The European Union Review, Vol. 10 No. 2 - July 2005

Pour une Agence Européenne de l’Energie

J.-Gérard Lieberherr*

Abstract

In spite of the numerous obstacles European integration has faced over the years, the process that has led to the construction of a European Union is irreversible. Indeed, the juridical mechanisms underpinning the European Union provide an impulse towards further integration. Community law is, in fact, progressively affecting the legislative scenario at the level of single Member State. There is, however, still much to be done, particularly in the area of the economy, where decision making processes are still carried out according to the principles of cooperation and competence sharing. The EU, along with the rest of the economically advanced world, finds itself facing the twin challenges of unemployment and technological progress, which require joint action also at the industrial level on the part of Member States. Particularly important is the energy sector, which is at the centre of the Lisbon process for European competitiveness. In the light of these considerations, the Author, after having highlighted the priorities of a future European energy policy, proposes the creation of a European Energy Agency equipped to promote policy decisions that guarantee security of energy provision.

* The curriculum of the Author allows the Editor to introduce the readers M. J.-G. Lieberherr as European Citizen