Political impact of the EU energy transition: A geopolitical analysis

Fisnik Brovina

Political impact of the EU energy transition: A geopolitical analysis

Fisnik Brovina

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the geopolitical implications for the international community of the transition to green energy in Europe. The methods of the study included documentary analysis, content analysis, comparative method, and system analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the energy transition in the European Union reflects a long-term trend towards integration and liberalisation of the energy market, which dates back to the mid-20th century. The analysis of the evolution of the regulatory framework showed that initially the focus was on creating a single market, but in the 21st century, environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality became priorities. Geopolitical developments, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which substantially changed the EU’s energy balance, were also examined. The analysis of trends revealed that the European Union dramatically reduced its dependence on Russian energy resources, which led to a shift in global energy flows and Russia’s reorientation towards Asian markets. In response to this challenge, the EU intensified its diversification of supplies, increasing imports of conventional energy resources from the United States and Norway. The Chinese government also gained some benefits, namely strengthening its position in the export of solar panels to the European Union, which are critical for the energy transition. The study generalised that the energy transition created a new political balance, where green economies seek to cooperate with likeminded economies, as exemplified by the cooperation between the EU, Chile, and Australia. However, the problem continues to be the struggle for critical resources, which are scarce in the subsoil and owned by most of the world’s democracies. The study can be used for lectures and practical classes in international relations and international law

Keywords

critical materials; competition; carbon neutrality; minerals; energy dependence

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Suggested citation

Brovina, F. (2025). Political impact of the EU energy transition: A geopolitical analysis. Foreign Affairs, 35(3), 18-29. https://doi.org/10.59214/2663-2675.35(3).2025.18