Evolution of the European Union's Energy Policy

This article is a research article that presents the evolution of the European Union's energy policy, focusing on its legal conditions and regulatory changes over recent decades. It examines whether the EU's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal, represents a continuation of previous policies or necessitates a revolutionary shift in the energy sector of Member States. The article details the historical context of the EU's energy policy, including the strategic importance of energy for economic growth and the initial focus on coal and nuclear energy. It discusses the impact of the oil crisis in the 1970s on energy security and the subsequent directives aimed at enhancing it. The establishment of the European Common Market and the introduction of the Treaty of Lisbon are highlighted as pivotal moments that shaped the internal energy market and regulatory framework. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for systemic changes in the energy sector to meet ambitious climate goals.