EFI hosted the two-day workshop in partnership with Ukrainian Strategy XXI with support from NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division, SPS Programme. Event featured key speakers from major regional and U.S. think-tanks (PISM, OSW, Pulaski Foundation, RAND Corporation), NATO and its departments and military including Polish MoD representatives or retired Lt. Generals. The energy market business representatives placed a significant emphasis on military mobility and fuel infrastructure in the context of the ongoing energy transition. The event delved into the challenges and strategies for integrating civilian and military logistics systems, particularly focusing on the crucial role of civilian infrastructure in supporting military operations, notably in oil supply and fuel infrastructure. Discussions highlighted NATO's dependency on civilian supply chains and the strategic importance of diversifying and strengthening fuel infrastructure in Europe to ensure resilience and adaptability in various conflict scenarios. The conference also explored the impact of global crises on gas supply strategies and the need for a forward-looking approach to inform industry decisions during the energy transition. The synergy between NATO and the EU, the implications of green technology in military contexts, and the evolving perception of energy security among businesses were key topics, underlining the need for a collaborative and comprehensive approach to address the intertwined challenges of military mobility, fuel logistics, and infrastructure development in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The event has discussed a number of issues related to military mobility as well as security of NATO’s eastern flank:

Energy Security and Military Logistics

• Workshops highlighted the civilian infrastructure’s crucial role in oil supply, changes in crude delivery. It’s clear that there is a strong need for platform/facilitator which main objective would be to create dialogue, and further synergy between civilian market and military needs.
• Discussed NATO's clear dependence on civilian supply chains, the need for resilient energy supply, and a comprehensive government approach. In peacetime, NATO is just a customer with moderate consumption rates but at war, it becomes a “hungry beast” that has almost unlimited needs. Alliance should ensure strong fuel infrastructure in Europe with a focus on diversification of supply
• Explored the evolving perception of energy security among businesses and the repercussions of global crises on gas supply strategies. It is clear that the long-term vision needs to be implanted to inform industry’s decisions to steer themselves through energy transition times.

Technology’s role on the battlefield:

• Workshops concentrated on the role of technology in enhancing military mobility and infrastructure, with a forward-looking perspective on challenges and strategies.
• Pointed out NATO's preference for strong military capabilities over green technology, but it was acknowledged the increasing relevance of green energy and sustainable technology in strengthening military power and capabilities.

EU and NATO Synergy

• Workshops investigated the developing synergy between the EU and NATO in military mobility, infrastructure, and technology integration.
• Addressed the need for changing political mindsets regarding the Russian threat and the importance of societal resilience in that context. As Russian threat is universal to both organisations it makes in clear that synergy between EU and NATO would make both alliances more resilient to Russian threat in all dimensions

Civilian-Military Cooperation and NATO’s Strategic Role:

• Workshops underlined that Alliance’s MODs need to involve business in the strategic dialogue to involve their voice in long term planning.
• Emphasized the critical need for integrating civilian and military logistics systems, especially within NATO’s operational context.
• Discussed NATO's role in bolstering energy and infrastructure resilience, incorporating these elements into its long-term defense planning.
  

Challenges in Military Mobility during Energy Transition:

• Addressed the challenges of sustaining military mobility amidst the energy transition, including adapting infrastructure for emerging energy sources like hydrogen and ammonia.
• Explored the implications of the energy transition on military logistics, highlighting the necessity for strategic infrastructure planning and the potential for diversifying energy sources.

Logistical Challenges and Innovative Solutions:

• Delved into the complex logistical demands of modern warfare, focusing on fuel supply, storage capabilities, and transportation infrastructure.
• Explored how civilian and military logistics needs intersect, considering NATO's unique requirements and the importance of resilient and diversified supply chains.
• Discussed implications from the war in Ukraine that has shown the return of massive armies with a lot of troops and supported by heavy combat forces. It also showed a different reality from what was expected, with a focus on the importance of tanks and other heavy vehicles support in battle.
  

Poland’s Military Modernization and Infrastructure Development:

• Discussed Poland’s modernization efforts in its military sector, focusing on the challenges in forming new divisions and the complexities in tank training and deployment.
• Reflected on the lessons from Ukraine, emphasizing the need to rethink army structures for modern warfare, including battalion autonomy and combined arms battalions.
• Provided an in-depth analysis of Poland's capabilities in tank warfare, the preparation of logistics for large-scale military movements, and the challenges of maintaining military mobility in potential conflict scenarios.

Russian Military Tactics and Poland’s Strategic Response:

• Offered insights into Russian military strategies and emphasized the necessity for Poland and its allies to develop strategic preparedness in response.
• Highlighted Poland's need for logistical independence, particularly in terms of key military supplies like tank parts and ammunition.