ENERGY SECURITY AS A FACTOR OF POLITICAL STABILITY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54658/ps.28153324.2025.12.2.pp.72-87Keywords:
Energy security, Political stability, European Union, Energy Crisis, EU Energy PolicyAbstract
Abstract. This article explores the intricate relationship between energy security and political stability within the European Union (EU), particularly in light of the geopolitical upheaval caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The crisis marked a turning point in EU energy policy, exposing deep vulnerabilities linked to dependence on Russian fossil fuels and catalyzing a redefinition of energy security as a matter of strategic autonomy and resilience. Adopting a mixed-methods approach—combining discourse analysis, policy review, and comparative case studies—the study examines how the EU’s responses to this crisis have affected internal cohesion, social peace, and institutional legitimacy. Focusing on the policy trilemma between short-term energy needs, long-term climate goals, and socio-political stability, the article argues that governance choices made in response to the energy crisis have generated new political fault lines across Member States. Case studies of Germany, Poland, and the Baltic States illustrate diverging national strategies and their implications for EU-wide stability. The findings highlight that the EU's future political coherence hinges on its ability to align energy resilience with climate commitments while mitigating the socio-economic impacts of the green transition. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the securitization of energy policy and the evolving dynamics of EU integration in an age of crises.
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