scholarly journals Mission-Oriented Policies and Technological Sovereignty: The Case of Climate Mitigation Technologies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (20) ◽  
pp. 6854
Author(s):  
Serenella Caravella ◽  
Valeria Costantini ◽  
Francesco Crespi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Negotiation Process ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Climate Mitigation ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Patent Data ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
The Eu

The rapid decarbonization of the global economy represents the main challenge for the next decades to combat climate change. The European Union (EU) is leading the negotiation process under the Paris Agreement and recently approved an ambitious unilateral mitigation strategy known as the European Green Deal (EGD). In this paper, we present a novel approach based on the analysis of patent data related to climate change and mitigation technologies (CCMTs) with the aim of describing the evolutionary pattern of the EU in green technology. Based on our analysis, two of our main results deserve attention. First, at the global level, the pace of generation of new green technologies as measured by patent data is slowing down in recent years. This trend, if not inverted, casts some doubts on the economic sustainability of the ambitious environmental targets set by the EC. Second, the current EU technological positioning with respect to green areas appears to be problematic in terms of technological sovereignty, with serious risks of potential technological dependences from other countries. Given the radical technological shift required for the implementation of a full decarbonization pattern, the EU must realize a mission-oriented technology policy with additional and directed investments to ensure technological independence, together with a low-carbon and energy secure economy.

scholarly journals The “New” Environmental Policy Of The European Union: A Path To Development Of A Circular Economy And Mitigation Of The Negative Effects Of Climate Change

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zofia Wysokińska
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Environmental Policy ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Low Carbon Economy ◽  
Carbon Economy ◽  
The Eu

This paper analyses the evolution of the new environmental policy of the European Union in the context of the efforts undertaken to moderate the negative effects of climate change. It describes all the activities in the European Union designed to implement new tools of the EU environmental policy, such as low carbon economy technologies, tools that improve the efficiency of managing the limited natural resources, the environmentally friendly transport package, etc. All of them are aimed at laying the foundations of the circular economy, which may also be referred to as a closed-loop economy, i.e., an economy that does not generate excessive waste and whereby any waste becomes a resource.

The European green deal: risks and opportunities for Russia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg Gennadievich Karpovich ◽  
Anton Sergeevich Vilchinskii
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
National Development ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

In December 2019 the European Union presented an ambitious plan called the Green Deal which is aimed at combating climate change. In the EU 2021–2027 budget approved in 2020 about 25 % of the expenditures are allocated for climate projects. Legal framework of the project was established in summer 2021. Its elements can impact seriously the structure and dynamics of the EU's relations with its leading trading partners, including the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the impact the European Green Agenda has on Russia, which has its own approaches to combating climate change. They form an integral part of national development priorities system. Having analyzed the relevant strategic documents, the authors compare the directions of environmental policies of the Russian Federation and the EU. Attention is paid to the goals and objectives, as well as to the proposed tools for reducing and absorbing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The paper also provides a detailed description of the "Fit for 55" package of measures and determines its significance for Russia. The study examines a wide range of economic and political risks for Russia in the mid and long terms. In addition, the consequences of the introduction of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation are highlighted. Furthermore, the article presents possible dynamics of a competition in the international energy market amid the implementation of the "Green Deal" and the transition to a low-carbon economy. As a result of the research, possible economic and political measures in internal and external dimensions aimed at mitigating risks are suggested. Moreover, possible ways to improve the effectiveness of combating climate change and the reduction of harmful emissions are put forward. In addition, the research identifies prospects for cooperation in ecology between Russia and the EU.

scholarly journals THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR “GREEN” FINANCE IN RUSSIA, THE EU AND CHINA: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena P. Ermakova
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Legal Analysis ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Dialectical Logic ◽  
Green Finance ◽  
The Eu

