IEA Executive Director holds talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia

On the side lines of the Bled Strategic Forum held on 5 September, Dr Birol met with H.E. Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia. The meeting focused on global challenges to energy security, priorities for Slovenia as it prepares its new Energy Concept and the future of the IEA-Slovenia relationship. Slovenia, which joined the OECD in 2010, is not currently a member of the Agency. Earlier the ED met with Slovenia's Secretary of State Mr Klemen Potisek.

Dr Birol also participated as a panellist at the Bled Strategic Forum 2016, stressing the critical importance of strengthening energy security in the face of geopolitical uncertainties and the challenge of the sustainable energy transition.

In addition to Dr Birol, panellists included representatives from the European Commission, Atlantic Council, and the governments of Canada, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Discussions took place on the strategic challenges facing the European Union in establishing the Energy Union, the geopolitical challenges of low oil prices and the impact of the global energy transition and the Paris Climate Agreement.