Book Description

The extraordinary double crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine has given rise to an unprecedented geopolitical dilemma for the EU institutions, especially in the energy sector – that of ensuring the security of energy supply while at the same time upholding committed emission targets. Against this backdrop, this important and timely volume provides guidance on how to address the crucial trade-offs that must be navigated, considering areas of competition policy where the most challenging objectives must be met. The contributing authors, who include prominent practitioners and academics, members of the European Commission, and representatives of national competition authorities, address various issues around the new energy dilemma in relation to such aspects as the following: affordability of energy prices; EU energy infrastructures; solidarity amongst Member States; reform of the electricity market design and competition enforcement; fitness and appropriateness of EU State aid tools; and competition enforcers’ perspectives. The book gathers and revises papers and presentations given at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Global Competition Law Center (GCLC) of the College of Europe. Although other constraints beyond the security of supply and the path towards a green economy do, of course, exist, they do not alter the existence of the trade-offs and rather make them even more problematic and unavoidable. Consequently, all professionals and officials involved in shaping energy policy will greatly appreciate this invaluable book. For practitioners, policymakers and academics working on competition law, the book will provide valuable food for thought and guidance in the years ahead.