Strengthening Energy Security and Regional Cooperation

Over the past three years, energy security has become a key issue for all of Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine not only triggered a humanitarian crisis but also brought significant changes to energy strategy. Europe’s Achilles’ heel was its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, which allowed Russia to use energy as a tool of coercion. Thanks to the Czech Presidency, Europe-wide measures, and swift actions taken in the Czech Republic, we managed to navigate the crisis and emerge stronger than ever.

One of the key responses to the energy crisis and the weaponization of energy was the diversification of energy sources. At the beginning of 2022, almost all the gas supplied to the Czech Republic came from Russia, with virtually no alternative supplier options.

This dependency gave Russia the ability to manipulate supplies and drive up prices. Thanks tojoint European efforts and decisive steps by the Czech government, the Czech Republic is now independent of Russian gas. This was achieved through securing alternative supplies and access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity in the Netherlands. Today, the European gas market has sufficient supply, and from an energy security perspective, no European Union country is facing critical supply issues for households or businesses. The development of renewable energy sources and massive investments in strengthening transmission and distribution networks also play a crucial role in enhancing energy security. Cross-border energy cooperation and infrastructure connectivity are essential. That is why we are focusing on expanding interconnections between electricity and gas networks.

With regards to interconnectivity of electricity Czechia is already more than fulfilling target for 2030 on the level of 15 % interconnectivity and has already more than 30 % with expectation of close to 40 % in 2030.

With regards to gas networks Czechia reverse the flows predominately coming from east to flows coming from west. Czechia together with Slovakia received as a first member countries funding for cross border project focusing on smart grids. Another critical factor in strengthening energy security is support for technological innovation. The development of battery energy storage, the expansion of smart grids, and the implementation of hydrogen technologies are key areas that will enable greater energy independence and flexibility. European energy policy has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its history over the past three years. The diversification of energy sources, the strengthening of regional cooperation, and investments in nuclear energy and renewables are all contributing to greater energy resilience and sustainability. The Czech Republic plays an active role in this process and continues to support the development of strategic energy projects that will ensure the stability, independence, and competitiveness of the European energy sector.