Forging the External Dimension of the Energy Policy of the European Union

There is a need for a cohesive, EU-wide energy policy to ensure security of supply and reduce demand, hereby reducing the dependence of Europe on foreign energy supplies. But the actual creation of such a policy must overcome a host of obstacles, including member states' wish to protect their sovereignty, protectionism of national industries, and different approaches to Russia among member states. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.