On March 11, the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the selection of Maria Van der Hoeven, the former Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, as the next IEA Executive Director. Ms. Van der Hoeven will succeed Nobuo Tanaka effective September 1, 2011. The Department thanks Mr. Tanaka for his service and offers its congratulations to Ms. Van der Hoeven.
The impact of recent events in the Middle East and North Africa on global energy markets highlights the important role of the IEA in global energy security and in monitoring energy markets, data, and trends. The IEA provides a critical mechanism for coordinated international response among 28 member countries to oil market emergencies. In recent years, the IEA has also expanded its role to helping member countries and international fora understand the global opportunities for transitioning to low-carbon, 21st-century energy systems.
