Powering Forward Initiative

The Powering Forward Initiative explores Europe's evolving role as an economic and geopolitical actor at the intersection of energy, security, and technology.

About the Initiative

The Powering Forward Initiative will conduct in-depth analyses of Europe’s future direction, with a focus on energy, the intersection of power and digital sectors, security of supply, and connectivity in a transatlantic context.

This initiative is supported by PPC Group and is jointly led by the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program, in partnership with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, which will lead the initiative's activities in Europe.

Meet the Team

Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Joseph Majkut CSIS

Joseph Majkut

Director, Energy Security and Climate Change Program
Otto Svendsen

Otto Svendsen

Associate Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Lexi Linafelter

Lexi Linafelter

Program Coordinator and Research Assistant, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program

Featured Analysis

Photo: mino21 via Adobe Stock

Strategic Drivers and Challenges of Integrating the European and Mediterranean Electric Grids

As Europe seeks energy security and decarbonization, Mediterranean grid integration offers a strategic path by increasing resilience, unlocking renewables, and redrawing the geopolitical energy map.

Report by Joseph Majkut, Leslie Abrahams, and Max Bergmann — July 1, 2025

Energy Security

Power Plays: Europe’s Response to the Energy Crisis
Listen to Audio Brief

Report by CSIS Scholars — September 3, 2024

Europe Needs Bold Economic Action in the Face of the Iran Shock

Commentary by Max Bergmann and Federico Steinberg — March 27, 2026

Photo: GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images
Undercharged: Energy, Climate, and the Evolving Transatlantic Relationship

Energy and climate policy will likely be a major source of tension in the transatlantic relationship. But forging a joint approach to cleantech manufacturing can ensure mutual energy security, economic competitiveness, and international strength.

Wartime Energy

The Iran War and European Energy | The High Top

Featured Events

Featured Videos

Burden Sharing vs. Burden Shifting | The High Top

Who Is Paying for the Iran War? | The High Top

Why Greenland Matters: Arctic Security and NATO Alliance

Fuel Shock from the Iran War? | The High Top

Tech Edge: Speed to Scale for America's Tech Advantage

Photo: Cyril Gosselin/Getty Images

Powering Forward Initiative at GMF

The initiative is jointly led by the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program, in partnership with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, which will lead the initiative's activities in Europe.

Learn More
Photo: Ioana Epure/Bloomberg/Getty Images

PPC Group

The Powering Forward Initiative is made possible through the generous support of the PPC Group. PPC is a leading Powertech Group in Central and Southeastern Europe that is engaged in Greece and the wider region’s energy and digital transition through strategic investments in energy and technology infrastructure.

Related Programs

All Powering Forward Initiative Content

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