The EU has identified three objectives for its energy strategy: competitiveness, sustainability and security. In recent years, significant steps have been taken to come to a common European energy policy with an integrated energy market, but energy markets currently remain largely separated. At the same time, Europe is highly dependent on imported energy. This is projected to increase in the future. Furthermore, the EU set itself the goal of deriving 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
What is the EU’s strategy to fulfill its triple objectives? Why is energy a common European interest and not a national matter? What will be the effect of the need to secure Europe’s energy supply on its external relations? Which countries is the EU pursuing agreements with in order to be less dependent on Russia? And what is the role for sustainable energy in diversifying the EU’s energy sources?
Workshop conducted by Peter Pozsgai (European Commission)
Background media:
EU energy strategy until 2020 (pdf)
EU energy infrastructure (pdf)
EU external energy policy: “Engaging with partners beyond our borders” (pdf)