New Approaches in the EU´s Energy Security and Options for Western Mediterranean

Abstract

Energy security has climbed the list of the European Union energy and foreign policy strategic priorities in the last decade. Deep transformations in the global energy landscape, triggered by technological advances, major geopolitical challenges and the imperatives of the transition to a low carbon energy system, are leading the EU to rethink its energy security strategy. A process that is driven, however, by the tensions between the declared need for closer cooperation and coordination and the respect of national energy interests of the EU Members states. The objective of this article is to analyze the challenges of the European energy security strategy in a changing global landscape and to discuss the policies and mechanisms in order to improve and strengthen it. The promotion of a better and deeper energy cooperation between the EU and its Mediterranean southern neighbours represents a singular opportunity to achieve newly defined strategic goals for both regions.