36 research outputs found
Nord Stream II-testing EU and credibility. EPC Commentary, 16 December 2015
In September 2015, Gazprom and major European energy companies (Germany's E.ON and BASF/Wintershall,
Austria's OMV, France’s ENGIE and Royal Dutch Shell) signed an agreement to double the Nord Stream gas pipeline’s
capacity by 2019. The plan is to transport up to 55 billion additional cubic metres of gas a year to Germany through the
Baltic Sea, bypassing Ukraine and other Central-Eastern European countries
Better use of resources is the means to growth, prosperity and welfare - but will the EU jump on the opportunity? EPC Commentary, 25 September 2014
As the new European Commission steps in and looks for ways to promote growth and competitiveness, its success will depend on what emphasis will be given to creating a more sustainable European economy. What will determine the EU’s competitiveness and comparative advantage on a global scene is how well we will respond to the ongoing economic and ecological crises – which are intertwined and reinforce each other. The big question is what emphasis will the new Commission and the EU as a whole give to promoting sustainable and greener growth, based on good management of natural resources and biodiversity, smarter use of resources and mitigating climate change
Nord Stream II - yes or no? - Political decision of a political Commission. EPC Commentary, 14 June 2016
When the new European Commission started work in autumn 2014, the president of the Commission took great pride in calling it a ‘political Commission’, which will be big on big things and small on small. Whilst the EU is currently dealing with many crises, reality is that things do not come much bigger than Nord Stream II. Will this be a political Commission that stands by its principles, including respect for liberty, democracy, the rule of law and human rights? Will this Commission have the backbone to politically assess a project that threatens EU unity and its core values, undermines the Union’s commonly agreed commitment to building an Energy Union and facilitates Russia’s aggression against Ukraine? President Juncker’s controversial visit to Russia and meeting with President Putin on 16-17 June is a test-case: will this Commission be ready to defend its commitments and principles when discussing ‘economic issues’
Germany's energy transition: making it deliver. EPC Discussion Paper, 9 October 2017
Germany has taken great pride in spearheading a shift to a greener economy. Its Energiewende (energy transition)
has received international attention because of the ambitious effort to increase the share of renewables in the energy
mix and some have gone as far as portraying it as a model for building a renewable future. The story, however, comes
with its shades of grey. While both the vision and the objectives are commendable, the implementation has been
mixed. While many of the challenges that have arisen have been acknowledged by the government, Germany's
experience is an invaluable source of lessons for the country itself and the EU as a whole. The German example
reminds how important it is for countries to have a comprehensive vision for a sustainable energy system from the
start and an all-inclusive strategy for its achievement, which are in line with the EU objectives and implemented in
coordination with other member states
The next EU budget: firmly rooted in the past? EPC Commentary 7 May 2018
An enormous political battle has just begun in the European Union (EU). On 2 May, the European Commission presented its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU budget, for the period 2021-27. This kicked off a lengthy and complex negotiation process. Throughout 2018 and 2019, probably even beyond, we can expect a discussion on the highest political level, involving the European Parliament and the member states, about the priorities and direction for the EU. As before, this will likely turn into horse-trading whereby competing interests are translated into actual figures – at the cost of the agreed grand objectives
Energy and climate - What is the new European Commission thinking? EPC Commentary, 30 September 2014
A visible change of priorities and re-structuring of portfolios in the new European Commission have raised questions about related policy implications especially for climate and energy policies. On the one hand, it is seen that the new structure with Vice Presidents as team leaders for groups of Commissioners could encourage much needed policy coordination between policy areas, such as climate and energy policies. At the same time there are questions over what this could mean for political priorities, to what extent the Vice Presidents will be able to guide policy-making and how responsibilities will be divided. No matter what the structure of the Commission, it is in the EU’s interest to ensure that its climate and energy policies form a framework for action that helps to reduce global emissions, fight climate change locally and globally, secure energy supplies, promote wider socio-economic interests and increase competitiveness – all at the same time
EU’s quest for energy security. What role for the Energy Union? EPC Policy Brief, 3 March 2015
From the Introduction. The past year 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-Ã -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
Value of health - too often ignored and forgotten by EU policy-makers? EPC Commentary, 29 September 2014
Whether on national or European level, policy-makers tend to under-value health, healthy society, and healthy citizens in policy-making. As the European Commission continue to ponder how questions related to health should be reflected in EU policy-making and what role it should take, there are three issues to keep in mind: 1) there is a need to recognise health as a value, 2) health should be considered across policies, 3) the EU has the tools to promote a healthier European society
Europe’s energy security – is the Energy Union the answer? EPC Commentary
From the Introduction. The EU has seen a renewed interest in strengthening its common energy policy and promoting energy security. The greatest trigger has been Russia’s unpredictable, aggressive behaviour in Ukraine in the past year. Lack of trust in a long-standing economic partner and concerns about relying on a trade partner that does not adhere to international norms have left their mark
Nord Stream II – Another test for EU unity. EPC Commentary, 9 October 2015
In September 2015, Gazprom and major European energy companies (Germany's E.ON and BASF/Wintershall, Austria's
OMV, France’s ENGIE and Royal Dutch Shell) signed an agreement to double the Nord Stream gas pipeline’s capacity by
2019. The plan is to transport up to 55 billion additional cubic meters of gas a year to Germany through the Baltic Sea,
bypassing Ukraine and other Central-Eastern European countries