Energy is the ubiquitous and yet most unnoticed power that enables us to live in a comfortable home, enjoy mobility and do successful business. The decisions we take with regard to the way we produce, transport and consume energy have far-reaching effects and relate to numerous burning questions, such as:
- Will we succeed in our efforts of protecting our climate?
- Will we be able to supply affordable energy to our people and industries so that they can contribute to social cohesion and prosperity?
- Are our energy relations a hotbed of international tension or the basis of international cooperation?
- How effective and sustainable will be our support granted to our development partners?
It is all about providing energy in a safe, affordable and sustainable manner. And we need to find a balance between these objectives and positive interaction.
The Austrian Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs promotes these objectives at various levels and in many bodies where energy and international relations overlap. This is mainly the case in issues of energy security and reliable supply. Other aspects are handled by other ministries, in particular the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.