EU Energy Plan faces two-year uphill battle

Significance

The proposals are the latest in a long line of attempts to establish a more integrated approach to energy policy within the EU and greater coordination of energy diplomacy with the rest of the world. The latest scheme, conceived against the background of deteriorating relations with Russia and amid fears for the bloc's energy security, originated in calls from former Polish Prime Minister (now President of the European Council) Donald Tusk for the EU to act collectively to boost its indigenous energy resources and negotiate collectively with energy exporters.

Impacts

• The Energy Union could help to enhance EU energy policy and diplomacy but stops well short of centralising energy policy decisions.
• It is unclear how far member states will be willing to delegate responsibilities in areas such as market regulation and energy diplomacy.
• It is uncertain how far the Commission will be prepared to use enforcement powers where member states fail to meet existing commitments.