News
CIEP 2005 - 2008
February 3, 2005. On 1 January 2005 CIEP entered its second phase. Founded in September 2001 to enhance the energy debate in the Netherlands and in Europe, CIEP has organised events and published its research results on a regular basis. In the next four years, set-up and mission of CIEP remain the same. CIEP will continue its research and training activities and put more emphasis on its role as a European platform for energy discussions. In doing so it will continue and expand its cooperation with other energy think tanks. CIEP is currently supported by sixteen institutions from the private and public sector.
2001-2004
In September 2001, the Netherlands Institute for International Relations, 'Clingendael', launched CIEP. Supported by twelve institutions from the public and private sectors, CIEP was founded to participate in and make significant and substantive contributions to the public debate on national and international developments in the energy sector.
The main reasons for initiating CIEP were:
- The need for a forum to discuss developments in the European energy markets, e.g. the liberalisation of the European energy market, which will impact the organisation of the market, government energy policies and strategies of companies operating in the energy sector. These changes in the internal European market take place against the backdrop of an expanding European Union, increased dependency on imported fossil fuels and efforts to address environmental concerns;
- The concerns raised in public debates about security of supply and a growing import dependency, not only for European Union member states but also for other major consumer regions. These concerns will influence the policy options and choices of both consumers and producers. The political and economic developments in, for instance, the United States, Russia, the Middle East, the Caspian Sea region, and Asia, are therefore important in assessing the developments in the European energy situation.
CIEP's original mandate was for a period of three years with the intention to subsequently continue activities. The programme rapidly developed into a well-respected network organisation, studying and discussing current and future developments in the energy sector.
Predominantly a network organisation with a strong public dimension, CIEP's success and recognition is based on the combination of certain qualities, such as its independence, the provision of timely analyses from an international and geopolitical perspective, a focus on pre-competitive knowledge and an integrated view on the three pillars of energy policy - the environment, market regimes and security of energy supply. This formula affords CIEP a unique position, not only in the Netherlands, but also internationally, especially within Europe.
2005-2008
CIEP will continue to build upon the strengths established during the first project period. In particular, during the next phase, CIEP will work to consolidate its position as a pre-eminent forum for European energy related issues. The accumulation of foundational expertise and networking during the past three years on geopolitical issues and security of energy supply, as well as knowledge developed about gas and electricity markets, and sustainable development will be continued and expanded. During the course of the project cycle, CIEP intends to provide services to the energy community in the capacity of leading-edge think-tank on energy studies with an integrated and international perspective. Accordingly, a further key priority for CIEP is to support and strengthen sector-wide EU initiatives through research and coordination of stakeholder input.
Supporting institutions
The involvement of supporting institutions strengthens CIEP's forum function and network - both within the Netherlands and Europe. CIEP is endorsed by British Petroleum, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Eneco, Energie Beheer Nederland, Essent, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gasunie, ING Barings, NAM, NUON, Oranje-Nassau Groep, Port of Rotterdam, Shell Nederland, the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, Vopak Oil Europe Middle East and Wintershall.