The article is devoted to the analysis of the legal regulation of green financing in the European Union, China and Russia. It has been substantiated that a harmonious and completed system of regulatory regulation of green financing has not yet developed either in the PRC or the EU. In this regard, a comparative analysis of the above issues is of particular importance. The purpose of this article is to form an understanding of the legal framework for green finance in the European Union, China and Russia based on an analysis of regulatory acts and scientific sources. The following methods have been applied: empirical methods of comparison, description, interpretation; theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic. Private scientific methods employed in the work are legal-dogmatic and the method of interpretation of legal norms. Results: the study showed that green financing refers to financial transactions that support the transition to an economy with low carbon emissions and the fight against climate change. In recent years, China has been the leader in green financing, accounting for 28%, or $ 32 billion, of green bonds issued in 2018. Conclusions: In the PRC, the concept and foundations of the legal regulation of green finance are enshrined in the 2016 Guide to Creating a Green Financial System. The main elements included in the concept comprise: 1) pilot areas of green financing, 2) green loans, 3) green funds and public-private partnerships; 4) green securities; 5) green insurance; 6) environmental credit trading; 7) environ-mental risks. The European Union also strives to be a global leader in the fight against climate change. A number of EU regulations and directives regulate various aspects of green financing. On December 11, 2019, the European Commission introduced the European Green Deal, a new concept for economic growth aimed at making Europe the first climate neutral continent. The most ambitious draft of this program is the development of a pan-European climate law (climate code), a draft of which is due in March 2020. Russia is still lagging behind world leaders on the regulatory regulation of green financing, but the first steps in this direction have already been taken. The study was prepared with the financial support of the Russian Federal Property Fund in the framework of the scientific project No. 20-011-00270 "а" (Scientific adviser - E.E. Frolova).

Austrian Veto against European Union Membership Negotiations with Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-122
Author(s):  
Ewa Kaczan-Winiarska
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Security Policy ◽  
Negotiation Process ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Strategic Partner ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
European Standards ◽  
The Eu

The Austrian government is extremely sceptical about the accession negotiations which are conducted by the European Commission on behalf of the European Union with Turkey and calls for the negotiation process to end. Serious reservations of Vienna have been raised by the current political situation in Turkey under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as by the standards of democracy in Turkey, which differ greatly from European standards. Serious deficiencies in rule of law, freedom of speech and independence of the judiciary, confirmed in the latest European Commission report on Turkey, do not justify, from Vienna’s point of view, the continuation of talks with Ankara on EU membership. In fact, Austria’s scepticism about the European perspective for Turkey has a longer tradition. This was marked previously in 2005 when the accession negotiations began. Until now, Austria’s position has not had enough clout within the European arena. Pragmatic cooperation with Turkey as a strategic partner of the EU, both in the context of the migration crisis and security policy, proved to be a key factor. The question is whether Austria, which took over the EU presidency from 1.7.2018, will be able to more strongly accentuate its reservations about Turkey and even build an alliance of Member States strong enough to block Turkey’s accession process.

scholarly journals Post COVID-19 Recovery and 2050 Climate Change Targets: Changing the Emphasis from Promotion of Renewables to Mandated Curtailment of Fossil Fuels in the EU Policies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1347
Author(s):  
Kyriakos Maniatis ◽  
David Chiaramonti ◽  
Eric van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
The European Union

The present work considers the dramatic changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the global economy, with particular emphasis on energy. Focusing on the European Union, the article discusses the opportunities policy makers can implement to reduce the climate impacts and achieve the Paris Agreement 2050 targets. The analysis specifically looks at the fossil fuels industry and the future of the fossil sector post COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis first revises the fossil fuel sector, and then considers the need for a shift of the global climate change policy from promoting the deployment of renewable energy sources to curtailing the use of fossil fuels. This will be a change to the current global approach, from a relative passive one to a strategically dynamic and proactive one. Such a curtailment should be based on actual volumes of fossil fuels used and not on percentages. Finally, conclusions are preliminary applied to the European Union policies for net zero by 2050 based on a two-fold strategy: continuing and reinforcing the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive to 2035, while adopting a new directive for fixed and over time increasing curtailment of fossils as of 2025 until 2050.

