The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and the Federation of European Tank Storage Associations (FETSA) hosted a NATO Future Fuels Closed-Door Workshop on 24 April 2025 in The Hague, The Netherlands.
For the first time in decades a full-scale war erupted on the European continent, which prompted European governments and NATO members to increase military spending. The rise of China and the shift of the United States strategic interest from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, Russia’s military threat, and conflicts in the Middle East point to the need for European militaries to strengthen operational readiness.
At the same time, European governments are setting carbon neutrality targets not only for their economies but also their militaries. As low-carbon fuels gain a more prominent role In the European economy, energy production, storage and transportation infrastructure are changing. Militaries are investing in reducing emissions as well, with NATO pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, yet fossil fuels remain the most reliable for militaries during conflict in the short-term.
For the first time, this workshop brought together representatives of the commercial and military infrastructure sectors to discuss the impact and risks of the changing global environment as well as commercial and military infrastructure needs. It featured short pitches from speakers that opened the room for discussion, debate and networking.
A report ‘Securing European Military Fuels in a Tense Security Environment: Supply, Distribution and Storage’ was also written by Ron Stoop, Irina Patrahau & Ciaran Cassidy and shared with participants in anticipation of the event. The report investigates the challenges to fuel logistics that NATO could face if forced into a large-scale conflict on its Eastern Flank. It finds that several core features of the European fuel supply system could emerge as serious constraints on military effectiveness and provides several recommendations to address these challenges.
Event Recap:
Welcome Word by Mr. Michel Rademaker; Deputy Director HCSS
Opening Remarks by Mr. Ravi Bhatiani; Executive Director FETSA
Scene Setting Presentation by Ms. Lucia van Geuns; HCSS Strategic Advisor Energy & Raw Materials
Keynote Speech by Mr. Marc Thoreson; Programme Manager, Central European Pipeline System
Round Table 1: European Infrastructure, Security Risks and Decarbonisation
Round Table 2: European Fuel Distribution and Storage in Peace and Wartime
Round Table 3: Challenges and Opportunities of Fuels in High-Intensity Armed Conflict
Closing Remarks: Take-Aways for the NATO Summit by Mr. Michel Rademaker; Deputy Director HCSS
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