The french (non-)compliance with the european energy policy

Abstract

In the early years of the common European Energy policy, France has been labelled a black sheep or a bad pupil when it came to applying European and international energy, climate and energy market frameworks. As the country is currently engaged, in its own energy transition process (la transition énergétique) the question arises if these attributions are still valid. This article argues that several points of conflict between Paris and Brussels in the field of energy policy can still be identified today, especially in the areas of market liberalisation, the non-ETS sector and the promotion of renewable energy. Following the EU-compliance theory, the reasons for Paris’ deviations can be identified as both intentional and unintentional. On the one hand France is still politically reluctant to fully commit to Brussels energy policy objectives as they clash with the country’s view on the energy sector as a public welfare task. On the other hand, France faces systemic constraints due to its strong nuclear fleet, that dominates the country’s energy sector and therefore reduces Paris’ manoeuvrability within the European Energy framework. Because of this, France should be seen as an involuntary black sheep today, when it comes to non-compliance in EU-energy policy. Based on recent policy developments as well as energy production, consumption and GHG-emission data this article describes the current state of French and European energy and climate policies before analysing Paris’ performance towards the European framework goals as well as political reasons and structural constraints that inhibit further progress.