The second edition of the "Sustainable Horizons: Navigating NATO’s Energy Transition and Future Strategies" workshop, held on October 23-24, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland, brought together key voices from NATO, the EU, and major regional and US think tanks. Hosted by the Emerging Futures Institute (EFI) in partnership with NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPSS), the event focused on advancing innovative strategies to align defense priorities with the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape, ensuring NATO's resilience amid growing global challenges.

The 2024 edition of the workshop, hosted by EFI, the Strategy XXI Centre for Global Studies, and NATO’s SPSS, underscored the dual imperative of enhancing security while advancing the energy transition. Featuring speakers from NATO, the Polish Ministry of Defense, RAND Corporation, PISM, and the Atlantic Council, the event provided a forum to address critical issues through collaborative dialogue.

Over two days, expert panels and discussions emphasized NATO's supportive role in fostering innovation, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing energy resilience. The event highlighted the need for a strategic balance between defense imperatives and climate goals, particularly in the context of geopolitical challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and global energy dependencies.

Key Themes and Discussions:

1. NATO’s Role in Energy Transition:
   NATO’s role as a supporter, rather than a leader, in energy transformation was a key focus. Discussions highlighted the need to protect critical infrastructure, foster civil-military collaboration, and develop standards that enhance interoperability and resilience. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining defense capabilities while addressing climate imperatives.

2. NATO-EU Synergy:
   The workshop explored opportunities for deeper NATO-EU cooperation, identifying synergies between NATO’s security-focused priorities and the EU’s green energy initiatives. Recommendations included a balanced approach to energy transition that preserves NATO’s operational readiness while reducing dependence on vulnerable supply chains.

3. Technological Innovation and Security:
   Panels spotlighted the importance of initiatives like DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund in driving defense-related technological advancements. Discussions called for increased investment in dual-use technologies, improved collaboration between research and military sectors, and greater support for startups to bolster NATO’s technological edge.

4. Lessons from Ukraine:
   Insights from Ukraine’s military experience highlighted the resilience of decentralized energy systems, the strategic importance of robust fuel supply chains, and the need for investments in redundant infrastructure and mobile energy solutions to ensure continuity during conflicts.

5. Actionable Steps for NATO and the EU:
   Closing sessions emphasized the need for political momentum to harmonize NATO and EU strategies. Key recommendations included adapting regulations to defense sector needs, countering disinformation, and fostering public awareness about the critical role of energy security in defense.

The workshop concluded with a call for cohesive strategies that align military and civilian energy needs. By fostering innovation, supporting infrastructure modernization, and enhancing international cooperation, NATO and its partners aim to navigate the complexities of the energy transition while ensuring global security and operational readiness.