Diverse group of students kicks off 8th Energy Community Summer School in the Republic of Moldova

Today, 46 students from 26 countries are participating in the 8th edition of the Energy Community Summer School. Representing diverse cultural and professional backgrounds in the energy sector, they embark on a comprehensive and intensive week of learning focused on energy, decarbonisation, and geopolitics.

This year’s event, hosted by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, is held at the Technical University of Moldova in Chisinau. Most participants come from across the Contracting Parties of the Energy Community and the European Union (EU), but also from Armenia, Canada, Turkey, and the UK.

This event is not only a remarkable learning experience but also an invaluable opportunity to forge long-term connections, exchange ideas, and network while gaining insights into the host country's unique attributes.

The week was structured with a unique focus for each day: Welcome Saturday, Social Sunday, Technical Monday, Economic Tuesday, Political Wednesday, Legal Thursday, Sustainable Friday, and Farewell Saturday.

Following a warm welcome on Saturday from representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, the Energy Community Secretariat and the event sponsors, the participants delved into Moldova’s rich and long-standing wine-making tradition with visits to the impressive Mimi Castle grounds and one of the world’s largest wine cellars at Milestii Mici on Sunday.

Constantin Borostan, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova and a participant in the 2018 edition of the Energy Community Summer School, shared his experience as a student:

"The most valuable takeaway has been the network of diverse young energy experts with whom I continue to exchange ideas on energy matters, and with whom I have formed lasting friendships. The intensive program offers a comprehensive view of the dynamic energy sector, with a well-structured curriculum and top-notch speakers."

“We are proud to host this summer school in Moldova, showcasing our country and culture,” he added.

Adrian Jasimi, who is the Summer School Coordinator ever since its first edition, and an oil expert at the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna, is eager to create a memorable experience for the participants each year, after he was closely involved in the rigorous selection process of both students and speakers.

"This school is an opportunity to deepen knowledge about the energy sector and support students' careers in this field. I am truly happy if they learn something new and make lasting friendships.”

The Energy Community Secretariat organised this year’s edition in cooperation with the Visegrad Fund and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung-Dialogue South-East Europe, the Ministry of Energy of  the Republic of Moldova and the Technical University of Moldova. Other partners include USAID, UNDP and Agence Française de Développement. 

The Polis University, Tirana, Comenius University, Bratislava, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Masaryk University, Brno; and the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK) in Budapest, have been project partners since the Summer School's first edition in 2016.

The Energy Community Summer School is the brainchild of Dirk Buschle, the Secretariat’s Deputy Director and Dean of the School. An interview with Mr. Buschle will be featured next week.