A new era for global energy governance? : The environmental imperatives and the EU perspective

Maria Kottari

doi:10.22151/politikon.29.7

Authors

Maria Kottari Panteion University of Political and Social Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.29.7

Keywords:

climate change mitigation, European Union (EU), energy transition, environmental protection, global energy governance, renewable energy

Abstract

The ongoing restructuring of the global energy scene necessitates both national governments and energy associated institutions to reconfigure their agenda, reconsider their priorities and even undergo internal reforms in order to adapt to the current and future energy trends. The prospect of global energy governance, within a reformed institutional framework, emerges as a pivotal issue for global politics. The purpose of this research paper is twofold; to analyze the evolution of global energy governance and energy institutions around two key topics: the expansion of renewable energy (RE) sources and technologies and the climate change mitigation. Besides, to identify the role of the European Union (EU) as global energy and environmental actor. The research paper will focus on the EU’s positioning in the international energy and environmental initiatives and the role of renewable energy (RE) in its energy policy configuration.

Author Biography

Maria Kottari, Panteion University of Political and Social Sciences

Maria Kottari, 32, from Athens has finished her PhD Thesis in International, European and Regional Studies at Panteion University of Political and Social Sciences in Athens. Her thesis is titled “The EU Energy Policy and the role of EastMediterranean countries” focusing on the institutional aspects of EU external energy relations. She holds a MA in Political Science (Montesquieu University, Bordeaux) and a BA in International & European Studies (University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki). She has conducted research as Visiting Scholar at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and now she is Research Associate at the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS), contributor at EnergyBrains.org and has significant contribution with academic articles (including Springer publications) and public presentations on various international, European and energy policy issues. Her broader academic interests include sustainable development, green growth, global energy governance, EU actorness in international affairs, social entrepreneurship and youth engagement.