Why should the EU care more about its energy security?
After over 25 years in the European Union, moving to the United States was a reality check. From this side of the Atlantic, I saw just how diminished Europe’s influence has become. Often referred to as “the allies” or bundled into the “Western alliance”, the EU is rarely viewed as a decisive force but more like the little sibling always trying to tag along with the bigger, stronger one. And it’s not without reason. For decades, the EU has relied heavily on the US for defense, intelligence, technology and energy. And now we are paying the price for it. Developing a clear, inclusive energy strategy that fosters both decarbonization and economic growth could help Europe secure its energy and economic future. But the path forward is far from easy.
The EU’s reliance on Russian gas and the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint have brought energy security to the forefront. Since the invasion of Ukraine, the EU has been realizing that it is heavily reliant on energy imports for natural gas, oil and coal. This matters as energy is no longer just a commodity but a critical strategic asset and a matter of national security. Without a resilient and self-sufficient energy system, the EU risks losing further ground in economic, political, and diplomatic power on the world stage. Two major obstacles stand in the way.
Energy geopolitics and populism: Europe’s dual challenge
The first obstacle is the complexity of energy geopolitics. Clean technology supply chains for critical minerals, like rare earth elements or lithium, are largely concentrated in a few regions that dominate production and refining. This leaves Europe vulnerable to monopolies and supply chain disruptions, potentially restricting access to critical technologies and further complicating the clean energy transition. For too long, the EU’s energy transition has led to deindustrialization, increasing its reliance on imports and external energy sources. The EU’s energy independence is now at the mercy of rising geopolitical tensions and external events.
The second obstacle comes from rising populism and economic discontent. As people struggle with increasing costs, they feel disconnected from climate policies, often seen as the concerns of the privileged. Without integrating economic equity into the energy transition, we risk deepening social divides and facing stronger resistance to the necessary changes. The EU’s top-down regulatory approach has often alienated member states, with national governments pushing back against policies that seem imposed rather than developed collaboratively or tailored to local needs.
Are we doomed? Not necessarily. A potential path forward for the EU lies in a bold energy and industrial strategy, focused on strengthening Europe’s energy resources -such as nuclear and renewables-, while prioritizing local job creation and economic resilience.
A call to action: Bridging Europe’s divides
The solution of the first obstacle lies in focusing on what Europe does best. Renewable energy -particularly wind and hydropower- and nuclear energy are areas where the EU can regain control. France offers a critical case study. Once a global leader in nuclear energy, generating more than 70% of its electricity from reactors, political debates around nuclear’s role in recent years and operational difficulties have eroded its nuclear dominance. Yet, a nuclear comeback in France -and across the EU- could offer reliable and large-scale low-carbon energy to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
The second obstacle could be solved by integrating clean energy independence and local economic growth. The Inflation Reduction Act illustrates this combination of climate change mitigation and economic and industrial stimulus. The narrative is not only to reduce carbon emissions but also boost domestic manufacturing and spur industrial investment across all states. This strategy serves a dual purpose: enhancing energy security and creating local jobs, making it a key lever for both climate and economic resilience. Europe needs a similar narrative, one that connects clean energy with local benefits, from job creation to economic security.
For too long, we have relied on others to safeguard our energy security and economic resilience. That era is over. The EU must embrace a bold, comprehensive energy and industrial strategy that prioritizes local growth, decarbonization, and strategic autonomy. Doing so will require addressing the geopolitical and social complexities of the transition. The stakes couldn’t be higher. This is not just about securing Europe’s future, it’s about proving that we can lead with vision, unity, and purpose once again. Europe’s energy transition is our wake-up call. Let’s answer it.
About the Author
Anna Schneider is an MPA candidate at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), specializing in climate, energy and environment. Originally from France, she started her career in the private-sector in corporate finance, investment, and strategy consulting, with extensive exposure to the energy industry. Recently, she contributed to a 200-page report on the physical challenges of the energy transition for a leading global think tank.
Beyond her professional experience, she serves as President of the Columbia Energy Association (CEA) and actively participates in the Women’s Energy Network NYC Mentoring Program, in partnership with the Women in Energy initiative.
Her areas of interest include financing and deploying capital to accelerate the energy transition. She is also focused on the intersection of energy security, climate mitigation, and economic development. She is currently driving efforts to scale investment in the energy transition across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, promoting microfinancing solutions for small-scale projects.