The “Club de Nice” has been initiated by request of the City of Nice and is run by the Institut Europeen des Hautes Etudes Internationales in cooperation with the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Centre de Recherches Enttreprises et Societes of Geneva. Its main goal is to offer public and private leaders in the field of energy a regular place to meet and discuss their specific problems in a constantly changing world.
 The work conducted as usual in partnership with the Russian Academy of Sciences bears upon the main topic global energy themes and the impact of their development on energy policy in Europe and Russia.

Forum December 1-3, 2011  

Thursday, 1 December, 2011

3.30‐4.00 pm Opening session
Chairman: M. Valery KOSTIOUK, Secretary General of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
4.00‐5.00 pm Keynote speech
5.00‐6.00 pm Presentation of « Geopolitics of Energy », a book co‐produced by the Russian Academy of Sciences and Club de Nice Energie & Geopolitique.

Friday, 2 December, 2011
9.00‐11.00 am Round table 1: Oil and gas: producing countries and political risks The events that marked most Southern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries in 2011 revived the debate on the high political risks in international energy relations. Such risks are particularly high for European countries, obviously, as they rely heavily on external sources. What impact does this have on their basic energy policy decisions? Above and beyond national policies to diversify sources and suppliers, can a European approach be envisaged? Are solidarity mechanisms ‐ as in matters of finance ‐ conceivable? What lessons can be learnt for relations with Russia?
11.00 am‐1.00 pm Round table 2: Public action and energy policy The recent catastrophes at Deep Water Horizon and in Fukushima have raised the question once again of the compatibility of the interests of private companies with those of society in general. Today more than ever, defining and implementing an energy policy would seem to call for compromise. Given the power of the companies ‐ which knows no borders ‐, and the different levels of public regulation (local, national and international), what kind of control is possible?
2.30‐4.30 pm Round table 3: What future for nuclear power? The Fukushima catastrophe was widely covered in the media, triggering a tidal wave of emotion all over the world. At the very time when nuclear power seemed to be taking off again, Fukushima caused decisions that had already been taken to be hastily reconsidered and occasionally overturned. A scientific, technical, economic and political debate on nuclear power and on the conditions for harnessing it is now vital, particularly for Europe and Russia.
4.30‐6.30 pm Round table 4: Energy efficiency and partnership in the Europe‐Russia dialogue Russia has a lot to gain from better energy efficiency, both in terms of the energy savings that could result (several hundred million TOE between now and 2020 according to the European Commission) and in infrastructure investments required for developing a suitable policy (over 700 billion euros according to the same source).  In a policy document  entitled “Energy Strategy to 2020”, Russia has embraced this challenge as one of its major objectives. It also constitutes a key topic in energy discussions with the European Union. Extending the partnership in this field emerges as a jointly beneficial priority.
7.00 pm Reception 

Saturday, 3 December, 2011
9.00‐11.00 am Round table 5: Energy and Mediterranean cooperation For those who live on its shores, and in particular for Europeans, the Mediterranean is becoming the linchpin in energy security policy. Over 30% of Europe’s consumption has traditionally transited through the Mediterranean, and this role is set to develop with increased gas imports from Central Asia and Russia, extensions to oil and gas pipeline networks in the zone, and growing methane traffic (Algerian, Libyan and Nigerian LNG heading for Europe). This evolution is of major importance to Russia; the country is not only a keen observer, but also a key player. Furthermore, the complementary nature of energy interests in the South with its exports, and in the North as a natural client out of necessity, opens avenues for cooperation in line with global tendencies towards energy diversification. Projects such as “Désertec” (for the mass production of solar energy in the Sahara), and “Transgreen”, now called “Medgrid” (to carry that solar energy to Europe via the Mediterranean), are part of the Union for the Mediterranean’s “Solar Plan”.
11.00‐12.30 am Summary of debates. Conclusions.