Energy security & markets
Beware of cheap oil!
07 October 2015
Europe’s economies welcome the collapse of oil prices. But serious foreign policy problems await if oil remains cheap.
Cleaning the neighbourhood: How the EU can scrub out bad energy policy
22 April 2015
The EU should not buy electricity from countries with highly-polluting coal power stations, and should instead support efficiency and clean energy in neighbouring countries.
The Commission’s energy union ‘strategy’: A rebranded work programme
27 February 2015
President Juncker promised that his Commission would be more political. But its 'energy union' strategy is too timid and bureaucratic, and lacks focus.
State aid for energy: Climate action is more important than the single market
23 February 2015
The Commission has handled the issue of state aid for nuclear energy well, but should use its powers to end coal subsidies.
Issue 99 - 2014
27 November 2014
- Ukraine after the elections: Democracy and the barrel of a gun, Ian Bond
- What should an energy union cover?, Nick Butler
- Free movement: Why Britain does not need to change the rules, Camino Mortera-Martinez
What should an energy union cover?
27 November 2014
Energy union should result in a connected European energy market, not a single buyer for imported gas.
International climate negotiations should focus on money, not targets
17 September 2014
The G20 should implement its 2009 pledge to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and give the money instead to the Green Climate Fund.
Russia's gas deal with China: Business is business
25 June 2014
Russia's gas deal with China helps Beijing more than Moscow. It should also encourage the EU to reduce its energy dependence on Russia.
The EU and Russia: Uncommon spaces
16 April 2014
The House of Lords has published a report on the EU and Russia, incorporating recommendations from this 2014 policy brief - a good guide to a troubled relationship.
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
How to reduce dependence on Russian gas
10 April 2014
Europe should improve energy efficiency, develop all alternative gas sources, and expand renewable, CCS and nuclear energy. The foreign policy advantages would justify the cost.
Gas on troubled waters?
13 January 2014
Cyprus must find a way to export its natural gas. A grand bargain with Israel and Turkey would improve politics in the region and benefit Europe.
Can shale gas transform Europe's energy landscape?
10 July 2013
Shale gas could slow the increase in Europe's dependence on imported gas. But it will not be the game changer it has been in the US.
EU energy: Decarbonisation and economic competitiveness
07 May 2013
House of Lords
Energy is central to climate change mitigation. Over three quarters of the EU-27’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the production and use of energy. Energy is also central to the economy, fuelling industry and providing substantial employment.
Why Europe should change its approach to Azerbaijan
25 March 2013
The EU has relied on oil and gas from Azerbaijan to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies since the beginning of the century.
Issue 89 - 2013
25 March 2013
- It's the politics, stupid!, Simon Tilford
- Central and East European migrants are a boon for Britain, John Springford
- Why Europe should change its approach to Azerbaijan, Rem Korteweg
The EU and energy security
15 March 2013
The EU’s target for 20 per cent reduction in energy demand is non-binding but it does provide incentives for member-states to increase energy efficiency and so lower their overall demand for energy.
Time to stop the EIB's carbon subsidies
20 December 2012
The European Investment Bank (EIB) lends half its annual energy pot to efficiency and renewables. But it is still lending to coal. This is inconsistent with climate policies.
Connecting Europe's energy systems
01 October 2012
Europe’s energy infrastructure urgently needs to be modernised, to maximise renewable energy use. The Commission’s proposals on infrastructure should be adopted as soon as possible.
How to create a single European electricity market - and subsidise renewables
26 April 2012
Renewable energy needs subsidy. But different national subsidy schemes threaten energy integration. Schemes should be harmonised, even if the amount of subsidy continues to differ.
The Commission's energy roadmap is a missed opportunity
22 December 2011
Instead of modelling scenarios in its 2050 energy roadmap, the Commission should have identified priorities for 2012 action: energy efficiency, ETS and a 2030 renewables target.