The European Green Deal proposed by the European Commission, aims to make the European Union climate neutral by 2050. Launched in 2020, it focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a transition to clean energy sources. Its proponents credit it with numerous benefits, as noted by economist Claudia Kemfert:
“A Green Deal for Europe […] not only create economic opportunities but also reduce geopolitical disputes, thus securing peace within and outside Europe.”
This statement, made in Intereconomics, a leading forum for research-based discussions of major European economic policy issues, probably reflects the view of many European decision-makers to the effect that curbing trade in fossil fuels would secure peace in Europe. Unfortunately, the claim of a causal link between the European Green Deal and European security has never been explicitly and critically examined. In a recent paper published in Energy Economics we assess this claim, particularly addressing whether curbing energy imports from Russia could enhance the EU’s security.
