Hot debate on Europe's energy security

'Energy Security - What's in the Pipeline for Europe' was the hot topic a plenary session of the National Students Travel Foundation (NSTF) Mini-European Assembly held recently at Villa Bighi, Kalkara, on the topic. Energy and the related issues of security are currently very topical and this provoked very strong views from all participating teams of students.

The resolution, prepared by one of the University of Malta teams representing Iceland, tackled thorny issues such as Europe's dependency on Russian supplies and the intricacies of politics, business and economics.

It looked at the increasing demand for energy, the need for increased production of renewable energy spurred by research and innovation and the increasing price of fossil fuels, environmental issues related to the use and impact of fossil fuels, and Turkey's role as a potential EU member in the whole scenario of fuel supply.

The resolution spoke about the rising energy consumption trends in China and India as well as Africa and Latin America, and assessed the repercussions they have on energy security. The team explained that the main energy-producing countries were monopolist and protectionist in behaviour and this was counter-productive to competition, which is one of the main mechanisms behind innovation.

The resolution also spoke about the role Nato plays in the global energy market and the alliance's security interests. The Icelandic team reiterated the relevance of the Lisbon Strategy, especially the target that pushes national governments to invest substantially in research and development as an essential tool to develop alternative energy and increase current energy use efficiency. It also predicted a crisis in the very near future that would eventually force countries to bridge the discrepancy between energy consumption and production capacity.

The session was introduced by Nicholas Sammut, executive chairman at the Malta Council for Science and Technology while the keynote address was delivered by Enemalta Corporation chairman Alexander Tranter.

The NSTF assembly, in which students simulate the Council of Europe Parliament, has proved to be a great opportunity for youths to contribute positively to the ongoing discussion on important topics affecting Europe and the Mediterranean region.

To prepare for the assembly sessions, students participating in teams representing different countries conduct research on the issues to be discussed and how different countries view the same topic.

The actual discussions sharpen the students' public speaking ability and strengthens their confidence.

A resolution is discussed during each session, and following amendments, a vote is taken on the resolution. The final session of the assembly's 20th edition will be held on Friday at the House of Representatives, Valletta, where the participants will be addressed by European Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani, on the subject 'The European Transport Policy - Building Bridges or Flying Solo?'.

To attend the session or to find out more about the assembly, contact Mariella Pia Tabone on tel. 2558 8241 or e-mail at mtabo@nsts.org.