A Green and Global Europe

Description

After years of existential crisis, Europe has found a new raison d’être: the European Green Deal and the energy transition that lies at its core. This green Europe represents a normative vision, an economic growth strategy, as well as a route to a political Union that would enhance EU integration and legitimacy. But it can only be realized if it addresses head-on the social, economic, political and geopolitical ramifications of this epochal change. In A Green and Global Europe, Nathalie Tocci explains how the unprecedented nature of the current energy transition represents both a unique opportunity and a huge challenge to Europe’s future prosperity. The EU, she argues, must not act in isolation or ignore the adverse effects of the transition on Member States and neighbours. It must also address the global cleavages that may arise with China, the transatlantic relationship and the Global South as a result of the EU’s green agenda. By adopting a truly global approach to the energy transition, Europe can deliver on its responsibilities to people and planet alike, and avoid unleashing social, economic and security problems that could come biting back at the Union. Cover Title page Copyright Contents Abbreviations Preface Introduction A technology- and policy-driven transition A green and global Europe Structure of this book 1 A Green and Political Europe The EU as a global climate leader From European energy security to the European Green Deal The political rationale underpinning the European Green Deal 2 A Green Europe and the Future of Liberal Democracy The internal and external opponents of liberal democracy, and of the European Union Picking on the fragilities of liberal democracies The distributional effects of the energy transition The 2021–2 energy price spike as a canary in the transition coalmine Climate, energy transition and Euroscepticism Addressing the socio-economic costs and political consequences of the transition Policy and political avenues ahead 3 A Green Europe in a Troubled Neighbourhood Supporting the transformation of energy and governance systems beyond EU borders Addressing fragilities in neighbouring regions Disarming fossil dependences Addressing the direct effects of EU transition policies: the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Unlocking transition opportunities in neighbouring regions Complex crises and EU foreign policy 4 A Green Europe amidst Global Rivalry A new bipolarity The geopolitics of transition and great power rivalry European strategic autonomy and the energy transition A transatlantic green cause Climate finance, the Global South and European responsibility Conclusion The green and global sides of the European coin Reconciling institutionally a green and global Europe From climate security to a green and global Europe Notes References Index EULA