ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the most recent developments in the EU’s energy policy framework, including an analysis of the policy package of the Energy Union and energy-related legislation under the European Green Deal (EGD) and the REPowerEU plan. The chapter demonstrates how energy policy was incrementally altered through path dependency and a process called layering: new institutional rules were added to existing rules without instigating abrupt change. However, these novel dynamics were endorsed to augment rather than completely overhaul the institutional matrix. The chapter also addresses the EGD’s intended goals to provide climate neutrality by 2050, implementing key initiatives like the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the European Climate Law, and provisions that can be traced as a response to the Russian-Ukrainian crises to enhance energy resilience and security. Building upon the five core dimensions set out by the Energy Union’s policy framework, energy legislation is divided into seven overarching themes: provisions regarding energy efficiency, the security of energy supply, the full integration of the EU energy market, climate action and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the European Green Deal, and provisions which were not explicitly specified but are essential components of the broader energy policy framework.
