Powering CEE: Competing Visions for the Region’s Energy Future

The October 2026 edition of the PRINCEPS Executive Club took place in Warsaw, focusing on the strategic choices shaping the future of energy in Central and Eastern Europe. Organised by the PRINCEPS Risk Intelligence Institute in cooperation with Central European University (CEU) and Klub Jagielloński, the event brought together experts and practitioners to discuss energy security, economic competitiveness, and the geopolitical challenges influencing the region’s energy policies.

The panel featured Wanda Buk, adviser to the President of Poland and expert at the Sobieski Institute, and Joanna Pandera, PhD, President of Forum Energii. The discussion was moderated by Filip J. Scherf.

Discussion

The conversation examined the competing priorities shaping energy policy across Central and Eastern Europe, particularly the need to balance security of supply, economic competitiveness, and the transition towards a more diversified energy mix.

Particular attention was given to the respective roles of conventional and renewable energy sources, as well as the geopolitical pressures influencing long-term energy strategies. The discussion explored the broader implications of these choices for the region’s economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and position within the European energy landscape.