European Energy Union Between Security, Solidarity, and Resilience: Consistent Crisis Management Mechanism

In this research, the authors examine how the European Union has reshaped its governance to address the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while pursuing climate goals, social equity, and urban resilience. The study first examines the evolution of EU energy policy, focusing on the interplay between REPowerEU, the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), and the New European Bauhaus (NEB) arguing that these initiatives can support both the social and territorial dimensions of the energy transition, reflecting the need to align energy security, social cohesion, solidarity, and urban regeneration. In other words, energy and industrial policy, social cohesion, urban sustainability, and resilience must not operate separately. However, to achieve a truly “just” transition, a multi-level and cross-sectoral governance model must be implemented through the creation of supporting mechanisms involving Member States, EU institutions, and stakeholders. The energy crisis prompted a shift from reactive crisis management towards a crisis preparedness approach in which Member States and European Institutions follow a common framework to anticipate future challenges while increasing EU’s resilience and strategic autonomy. In conclusion, the authors aim to show that a synergy between REPowerEU, the JTM, and the NEB is essential for the creation of a new European crisis preparedness model that integrates energy transition, social equity, and territorial development. The methodology of this study combines the analysis of EU primary and secondary law, REPowerEU-related acts, and JTM and NEB facility implementation instruments with the analysis of relevant case law and developing governance models.