Europe’s Path to an Energy Union

During the EFA365 discussion in Vienna, it became clear: the energy transition can only succeed with a clear political stance, strong grids, and good participatory planning that ensures a balance between climate, security, and nature.

How can the energy transition succeed in a way that is sustainable, secure, and swift enough? This was the central question addressed on 24 April during the EFA365 panel event “Europe’s Path to an Energy Union – What Needs to Happen Now”. Organised by the European Forum Alpbach in cooperation with the House of the European Union, the event brought together experts, political decision-makers, and engaged members of the public to reflect on one of the most urgent issues of our time.

The discussion highlighted that the European Energy Union is not solely a climate policy initiative. It is equally a matter of energy security and economic competitiveness. Panel participants MEP Anna Stürgkh (NEOS/Renew Europe), Gerhard Christiner (Austrian Power Grid), and Viktoria Ritter (Ökobüro) explored key challenges and potential solutions for the transformation of Europe’s energy landscape. The panel was moderated by Christiane Brunner (CEOs For Future, member of the EFA Climate Committee).

“The Energy Union is a question of security of supply and Europe’s competitiveness,” affirmed MEP Anna Stürgkh. She emphasised that clear political commitment and a transparent public discourse are essential. Grid expansion, she noted, will only be feasible with genuine political resolve.

“Electricity networks are the underestimated giant of the energy transition,” Gerhard Christiner remarked and called for swifter approval processes to advance the digital transformation of the energy system. According to Christiner, the energy transition cannot succeed if renewables are integrated into an outdated infrastructure. This misalignment has led to a detachment from the European power market and noticeable price disadvantages for Austrian consumers.

Viktoria Ritter stressed that the expansion of renewable energy must not come at the expense of nature. Land use decisions must strike a careful balance between energy production and the conservation of intact ecosystems such as peatlands and forests. “Effective procedures cannot be achieved through deregulation alone,” she explained. “We need planning certainty, public participation, and cooperation with well-resourced authorities that possess the necessary expertise.”

It became evident throughout the discussion that the success of the energy transition relies heavily on the efficiency of political and administrative processes. Strategic planning and cross-sectoral coordination that bridges national characteristics with European strategy are key.

The participants agreed that the energy transition is a responsibility shared by all sectors of society. A successful European Energy Union will require political determination, technological innovation, strategic foresight, and broad public engagement. Only through a joint effort can Europe rise to the challenge of securing a sustainable energy future.

The event is part of the EFA365 initiative, where the European Forum Alpbach organises discussions throughout the year in Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Innsbruck and other cities. The goal is to deepen key security policy topics continuously, preparing for the Forum's debates in August.

The Climate Track at the European Forum Alpbach 2025 will also focus on the topics of the event as they cover questions needed to reach the EU's climate targets.

These are the topics of the Climate Track at the EFA25:

• Europe in the World Days (23-26 August): Collaborate to Compete: Making the Climate Transformation Real
• Austria in Europe Days (26-29 August): United in Emergency: Towards a Stronger Climate and Energy Union