Between Different National Preferences and Conflicting Policy Objectives: The Difficulties in Establishing a Common European Energy Policy

Abstract

In view of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the global climate emergency, a strengthening of the common energy policy of the European Union (EU) seems more urgent than ever. Already in the decades before, the EU had repeatedly announced ambitious objectives to provide secure, competitive, and sustainable energy to businesses and consumers. To date, however, it often falls short of meeting such objectives. This article scrutinizes the main obstacles in the definition and realization of a common energy policy. It argues that two key factors—different national preferences and conflicting policy objectives—account for the difficulties. The article, relying on a careful assessment of primary documents like European Council conclusions and communications by the European Commission, documents the relevance of these two factors and how they have played out over the past 50 years of European energy policy.