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EU energy relations with the Western Balkans
The six countries that make up the region known as the Western Balkans differ in terms of size, population, economy, energy mix and energy import dependency. At the same time, they share common elements because of their geographical proximity, and – in some cases – common policies adopted in the past. An example is their ageing infrastructure dating back to the 1970s, which was damaged during the conflicts in former Yugoslavia. Another common element (except for Albania) is their reliance on solid ...
EU energy partnerships: United States
The energy system is a cornerstone of the United States (US) economy and competitiveness. The country's energy mix in 2022 was well-diversified, consisting of two thirds natural gas and oil, with the rest almost equal proportions of coal, nuclear and renewables. By using its vast reserves in fossil fuels and applying new extraction technologies, the US has managed to increase its fossil fuel production significantly over the past 10 years and, since 2019, it has become a net energy exporter for the ...
Malta's climate action strategy
Malta is legally bound to reach climate neutrality by 2050. In 2023, the country accounted for around 0.1 % of the EU's net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 20.7 % compared with 2005 (see trajectory in Figure 1). In 2023, emissions from sectors covered by the effort-sharing legislation increased by 32.3 % since 2005, and were significantly above those from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which were down 59.8 % over the same period. Malta's ...
Accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities in the EU
Russia's war in Ukraine led the EU to take measures for its energy security. Three years later, the results are positive, but more can be done to further lower reliance on Russian fossil fuels and nuclear energy in the EU. The Commission is due to make a statement on the issue during the March plenary session.
Shaping choices: Behavioural taxation in the EU
Behavioural taxes, such as those levied on tobacco, alcohol, and fossil fuels, serve as instruments to influence consumer behaviour, as well as to collect revenue. By levying these taxes, governments seek to discourage the consumption of products that contribute to (significant) negative externalities, such as health costs or climate change. However, the design and implementation of such taxes can be quite complex, with volatile revenue collection. Additionally, public acceptance and consumer responses ...
What if electrification transformed the EU economy?
Electrification is the process of replacing technologies and systems that rely on fossil fuels with those powered by electricity, often sourced from renewable energy. Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness ...
What if the EU were energy independent?
The European Union (EU) can aspire to achieve energy independence through the deployment of existing and emerging technologies. Electrification, renewables and energy storage could reduce the EU's reliance on conventional fossil fuels. What are the developments, expectations, concerns and societal implications associated with these technologies? And what initiatives and policies could lead to a resilient EU energy system, through anticipating impacts?
CO2 emissions of new cars and vans
Road transport is responsible for almost a fifth of the EU's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The revision of the regulation on CO2 emission limits for new cars and vans under the 'fit for 55' package ensures an increasingly higher share of clean vehicles on European roads. All new cars registered after 2035 must be zero-emission vehicles. The new Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) meanwhile provides for roll out of the necessary recharging points.
EU withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty
On 7 July 2023, the European Commission published a proposal for a Council decision on the withdrawal of the Union from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) – a multilateral agreement that regulates energy investment. This comes after a previous proposal to modernise the ECT did not gather the required majority among Member States. The lack of an EU position de facto blocks the ECT modernisation process. Due to many concerns over the protection of fossil fuel investements and amid the lack of prospects ...
Energy transition in the EU
Energy is central to the European Union's transition towards climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the European Green Deal. As the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU), the energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation on the path to a net-zero economy. The shift to a more sustainable energy system entails switching from fossil fuels to low-carbon and renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in products, industry and buildings, and creating ...