Trilateral dialog: Germany, Czech Republic, Poland

The energy situation in Central Europe is more tense than ever before and is having a significant impact on our lives. On the one hand, the European Union has long been pushing for an increase in the share of energy from renewable sources; on the other hand, in light of democratic values and moral conscience, we must urgently break free from our dependence on Russian gas. Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland share a common cultural and economic space. Energy policy is one of THE central issues, not only—but especially—for the tri-border region. While Germany is rapidly phasing out nuclear power and coal—a key economic sector in the region—the Czech Republic is relying on nuclear power to meet its climate goals. At the same time, Poland remains heavily reliant on coal and is drawing up plans to build a new nuclear reactor. These differing approaches have implications not only for the economic future of the three countries, but also for that of the tri-border region. One thing is clear: Energy policy could become a source of conflict—or an opportunity for closer cooperation. This topic will be the focus of the second trilateral dialogue conference in Zittau, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz and the Wilhelm Külz Foundation.

Both regional and European perspectives on the topic of energy security will be discussed in two panel discussions. MEP Nicola Beer, Vice-President of the European Parliament, has been invited as keynote speaker. She is a member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

In addition, we are also planning a World Cafe to engage in a direct exchange with individual speakers from Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland on the topic of energy security and to discuss regional challenges in the thematic focus "Turów as a dispute - perspectives for future planned energy policy in the three-country region". Thomas Zenker, Mayor of Zittau, for example, will address municipal challenges for the three-country region, while Agnieszka Spirydowicz from ZKlaster in Poland will talk about cross-border regional projects and a cross-border hydrogen strategy. Martina Jakl from the German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Prague will discuss economic perspectives for the region from an entrepreneurial point of view, while Prof. Karel Frana will address technical and technological perspectives with future prospects.

Downloads: Invitation (de), Invitation (en)

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Peter-Dierich-Building Z IV, Theodor-Körner-Allee 8, 02763 Zittau

Registration - Trilateral Dialogue

Registration - Trilateral Dialogue

The event is free of charge.

German/English with simultaneous translation