EU Energy Solidarity as a Way of Implementing Just Transition in Energy Policy

The principle of EU energy solidarity, regulated by Article 194 of the Lisbon Treaty, has created a new dimension of energy sector developments. Initially, it was treated as an abstract, purely political concept with no particular normative significance. However, the CJEU judgment in the OPAL case established energy solidarity as a principle of EU law, deriving, inter alia, from the principle of justice. The concept of just transition, based on the same foundations of justice, creates directions for socio-economic transformation based on a sustainable and low-carbon economy. Energy solidarity is, in fact, a way of implementing the assumptions and directions of the development of just transition, based on normative premises ensuring energy security, economic competitiveness and sustainable development.