The Energy Trilemma in the European Union: Ambiguity, Prioritisation and Politicisation

Published on February 3, 2025 – Updated on February 5, 2025

Séminaire de l'axe Europe avec Meryem Bezzaz, doctorante au CEE/MaxPo de Sciences Po.

Abstract

Trilemmas, trinities, or triangles are common conceptual tools in social science literature for analysing relationships between imperatives that are framed as both desirable and in competition. This paper examines the structural logic behind such constructions by developing a model based on six key assumptions. Using the energy trilemma as a case study, it explores the mechanisms that link the three imperatives and the different ways they can be arranged. The analysis identifies four distinct configurations found in policy documents and discourse, each reflecting different prioritisation rules across two dimensions. Finally, the paper challenges the notion that such problems are inherently depoliticised, arguing instead that depoliticisation itself is a political choice.

Dates

On the February 12, 2025

12h00 - 13h00

Location

Institut d'études européennes - ULB

Salle Spaak

39, Avenue F.D Roosevelt, 1050 Bruxelles

Contact

Tiago Moreira Ramalho : tiago.moreira.ramalho@ulb.be