Date: 2022
Type: Working Paper
Flexible implementation and the energy efficiency directive
Working Paper, EUI RSC, 2022/31, Integrating Diversity in the European Union (InDivEU)
PRINCEN, Sebastiaan, HOPPE, Alexander, HÜBNER, Michael, SVEC, Martin, MAK, Elaine, TAIMR, Anna, Flexible implementation and the energy efficiency directive, EUI RSC, 2022/31, Integrating Diversity in the European Union (InDivEU) - https://hdl.handle.net/1814/74413
Retrieved from Cadmus, EUI Research Repository
This paper analyses patterns of differentiated implementation in four member states (Czechia, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands) under the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Differentiated implementation occurs when member states makes use of the discretion given to them in EU legislation. This paper seeks to analyse whether differentiated implementation occurred under the EED and what this means for the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Directive. The EE offers broad discretion to member states in choosing and specifying targets and measures related to energy efficiency. The four member states have made extensive use of this discretion. The dominant pattern in this regard is that member states have used the discretion to retain domestic measures that were already in place. This pattern is driven by a combination of inertia and the wish not to disrupt well-working approaches. Overall, the pattern of differentiated implementation that resulted has arguably had a positive effect on goal-achievement under as well as domestic acceptance of the EED. At the same time, the Directive’s impact on domestic policies and approaches has been limited.
Cadmus permanent link: https://hdl.handle.net/1814/74413
ISSN: 1028-3625
Series/Number: EUI RSC; 2022/31; Integrating Diversity in the European Union (InDivEU)
Publisher: European University Institute
Keyword(s): Differentiated integration Flexible implementation European Union Energy Efficiency Directive
Grant number: H2020/822304/EU
Sponsorship and Funder information:
This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 822304. The content of this document represents only the views of the InDivEU consortium and is its sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains,