Transatlantic Dialogue Luncheon: Shale Gas in Europe – Potential Gains and Risks and its Impact on Foreign Policy”

The shale gas revolution in the US has sparked a heated debate also in Europe. Lower energy prices and energy independence, especially in the context of conflict with and in the European neighbourhood, are the main arguments put forward in favour of shale gas extraction in Europe. But a possible rise in energy consumption, environmental risks and the technical question of how to regulate the extraction, are serious concerns.

Changes in energy production and consumption in the US have an important impact on their foreign policy, as they are less reliant on energy import. How does the EU’s reliance on foreign gas affect its foreign policy? Could the EU follow a similar path as the US to become more energy independent? What are the alternatives?

Speakers Dennis Schmidt-Bordemann, Formerly Senior Research Fellow, Brandenburgisches Institut für Gesellschaft und Sicherheit

Alain Preat, Professor at the Department of Science of the Earth and Environment, Faculty of Science, ULB

Xavier Maasarani, Chair, Shale Gas Advocacy Task Force, International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)

Moderation Daniel Schwammenthal, Director, AJC Transatlantic Institute