DOI: 10.46340/eppd.2024.11.2.2
Nataliia Khoma, ScD in Political Science
Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine
Maiia Nikolaieva, PhD in Political Science
Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, Odesa, Ukraine
Andrii Kliachyn, PhD in Political Science
Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Ukraine
How to cite: Khoma, N., Nikolaieva, M., & Kliachyn, A. (2024). Solidarity as a Principle and a Value: Problems of Practical Implementation in EU Energy Policy. Evropský politický a právní diskurz, 11, 2, 16-27. https://doi.org/10.46340/eppd.2024.11.2.2
Abstract
The article studies the problem of solidarity as a principle and a value in EU energy policy. It determines the content of the principle of solidarity, the characteristics of energy solidarity, the consolidation of this principle in the energy policy of the EU, and the problems of its implementation and characterizes the process of institutionalization of the principle of solidarity in the energy policy of the EU. It is proved that, although the principle of solidarity is positioned as a fundamental principle of the functioning of the EU, the weakness and uncertainty of its content and scope have been repeatedly demonstrated in crisis situations. Notably, until recently solidarity was primarily a political principle and not a legally established obligation of the EU Member States, and this reduced the EU’s institutional capacity to respond to new challenges and risks. It is argued that the solidarity of the EU states in the field of energy is conditioned by the need to guarantee energy security, counteract the weaponization of energy resources, reduce dependence on energy-exporting countries, prevent unhealthy competition for energy resources, continue the implementation of climate policy, etc. It is emphasized that the energy solidarity of the EU under the conditions of current challenges (security, climate, etc.) becomes apparent in the coordination of tools that will be used by energy market participants to meet energy needs and guarantee energy security. The problem of the lack of a unified approach to energy policy in the EU states due to infrastructural features, national interests and other reasons is noted. It is stated that the situation in the energy sector of the EU indicates the frequent prevalence not of the principle of solidarity, but of short-term national (or even party or other) interests.
Keywords: EU, principle of solidarity, European solidarity, energy solidarity, energy policy, energy security, European unity, European integration, weaponization of energy resources, energy nationalism.
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