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.

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.