• The European Union (EU) is increasingly aware of its dependence on external energy sources, highlighted by crises like COVID-19 and the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. This has exposed vulnerabilities in energy security, sustainability, and economic competitiveness, prompting a shift in focus from complete energy autonomy to building a resilient, diversified, and sustainable energy system.

• Renewable energy is crucial to reduce geopolitical vulnerabilities and tackle climate change. Advanced technologies like green hydrogen, smart grids, and storage systems are essential, but challenges like the concentration of critical raw materials and inadequate infrastructure remain.

• The EU’s energy strategy must evolve with stronger coordination among member states, creating solidarity policies and financial mechanisms to support countries with less developed energy infrastructures. Governance at the EU level must also address disparities in resources, infrastructure, and technology to ensure efficient and equitable energy distribution.

• Economic investments are essential for the clean energy transition, but disparities in financial capacity among EU states require solidarity mechanisms for more inclusive progress. The EU’s strategic autonomy also encompasses global competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of internal cohesion and external partnerships.

• Overall, the EU must adopt a multidimensional approach to energy security, sustainability, and innovation, which requires coordinated efforts across governance levels and member states to ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future.

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