- The Writer holdsÌýan MSc in Eurasian Political Economy & EnergyÌýfrom King’s College London andÌýalso anÌýMA in European Studies from Sabancı University.
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The Europeanization of energy policies are seen as key to solving Europe’s energy problems. Rising energy prices in recent years and over dependence on particular energy sources have jeopardized the entire European economy and its competitiveness in the global economy. Additionally, the world is facing immense climate change challenges and fighting against these will require solid and strong cooperation between nations.
The Energy Commission stated that in the coming years Europe will need �1 trillion to repair its old energy infrastructure and install new capacities to cope with rising energy demand. Therefore, in order to meet the challenges that the energy field poses today, the European Union has come up with the 2020 strategy. The target, Energy 2020 - A Strategy for Competitive, Sustainable and Secure Energy - has set an ambitious and robust strategy that aims to set rules for an integrated European energy market.
In 2007, the European Council adopted a very assertive and ambitious target for 2020,
- Reducing greenhouse gas emission by 20 percent compared to 1990 levels,
- Increasing renewable energy in total energy consumption by 20 percent,
- Improving energy efficiency levels by 20 percent up to 2020.
The Energy 2020 strategy is based on five priorities;
- Achieving an energy-efficient Europe,
- Building a truly pan-European integrated energy market,
- Empowering consumers and achieving the highest level of safety and security,
- Extending Europe’s leadership in energy technology and innovation,
- Strengthening the external dimension of the EU energy market.
Once the above-mentioned targets are met by the year 2020, all EU citizens will benefit from mode affordable, secure energy with low levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the creation of alternative sources of energy and investment in technological innovation in the energy field will enhance the EU’s hand in coping with its energy challenges.
According to Eurostat’s latest data in 2016, out of 28 members of the EU, 9 member states -- Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Finland and Sweden -- have been able to achieve their renewables targets set by the EU 20-20-20 strategy.
France, the Netherlands, Ireland, U.K. and Belgium were the least performing countries that were unable to achieve this goal � surprising considering they represent advanced EU economies.
The European Environment Agency’s 2015 report highlighted that 20 EU States, excluding France, Germany, Belgium, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Malta and the Netherlands, are on track to accomplish their energy efficiency targets. A total of 13 member states have achieved the three areas of the 20-20-20 targets.
The EU came a long way towards creating an energy policy that could be achievable, but the EU still remains fragmented due to member state divisions on different economic and political interests. However, the establishment of an internal energy market, combating climate change and developing security of energy supplies has become a common energy goal that all member states have agreed on. Additionally, the liberalization of energy markets as well as improvements to energy grids and infrastructure have also become a priority within member states to increase their competitiveness, which in turn aims to reduce energy bills of ordinary European citizens.
It is only through an EU integrated and common energy policy can such formidable challenges be achieved. The renovation of obsolete energy infrastructure and systems, innovation in energy technology and the generation of energy through renewables requires tremendous financial allocations. Hence, without all of Europe’s cooperation, public funds cannot be channeled towards achieving these goals. It has become evident that competitive, sustainable and secure energy can only be guaranteed through a genuine common European energy policy and the solution, therefore, lies in the hands of member states.
- Opinions expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu Agency's editorial policy.Ìý