Navigating Crisis: The European Union’s Energy and Climate Policy after the Russia-Ukraine War

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Type

Submission

Keywords

Russian-Ukraine War, Energy Security, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, European Union, REPowerEU

Department

Political Science

Major

Political Science

Abstract

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, access to Russian oil and gas had been a lingering question for European nations. In response to sanctions from the European Union (EU), Russia halted its gas exports. How has the Russia-Ukraine War affected the EU’s climate and energy polices? This paper overviews policies such as REPowerEU, the European Green Deal, and the Fit for 55 Package. It also discusses the political roadblocks to implementing these policies and analyzes how climate initiatives and environmental policies are impacted. This matters because it raises a question of balancing energy security with addressing the impacts of climate change. The EU has rapidly reduced its dependence on Russian oil and gas, as well as accelerated its transition to renewable energy. However, its short-term reliance on liquified natural gas and external suppliers creates new vulnerabilities. The Russia-Ukraine war has acted as a catalyst for policy change, but structural challenges may hinder the EU’s clean energy transition. Future policies need to better align energy security strategies with sustainability goals to ensure long-term resilience.

Faculty Mentor

Felicity Vabulas

Funding Source or Research Program

Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative

Location

Waves Cafeteria

Start Date

10-4-2026 1:00 PM

End Date

10-4-2026 2:00 PM

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Apr 10th, 1:00 PM Apr 10th, 2:00 PM

Navigating Crisis: The European Union’s Energy and Climate Policy after the Russia-Ukraine War

Waves Cafeteria

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, access to Russian oil and gas had been a lingering question for European nations. In response to sanctions from the European Union (EU), Russia halted its gas exports. How has the Russia-Ukraine War affected the EU’s climate and energy polices? This paper overviews policies such as REPowerEU, the European Green Deal, and the Fit for 55 Package. It also discusses the political roadblocks to implementing these policies and analyzes how climate initiatives and environmental policies are impacted. This matters because it raises a question of balancing energy security with addressing the impacts of climate change. The EU has rapidly reduced its dependence on Russian oil and gas, as well as accelerated its transition to renewable energy. However, its short-term reliance on liquified natural gas and external suppliers creates new vulnerabilities. The Russia-Ukraine war has acted as a catalyst for policy change, but structural challenges may hinder the EU’s clean energy transition. Future policies need to better align energy security strategies with sustainability goals to ensure long-term resilience.