The IEA hosted former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi at its headquarters in Paris today for an open discussion with Ambassadors, business leaders and other key figures on Europe's energy challenges and the implications for its competitiveness.
The conversation between Professor Draghi and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, who both shared their views and took questions from participants, explored how Europe can bring down its high energy costs and use its decarbonisation ambitions to support stronger economic growth. It followed the publication last month of Professor Draghi's highly anticipated report on EU competitiveness, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requested to inform the bloc's future strategy.
During the discussion today, which was led by Ambassador of France Amélie de Montchalin, Professor Draghi noted that the IEA's guidance was crucial to the report's development and often cited IEA analysis. He spoke about how Europe can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels with volatile prices.
Highlighting the influence of the European Union's single market, Professor Draghi noted that the region's transition to clean energy could boost Europe's energy security and economic growth potential with strong policies to address remaining roadblocks, such as the need to ensure the secure integration of renewables into electricity grids and to diversify clean energy supply chains.
