IEA Executive Director - Fatih Birol received the prestigious GLOBSEC European Award for his and the Agency’s work to support Europe this year during the global energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The European Award is presented each year by GLOBSEC, a global think-tank based in Bratislava, the Slovak capital, to honor unwavering dedication to strengthening Europe and promoting growth and progress. GLOBSEC said Dr. Birol had been chosen this year because from the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the IEA under his leadership has been a key player in efforts to mitigate the world’s 'first truly global energy crisis'.
Tatra Summit
Slovak Prime Minister - Eduard Heger presented the award to Dr. Birol at GLOBSEC’s Tatra Summit
Slovak Prime Minister - Eduard Heger presented the award to Dr. Birol at GLOBSEC’s Tatra Summit in Slovakia, in the presence of Ministers from Central and Eastern European countries.
In particular, the award recognized the IEA’s work under Dr. Birol drawing attention to Russia’s strategic behavior in tightening energy markets well before the invasion of Ukraine; being a key voice in the dispelling of myths about the global energy crisis; providing vital analysis and advice to EU member governments and beyond; and promoting the strengthening of investments in clean energy and energy efficiency to mitigate the impact of Russia’s invasion.
An honor
Receiving the award, Dr. Birol described it as “An honor for me and for the International Energy Agency," adding that it is “especially important to me as it comes at such a challenging time for Europe – and particularly for countries in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Previous notable recipients of the award include Donald Tusk, the former Prime Minister of Poland and President of the European Council; Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of Economy and Finance of France; and Wolfgang Schäuble, the former Finance Minister of Germany and President of the Bundestag.
