; (2) to promote the energy security of allies and partners of the United States by encouraging the development of accessible, transparent, and competitive energy markets that provide diversified sources, types, and routes of energy; (3) to encourage United States public and private sector investment in European energy infrastructure projects to bridge the gap between energy security requirements and commercial demand in a way that is consistent with the region’s absorptive capacity; and (4) to help facilitate the export of United States energy resources, technology, and expertise to global markets in a way that benefits the energy security of allies and partners of the United States, including in Central and Eastern Europe. 4. Prioritization of efforts and assistance for energy infrastructure projects in Central and Eastern Europe (a) In general In pursuing the policy described in section 3, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of United States agencies that operate under the policy guidance of the Secretary, shall, as appropriate, prioritize and expedite the efforts of the Department of State and those agencies in supporting the efforts of the European Commission and the governments of Central and Eastern European countries to increase their energy security, including through— (1) providing diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and those governments, as necessary— (A) to facilitate international negotiations concerning cross-border infrastructure; (B) to enhance Europe’s regulatory environment with respect to energy; and (C) to develop accessible, transparent, and competitive energy markets supplied by diverse sources, types, and routes of energy; and (2) providing support to improve European energy markets, including early-stage project support and late-stage project support for the construction or improvement of energy infrastructure, as necessary— (A) to diversify the energy sources and supply routes of Central and Eastern European countries