In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and low-emission transport fuels in Eastern Europe, the International Energy Agency (IEA) recently organized a two-day policy forum in Tbilisi, Georgia. The event, held as part of the broader EU4Energy Programme, brought together key stakeholders and experts to discuss sustainable transport policies for the five Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The forum, attended by representatives from these five countries, facilitated discussions among leading voices from government, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Addressing the gathering, Omar Tsereteli, the Deputy Head of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policy and Sustainable Development at the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, underscored the significance of international cooperation in expediting clean energy transitions.
The focus of the forum was on exchanging tools and experiences to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles and low-emission transport fuels. Given the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions for the energy sector by mid-century, the IEA emphasized the need for a 25% reduction in global transport emissions by 2030, necessitating policies that promote less carbon-intensive travel options and the utilization of energy-efficient technologies like electric cars and trucks.
One of the crucial aspects highlighted during the event was the importance of national and municipal approaches to enhance the sustainability of regional transportation. The discussions also delved into mechanisms for funding sustainable transport projects, reflecting the commitment of the EU4Energy Programme to support comprehensive and effective solutions.
The forum featured insightful panels with speakers from prominent organizations such as the OECD, the Global Environment Facility, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Council on Clean Transport. These panels discussed strategies for Eastern European partner countries to tap into international green financing opportunities. Another panel brought together representatives from key urban centers in the region and businesses specializing in electric mobility solutions, shedding light on upcoming policy priorities.
Given the EU4Energy Programme’s emphasis on integrating energy data into policymaking, statisticians from all five Eastern Partnership countries actively participated in the sessions. Presenters highlighted the role of data in informing policies crucial for achieving decarbonization goals in the transport sector. The event showcased a collective commitment to shaping a sustainable and environmentally conscious future for transportation in Eastern Europe.
