How can the green energy transition succeed without harming regional cohesion in Europe?

Abstract

The latest research by Bertelsmann Stiftung on the EU economy comes to a surprising conclusion: Less-developed, rural regions in the EU could gain significantly in economic prosperity from a transition to renewable energy, while urban areas with high energy demands could face setbacks. In short, it’s well worth it for rural regions to pursue a renewable energy overhaul although their support is currently rather limited, while urban areas with high support for green policies could face future financial and political hurdles due to rising costs and political “greenlash.” This panel will grapple with the implications of these findings for policymakers, businesses and consumers and address questions like: - How can policymakers ensure buy-in from rural regions by highlighting these benefits? And what can be done to forestall waning support for green energy policies in urban areas? - How can rural and urban regions work together to leverage the strengths of each to meet the needs of the other? What can be done to end up with a mutually beneficiary outcome? - What synergies can be leveraged between the EU’s cohesion policy and energy policy? Can cohesion policy support energy policy goals?