Conference article

There are paradoxes and contradictions in the interpretation of the concept of energy security among the micro sphere (the level of business organizations and individual users); the macro sphere and the global level. For example; in the global interpretation it is no longer sufficient to focus on meeting objective social needs for energy alone. We should also take into consideration the environmental impacts of meeting these needs (global warming; climate change etc.) as well as sustainability. We need to adopt a comprehensive approach at the level of our energy security policy as well. This may be effectively supported by Energy Security Centers (ESC); which are virtual energy security knowledge centers. The essay analyses the issues for consideration listed in the “Stock taking document - Towards a new Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020” from the aspect of the possible application of ESCs to the solution and support of these issues and proposes the EU level establishment of ESCs. Based on the analysis of the stock taking document; the aim of the study is to highlight the advantages resulting from the institution of an European network of knowledge centres (Energy Security Centres) for the implementation of the European Energy Policy.

Energy policy; Energy Security Centres; European Union