The European Union in its present-day form is the result of various associations of individual states such as the ECSC and the EEC. These organisations were founded in the 1950s, in part to enable the production and trading of energy under common sets of rules. However, a truly coherent energy policy did not emerge until 2007 when the European Energy Strategy was first adopted. Current challenges include issues such as climate change and energy efficiency, the dependence on fossil fuel imports, the energy transition or the return of the US to fossil fuels.
Energy
The journey from a coal union to the energy transition
Germany opens massive Baltic wind farm
German Chancellor Angela Merkel opens a wind farm in the Baltic Sea and hails its "national significance" for the country's "energy transition" towards renewables.
How Europe is faring on renewable energy targets
The EU's use of renewable energy reached 17.5% in 2017, keeping it on track for a target of 20% by 2020, but some countries will need to make an extra effort to fulfil their obligations.
Nord Stream 2 compromise reached with EU Parliament and Commission
The European Union countries have come to an agreement with the EU regarding the German-Russian gas pipeline ''Nord Stream 2'' project.
EU adopts French-German compromise on Russia gas pipeline
European Union member states have adopted a Franco-German compromise allowing Berlin to remain the lead negotiator with Russia on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe.
EU states reach compromise for controversial Germany-Russia pipeline
The EU member states have reached an agreement on Nord Stream 2 pipeline, that allows Russia to supply Europe with natural gas across the Baltic Sea.
US diplomats pressure Germany’s partners over Russian gas pipeline
The USA warns the EU of Nord Stream 2 claiming it would increase Russia's power in Europe.