The Road to Energy Union

The chapter provides an in-depth overview of the slow elaboration of the energy policy of the European Union (EU). It examines the reasons why this policy was not favoured by the Member States until 2007, when they decided an “Energy Policy for Europe” based on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the promotion of renewables and of energy efficiency. Giving detailed examples, the chapter describes the main steps taken to create an internal energy market for gas and electricity, well interconnected and secure, and complemented by clear directions to promote renewable and energy efficiency. The chapter argues that the substantial progress made between 2007 and 2014 allows for a new phase called the Energy Union, which amounts to a qualitatively new step to equip the EU with a coordinated and holistic approach to energy and climate.