Maria da Graça Carvalho was invited by Fleishman-Hillard and David Koranyi, a former Hungarian Under Secretary of State, to speak at the launch of a book on 'Transatlantic Energy Relations' written by scholars of the Johns Hopkins University and edited by Mr. Koranyi.
The aim of the event was to stress transatlantic energy relations as being of highest importance to Europe and the global economy. The participants discussed the state of the transatlantic energy relations, and issues such as energy security, the energy mix and the sustainability of energy systems on both sides of the Atlantic.
The event started with the presentation of the book, followed by a panel discussion which featured Maria da Graça Carvalho, Mark van Stiphout, Member of Cabinet of Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger, Gordon Bajnai, former Prime Minister of Hungary and Robert A. Pollard, Economic Minister-Counselor, US Mission to the EU. The moderator of the event, was Dan Baxter, Vice-President of Fleishman-Hillard.
In the quality of EPP shadow rapporteur for external energy policy, Maria da Graça Carvalho stressed in her speech the potential benefits of trans-Atlantic cooperation in the energy domain and outlined some recommendations as to how "both sides of the Atlantic, can best further cleaner, more affordable and more readily available energy".
By way of conclusion, Ms Carvalho finished on an optimistic note: "with the right investment, more technological research and development and a willingness to embark on joint partnership, I am sure that we can make real progress in dealing with the societal challenges that both continents are currently faced with".
The event took place at the office of Fleishman-Hillard in Brussels.