EU’s quest for energy security. What role for the Energy Union?

2014-15 has pushed energy security high on the EU agenda, and with it, the need for stronger cooperation on a common energy policy. For years the EU member states have been driven by different reasons to – or not to – collaborate. The internal energy market's economic benefits have not have not provided a sufficient driver for cooperation. The first climate and energy targets were an achievement, but in reality action has been undermined by concerns over competitiveness. Being a global leader in setting targets has not translated in cross-border collaboration in meeting them. National interests and bilateral energy deals have weakened EU's common voice vis-à-vis supplier countries. Whether the recognition of EU's energy vulnerability will become a real driver for creating an Energy Union worth its name remains to be seen. The need for action could not be stronger.

ESO: Key source: Energy Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/energy-union/

ESO: Background information: Energy Union: secure, sustainable, competitive, affordable energy for every European http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-energy-union-secure-sustainable-competitive-affordable-energy-for-every-european/

---