The EU Energy Projects Podcast: What’s next for the EU’s Green Deal
In this episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast, Dr. Susanne Nies, GDU Project Lead at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, shared her insights in the EU Energy Projects Podcast of Enlit Europe.
In this episode, the discussion with Dr. Susanne Nies explored how the European Commission is shaping the path toward climate neutrality — and the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead.
Susanne traced the evolution of EU energy policy from its early roots in market liberalisation and environmental concerns to the European Green Deal, which she described as a true turning point: an overarching framework placing climate action at the heart of Europe’s strategy.
She noted that this vision has been driven by leaders not traditionally associated with the green agenda, underlining the breadth of political commitment behind climate neutrality. At the same time, she offered a candid assessment of current challenges: when asked to grade the Commission’s leadership, she gave it an “8 out of 10” — a strong mark, but one tempered by realism in light of today’s pressures, from war on Europe’s borders to economic stagnation and social costs.
Susanne also highlighted contradictions, such as Europe’s continued reliance on fossil fuel imports, reminding us that even strong frameworks like the Green Deal must be constantly defended and adapted. Yet there was also cause for optimism: major utilities such as Enel, E.ON and EDP are embracing the certainty of EU targets and investing in renewables and grid development.
This conversation underscored both the fragility and the strength of Europe’s energy transition. Despite the pressures, the Green Deal continues to serve as Europe’s compass toward climate neutrality — one that will be essential to stay on course.