The Energy Trilemma of the European Union: Finding the Right Balance (original) (raw)

The European Union member-states (EU-28) have created policy frameworks that would address climate change and energy issues with wide and binding targets in 2020, 2030, and 2050, specifically aimed to reduce the carbon footprint, increase the share of renewable energy sources (RES), and reach a more competitive landscape for the European energy sector. Anchored in the perspective of Liberal-Institutionalism, this paper aims to: (1) identify and examine the dynamic approaches of the EU in achieving evidence-based and environmentally-sound energy policies and strategies, (2) present the current tool – the energy trilemma model – in assessing the EU-28's ranking using the Energy Trilemma Index created, and (3) draw conclusions on the EU's success in transitioning to a low-carbon energy development.