ABSTRACT
For many years diverging issues and interests have dominated bilateral relations between Poland and Germany in the field of climate and energy policies, contributing to a feeling of mistrust between both countries. Yet existing thematic controversies cannot fully explain the lack of cooperation, especially since there are sectoral areas in which a close collaboration is possible and desirable. In order to uncover the nuances of Polish–German relations in the fields of climate and energy, this chapter analyses in detail one dimension of embedded bilateralism: regularised intergovernmentalism. It argues that a weak formalised cooperation between Poland and Germany results from different perceptions of their roles in the EU policy-making process, which is reinforced by dominating narratives around the climate and energy policies of both countries, manifested by decision-makers. Nevertheless, the EU contextual policy-making sphere, as well as stable and experienced human resources at the working level, can overcome this drawback.
