Energy politics in Europe has become increasingly complex, driven by the need to balance climate commitments, economic stability, and geopolitical realities. A pivotal moment came with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which exposed Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels—especially natural gas. In response, the European Union launched the REPowerEU plan to rapidly diversify its energy sources and increase investments in renewables, LNG infrastructure, and energy efficiency. Germany, once heavily reliant on Russian gas, has since built new LNG terminals and boosted solar and wind deployment to secure its energy supply.
Meanwhile, France continues to promote nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its low-carbon strategy, pledging to build new reactors while maintaining its status as the EU’s top electricity exporter. On the periphery, countries like Poland are shifting from coal to offshore wind and nuclear options to align with EU climate targets. Norway has emerged as a vital gas supplier, filling gaps left by Russian cutbacks, while Spain and Portugal have advanced in green hydrogen initiatives.
Energy has thus become both a unifier and a divider in European politics—shaping alliances, influencing economic policy, and redefining national interests. Europe’s path forward will depend on how successfully it can integrate sustainability with security