International cooperation is crucial in responding to global energy challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, and volatile prices.
With global energy demand growing rapidly, the EU faces increasing competition for fossil fuels. It works with its international partners to ensure secure supplies of energy at competitive prices for Europe. At the same time, the success of EU policies to tackle worldwide greenhouse gas emissions also hinges on the energy policies of other countries.
Intergovernmental agreements made by EU countries
When individual EU countries negotiate international energy agreements with non-EU countries, they share information on these agreements with the European Commission and each other. This is done through the Commission's information exchange mechanism. It ensures that these agreements do not violate EU laws or hamper the internal energy market.
EU cooperation with key partner countries and regions
The EU strives to maintain good relations with its key suppliers of natural gas, oil, coal, and other energy resources. Energy markets in these countries and regions may also present lucrative opportunities for EU businesses. The EU also works closely with major energy consumer and transit countries and regions aiming at securing energy supply on both sides and contributing to their fight against climate change.
EU cooperation with international organisations and initiatives
The EU also works with important international energy organisations including the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Energy Community and others.
The EU is also participating in several energy-related international initiatives like Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation.
Since 2016, the European Commission regularly organises EU Energy Days as part of international energy events, bringing together policy-makers and industry representatives from all over the world to discuss the clean energy transition.