Former European Commission Director General for Energy, Mr Dominique Ristori, received the 2018 Energy Charter Award. It was presented by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, and Vice-Chair of the Energy Charter Conference Mr Ilir Bejtja alongside Energy Charter Secretary General Dr Urban Rusnák during the second annual launch of the Energy Investment Risk Assessment publication (EIRA) in Brussels. This award recognises the outstanding role of individuals in the development and advancement of the Energy Charter Process.

Mr Ristori received the award and proceeded to deliver the opening remarks for the EIRA launch, stating that “EIRA is in full development and we need it in the context of increasing international cooperation, regulatory frameworks and attracting investment”. 

Mr Ristori became Director-General of DG Energy In January 2014, and his support for the Energy Charter Process has continued throughout his career. More recently, Mr Ristori has advocated for the Modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty as a means of strengthening energy cooperation among European states and beyond.