The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is meeting on July 6 to talk about energy security in Europe. I have looked at the agenda but don't see telltale signs such as the words transparency or accountability anywhere in sight. I would think that the US and Kazakhstan both of which are involved closely with establishing the international standard for transparency in the extractives sector would raise this issue. It's not only important that Kazakhstan do this as they are both preparing for validation as an implementing country but also as the incoming Chairman-in-Office of the 53-country institution. It is a reminder that the OSCE has not yet endorsed EITI while the EU and the OECD have done. This should be a priority for us to achieve with Kazakhstan in the lead role next year. Also transparency is vital to energy security as the EU and Ukraine recognized when they established this as a goal for their memorandum of understanding earlier this year.
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