Research
Towards a low-carbon energy sector
EU Policy and Energy Transition
Energy policy has long been a topic of EU policy discussions. In January 2007 the EU took a new step in energy policy with its long-awaited "Energy Policy Package" in which, for the first time, the EU presented an approach to balancing the overall energy policy targets of affordability, reliability and climate change mitigation. However, national interests make it difficult for the EU to speak with one voice regarding energy. Also, an overall vision on how to achieve a long-term energy transition within the EU is still lacking. It is also unclear as to what external strategy the EU will follow in order to stimulate other countries to participate in this transition. The aim of this research is therefore to examine what should be included in feasible political strategies for an energy transition in the EU, both internally and externally.
The main questions to be addressed in this theme include:
- What are likely to be successful international political strategies for the EU towards a long-term energy transition?
- How can internal conflicts of interest between member states regarding a transition towards a low-carbon energy sector be resolved?