REPower EU: Accelerating the energy transition and making the EU independent of Russian fossil fuels

Abstract

The Russian attack on Ukraine highlighted the European Union’s dependence on supplies of fossil energy sources, such as natural gas and oil, from the Russian Federation. The invasion, coupled with the preceding period of high energy prices (starting in autumn 2021), led to many member states shifting their focus from decarbonisation to energy security. However, the Commission’s immediate reaction in the form of the REPowerEU proposal from March 2022 focused on a broader range of responses to decrease the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels. These included diversifying fossil fuel suppliers, accelerating the energy transition, and reducing energy consumption. The panel invites contributors to examine these key elements of the REPowerEU Plan and their implementation in recent months. Contributions can focus on both the discursive construction of the Plan and on assessing policy planning and implementation by member states. How does REPowerEU build on earlier EU energy policy, and what are the main new developments and issues? What is the impact of the Plan on the EU’s external energy relations?

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