Shift of the eu energy policy and China’s strategic opportunity

Abstract

The core idea of the European Union (EU) is to foster economic and political integration among its member states based on liberal principles, a common market, and the establishment of a business-friendly environment. What is surprising is the new rhetoric originating in Brussels and connected to the “Energy Union” that portrays its energy dependence on Russia as a potential threat. One important dimension of this newly launched “Energy Union” is the replacement of the EU’s market orientation in its energy relations with Russia by a “securitization” of Russia’s intention vis-à-vis Europe. These securitizing moves culminate in a vigorous and costly diversification strategy for natural gas supply. The construction of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and gas storage, as well as a new gas mega pipeline passing through Central Asia is part of this new strategy. The recently inaugurated “Energy Union,” at the same time, includes improved infrastructure connections and the approval of domestically produced shale gas. As a result, natural gas has gained the status of a “bridge fuel” while related large-scale infrastructure would lock European economies into a fossil path that ultimately undermines the EU’s goal toward a decarbonized economy. Analyzing the European Commis-sion’s emphasis on natural gas, produced either by conventional or unconventional extraction methods, bears critical insights for China’s energy strategy. As the EU appears to have shifted its emphasis from sustain-ability to energy security, a vacuum would be left for China to fill, thus rendering it eligible to play the role of the next global leader in climate politics.