Course description

The course focuses on European energy policy. It analyses how political processes within the EU shape and apply legal, financial, and regulatory instruments to organise energy production, transmission, and consumption.

First, energy is closely linked to the issue of climate change: fossil fuels are the main cause of the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and the EU's efforts to address this challenge are directly linked to a profound re-design of the energy mix. In the EU today, energy policy can no longer be separated from climate policy. Secondly, energy availability and prices have a major impact on the competitiveness of European industry and the living standards of the population. Thirdly, high import dependency links energy with external relations, diplomacy and security policy - this has been clearly demonstrated in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The course covers all three of these dimensions and their diplomatic, environmental, security, economic, technical and social implications. On successful completion, students will understand the balance of political power between EU Member States and institutions, the long-term interests of the main actors, and the legal and regulatory framework through which the EU shapes its energy sector. They will also gain an overview of specific energy and climate measures and the direction in which the EU energy sector is evolving.

Organisational information:

The course is taught by Filip Černoch. If you need assistance, please contact him by email or speak with him at the end of any lecture.

Course requirements

1) Study of the required literature for each lecture. The literature may be slightly modified, supplemented, or updated during the course, in which case students will be informed. 

2) Attendance at lectures is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. 

3) Two written tests on the assigned literature (maximum 6 points each). Literature tested will include literature not covered in the previous test and literature that is assigned on the day of the test. Absences on the test may be made up only in the case of serious health or other problems. 

4) Oral examination (2 questions based on required literature and lectures, maximum 18 points).  The exam is in a free-form debate format; it does not test students' understanding of the concepts, relationships, terms, and issues discussed in the course. 

Assessment                                                                          

A 28 - 30 points

B 25 - 27 points

C 22 - 24 points

D 19 - 21 points

E 17-18 points.

F 16 points or less.  

Fraudulent behaviour

Cheating in the course will result in dismissal from the course. It is therefore recommended to familiarise yourself with the relevant rules of the MU Study Regulations.