View source for Energy policy of the European Union

== Introduction ==

The energy policy of the European Union (EU) is a complex and multifaceted framework designed to ensure the secure, sustainable, and competitive supply of energy across its member states. This policy encompasses a wide range of issues, including energy security, market integration, environmental sustainability, and innovation. The EU's energy policy aims to address the challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and the need for economic growth, while also promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

== Historical Context ==

The evolution of the EU's energy policy can be traced back to the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, which laid the groundwork for cooperation in energy matters. Over the decades, the EU has progressively developed its energy policy, responding to various crises and challenges. The oil crises of the 1970s highlighted the vulnerability of the EU's energy supply, prompting efforts to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security. The establishment of the internal energy market in the 1990s marked a significant milestone in the EU's energy policy, promoting competition and integration across member states.

== Energy Security ==

Energy security is a cornerstone of the EU's energy policy, focusing on ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy. The EU has implemented several measures to enhance energy security, including the diversification of energy sources and supply routes, the development of strategic energy infrastructure, and the establishment of emergency response mechanisms. The [[Energy Union]] strategy, launched in 2015, aims to strengthen energy security by promoting energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy, and enhancing cross-border energy cooperation.

== Market Integration ==

The integration of the EU's energy market is a key objective of its energy policy, aimed at creating a single, competitive energy market across member states. The EU has implemented a series of legislative packages to facilitate market integration, including the [[Third Energy Package]], which focuses on unbundling energy supply and generation activities, enhancing regulatory oversight, and promoting cross-border cooperation. The establishment of the [[European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)]] and the [[European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G)]] has further facilitated market integration by coordinating the operation of energy networks across the EU.

== Environmental Sustainability ==

Environmental sustainability is a central pillar of the EU's energy policy, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change and promoting a low-carbon economy. The EU has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. The [[European Green Deal]], launched in 2019, aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, with a comprehensive set of measures to decarbonize the energy sector, promote sustainable transport, and enhance energy efficiency.

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== Innovation and Research ==

Innovation and research are critical components of the EU's energy policy, driving the development and deployment of new technologies to support the transition to a sustainable energy system. The EU has established several funding programs to support energy research and innovation, including the [[Horizon Europe]] program, which provides funding for research and innovation projects in areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, and smart grids. The [[Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan)]] outlines the EU's priorities for energy research and innovation, focusing on accelerating the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies.

== Challenges and Future Directions ==

The EU's energy policy faces several challenges, including geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and the need for economic growth. The EU must navigate these challenges while maintaining its commitment to energy security, market integration, and environmental sustainability. The ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring significant investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure. The EU's energy policy will continue to evolve in response to these challenges, with a focus on achieving a sustainable, secure, and competitive energy system.

== See Also ==

* [[European Green Deal]]
* [[Energy Union]]
* [[Third Energy Package]]

[[Category:Energy policy of the European Union]]
[[Category:European Union]]
[[Category:Energy policy]]