Multilevel Governance or Scalar Clashes: Finding the Right Scale for EU Energy Policy

Abstract

The European energy policy is based on two major pillars: integration (of infrastructure networks, markets, standards, and policies) and transition, as set out by European climate policies and by the upcoming Green Deal. The governance model for this common EU policy and the shared energy system it supports is mostly based on multilevel governance (MLG) theories, grounded in the principle of subsidiarity. This paper questions the possibility of MLG in the field of energy, in compliance with the European subsidiarity principle. The coexistence of diverse energy models promoting different scales of reference and actors may result in 'scalar clashes': this hybrid model creates a chaotic status quo, disrupting the EU's transition towards renewable energy sources. Building a common European energy policy that combines the dual objectives of transition and integration does not just require upscaling energy systems, but also setting the adequate scale(s) to implement this transition.

The Dilemma of the European Integration Principle—Ensuring Energy Independence of the European Union

“…This is particularly evident in regional electricity infrastructure, which plays a critical role in achieving EU targets cost-effectively. Additionally, concerns regarding energy security and access to renewable energy sources underscore the nuanced approach required for a unified energy policy [39][40][41][42]. The study's examination of energy dependence among EU member states provides valuable insights.…”

“…The EU's energy policy based on integration and transition also requires establishing an appropriate scale for its implementation [39]-all the more as there are differences in attitude between EU member countries due to problems related to economic development (some regional electricity system infrastructures appear to be critical in achieving EU targets with low costs) [40], energy security [41], or simply in the access to some forms of renewable energy sources (countries in Southern Europe, such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, have a significant advantage having abundant sunlight most of the year, making solar photovoltaic installations productive and efficient compared with the Central Western European countries where the capacity of wind and solar PV productivity is lower; on the other hand, the more developed countries are more likely to invest in renewable energy infrastructure [42]). The need to limit gas consumption after the beginning of the war in Ukraine forced countries to rethink their transition paths; however, this did not always happen by investing in various new energy sources but by returning to the previous ones, which proved to be more polluting [43].…”

Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation: The Next Frontier in Global Politics

“…Much of the work conducted by the secretariat is usually to translate and interpret between the 23 official languages used by members of the union. The power exercised by this body has substantially risen over the years (Palle & Richard, 2021). The role the parliament was initially limited to consultation.…”