programme, the Institute published two highly-relevant Research Notes on “Fresh Challenges for Energy Security in SE Europe” and a Review of “Nuclear Power in Decarbonising Commercial Shipping”.
Also in the same wavelength, a series of Comments appeared last year such as the one on “ Europe’s Dilemma: Emission Reduction or Energy Security” (see IENE Comment No.58, November 17,2025), and the one on “Security Concerns Upend European Energy Markets” (No.55, September 17, 2025). In addition, last October the Institute published a Monthly Analysis on “The Role of Azerbaijan in European Energy Security” (SEE Energy Brief, Monthly Analysis No.447).
A milestone in the development of the Institute’s Regional Energy Security Programme was the organisation on March 19, in Brussels, of a one-day Roundtable on “The Challenges for Energy Security in SE Europe” (link). The event was held in the European Parliament under the auspices of the independent MEP Dr. Nikolas Farantouris, Jean Monet Professor of Energy Law.
The Roundtable brought together more than 30 MEPs, energy experts, academics and company executives from all over Europe who took part in an intensive discussion which covered almost all aspects of the current energy security agenda. The subjects covered included oil and gas supply, electricity (including renewables) and gas markets, energy efficiency, hydrogen, nuclear power and protection of energy infrastructure facilities including cyber protection. The material from the Roundtable, including papers and the video, can be found here