Staatsklimahaftung

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabell Böhm
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Basic Law ◽  
State Liability ◽  
Liability Claims ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Made In

Climate change litigation is becoming increasingly important. This thesis deals with the question whether state liability claims against Germany or the EU can be justified, if commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not met. For this purpose, the claim under public liability according to § 839 German Civil Code in connection with Art. 34 German Basic Law, the liability of the EU-Member States and the liability of the European Union according to Art. 340 II TFEU are discussed. At the end of the thesis, considerations on the practical perspectives of state liability are made in order to improve their prospects of success.

scholarly journals Key milestones of the negotiating process on the accession of Croatia to the EU in 2007 – 2008

2018 ◽  
pp. 8-27
Author(s):  
Serhii Horopakha
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Negotiation Process ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Major Step ◽  
Consolidation Process ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Key Events ◽  
The Eu

On 1st July 2013, the Republic of Croatia officially became the 28th member of the European Union. This event marked the fulfillment of a foreign policy goal, along with joining NATO in 2009, as a major step forward in the country’s long-term consolidation process. The article therefore analyzes the key events of the Croatia – EU relations in 2007-2008, which moved this Balkan country closer to implementing its Euro-integration course. Particular attention is paid to the peculiarities of the pre-accession negotiations with the European Union, as well as to internal and foreign policy factors that had a direct impact on the Euro-integration dialogue between Croatia and the European Union. In this context, emphasis is placed on problem issues that slowed down the dynamics of the negotiation process to a certain extent, in particular the unilateral application by Croatia of the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone, and measures taken by the Croatian authorities to settle them. Significant achievements of Croatia in the negotiation process with the European Union are highlighted, in particular, progress of the country in meeting the European Union criteria as well as a date determination the of pre-accession negotiations completion as an important political sign of the European Union readiness to accept a new member in future.

scholarly journals Climate Change in the Western Balkans and Eu Green Deal – Coherence, Challenges, and Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandi Knez ◽  
Snežana Štrbac ◽  
Iztok Podbregar
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
The State ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Average Annual Temperature ◽  
Level Of Economic Development ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Background: The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021) envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which requires complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country - as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to present the state of climate change in six Western Balkans countries, of which only Croatia is a member of the EU, for the needs of planning activities and initial harmonization with the EU plan to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. Results: The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc. Conclusions: It can be concluded that all countries of the Western Balkans have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reasons for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, preservation of social peace). Finally, the paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations.

scholarly journals European Union as a Leader in Climate Change Policy: Assessing Europe’s Roles in the World∗

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 285
Author(s):  
Omer Ugur ◽  
Kadir Caner Dogan ◽  
Metin Aksoy
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
International Politics ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Change Policy ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Climate Change Politics ◽  
The Eu

The European Union has grown up in terms of influence and size in international politics. The size of its economy and the ever-increasing membership, have seen its ambitions grow meaning that the EU now has an international presence it did not have at its formation. It is easy to say that with the EU being an ambitious actor in international politics, the rise into prominence of climate change naturally came in handy for the EU as it provided an opportunity for the EU to assert itself and prove both its capacity and presence. The 1992 Rio Earth Summit and the withdrawal of the USA from the obligations of the Kyoto came as a blessing in disguise for the Union as it seized the moment to assert itself. Thus, in trying to understand what role the EU has or is playing in international climate change politics, there is need to assess its leadership claims and what it has done to prove these claims. To get there, the paper will navigate through a part of the discipline of International Relations (IR) to understand how it provides for a basis to explain or understand the EU’s limitations and strengths on actorness.

scholarly journals Renewable energy resources in the EU (Policy scenario)

2013 ◽  
pp. 143-146
Author(s):  
Orsolya Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Eu

The use of renewable energies has a long past, even though its share of the total energy use is rather low in European terms. However, the tendencies are definitely favourable which is further strengthened by the dedication of the European Union to sustainable development and combat against climate change. The European Union is on the right track in achieving its goal which is to be able to cover 20% its energy need from renewable energy resources by 2020. The increased use of wind, solar, water, tidal, geothermal and biomass energy will reduce the energy import dependence of the European Union and it will stimulate innovation.

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