The Energy Community Summer School: a catalyst for future energy leaders

Over 40 students from across Europe attended the 8th Energy Community Summer School in Moldova from 20-27 July, enjoying a mix of learning, networking, and fun. Chisinau, with its lush parks and laid-back summer vibe, enhanced the experience.

“Chisinau is a very pleasant experience, with modernisation and development in the air. The city and Moldova’s role in the Energy Community match the youthful spirit of our Summer School,” said Dirk Buschle, Deputy Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, speaking from the Technical University of Moldova, which hosted the event. Buschle, the founder of the school, praised Moldova's proactive alignment with EU energy standards.

Held previously in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Summer School thrives on diverse locations. “Each Contracting Party has its own unique energy story and culture, leaving a strong impression on participants,” he said.

The Summer School offers a comprehensive six-day curriculum on technical, economic, political, legal, and sustainability aspects of energy. Students also immerse themselves in the host country's culture. In Moldova, this included exploring the country’s rich wine tradition.

The school provides opportunities for students from various backgrounds to interact with each other and high-ranking energy leaders. This year, students exchanged views with Moldova's Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, who discussed Moldova’s energy transition and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Buschle recalled the school's inception after discussing the challenges of modernising outdated energy sectors with a colleague. The school’s success, he says, comes from selecting future energy leaders, diverse topics, esteemed speakers, and cultural immersion.

The Summer School has helped its alumni succeed in business, politics, and academia. Notable examples include Moldova's State Secretary for energy, Constantin Borosan, and the CEO of Albania's largest electricity company, OSHEE, Enea Karakaci.

Nato Beridze, a law master's student from Georgia studying in Scotland, is thrilled by the diversity of topics and students at the Summer School. She finds the working groups on energy trading and dispute resolution particularly engaging. Guided by experts with real-world experience, these sessions provided her with unique insights into practical industry scenarios.

Elvis Ndreka, a participant from Albania, said, “I was glad to meet my Moldovan and Serbian peers working for NGOs similar to mine. We’ll stay in touch.”

Buschle emphasised that the Summer School fosters discussions where the cultural gap between students, and students and lecturers is closing. "This programme brings people closer intellectually and socially. It shows what the Energy Community can be: a diverse group working towards common goals while enjoying the process."

Adrian Jasimi, an oil expert and the Summer School coordinator, is credited with the smooth organisation of the event each year.

The main partners of the Summer School project are the Visegrad Fund and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Dialogue Southeast Europe.

The Energy Community, which supports the accelerated integration of energy markets in the EU’s neighbouring countries, has nine Contracting Parties: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.