![What if the EU were energy independent? [Science and Technology Podcast] @EuroparlResearchService](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sIFXHwZmR64/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago
The EU depends on imported fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) for about 56 % of its energy needs (gross energy consumption), which in 2021 represented an energy bill of around EUR 300 billion. The domestic production of renewable energy sources has increased significantly in recent years to 22 % of total demand. The European Union can aspire to achieve energy independence through the deployment of existing and emerging technologies. Electrification, renewables and energy storage could reduce EU's reliance on conventional fossil fuels. What are the developments, expectations, concerns and societal implications associated with these technologies? What initiatives and policies can lead to a resilient EU energy system by anticipating impacts?
See the publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2023)753182
Subscribe to EPRS Science and Technology Podcasts:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html
The EU depends on imported fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) for about 56 % of its energy needs (gross energy consumption), which in 2021 represented an energy bill of around EUR 300 billion. The domestic production of renewable energy sources has increased significantly in recent years to 22 % of total demand. The European Union can aspire to achieve energy independence through the deployment of existing and emerging technologies. Electrification, renewables and energy storage could reduce EU's reliance on conventional fossil fuels. What are the developments, expectations, concerns and societal implications associated with these technologies? What initiatives and policies can lead to a resilient EU energy system by anticipating impacts?
See the publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2023)753182
Subscribe to EPRS Science and Technology Podcasts:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html
![What if the EU were energy independent? [Science and Technology Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sIFXHwZmR64/mqdefault.jpg "What if the EU were energy independent? [Science and Technology Podcast]
The EU depends on imported fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) for about 56 % of its energy needs (gross energy consumption), which in 2021 represented an energy bill of around EUR 300 billion. The domestic production of renewable energy sources has increased significantly in recent years to 22 % of total demand. The European Union can aspire to achieve energy independence through the deployment of existing and emerging technologies. Electrification, renewables and energy storage could reduce EUs reliance on conventional fossil fuels. What are the developments, expectations, concerns and societal implications associated with these technologies? What initiatives and policies can lead to a resilient EU energy system by anticipating impacts?
See the publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2023)753182
Subscribe to EPRS Science and Technology Podcasts:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html")
![Nuclear energy in the European Union [Policy Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u3JKxOPCU5Y/mqdefault.jpg "Nuclear energy in the European Union [Policy Podcast]
Each Member State independently decides on its own energy mix and use of nuclear energy. However, there are common rules and standards on nuclear energy, the basis for which is the Treaty on the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom Treaty) signed in 1957. All current EU Member States are party to it and it has remained largely unchanged throughout the years.
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See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2023)751456")
![Protection of journalists in the European Union [Policy podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u47-4v1FD7I/mqdefault.jpg "Protection of journalists in the European Union [Policy podcast]
In recent years an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists have been documented and reported in Europe. Physical attacks against journalists as well as online threats and harassment in reprisal for journalists work are on the rise in several EU countries. Around the world, the number of dead and wounded journalists is still too high, as is the number of journalists who are detained, imprisoned and mistreated. The most recent Council of Europe assessment of press freedom in Europe reports that war remains a threat to press freedom and the safety of media workers. Reporters without Borders confirms that the situation is particularly dangerous for journalists, who are sometimes deliberately targeted by military fire despite displaying Press identification.
See the publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2024/766244/EPRS_BRI(2024)766244_EN.pdf
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#journalist")
![Enlargement policy: Reforms and challenges ahead [Policy Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u5H924ZTkZw/mqdefault.jpg "Enlargement policy: Reforms and challenges ahead [Policy Podcast]
In November 2023, the European Commission presented its annual enlargement reports. Its strategic orientations and recommendations include accelerating the accession process with the Western Balkan countries, opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and granting candidate status to Georgia. According to the European Parliaments 2022 recommendation on the new EU strategy, enlargement policy is the most effective EU foreign policy instrument and one of the Unions most successful policies.
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🔎 See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2023)757575")
![Future shocks 2023: Collapse of the Internet [Policy podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u6udsvsQfcA/mqdefault.jpg "Future shocks 2023: Collapse of the Internet [Policy podcast]
The internet is a critical technology infrastructure for almost two thirds of the global population. We use the internet for personal, civic, commercial and professional activities. Failure of the internet would majorly impact how our societies, lives and work is organised. While a total global collapse of the internet is unlikely, major disruptions may arise. Three aspects are key in understanding of how this could materialise: the underlying technological infrastructures, which are evolving with time; the fact that tech companies are increasingly shaping the Internet architecture to seek new commercial strategies; and the increasing control of the digital sphere for political reasons.
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See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_STU(2023)751428")
![The EUs role in promoting health and well-being for all - SDG 3 [Policy Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vIAS1wkRd1U/mqdefault.jpg "The EUs role in promoting health and well-being for all - SDG 3 [Policy Podcast]
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises, progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) is off track globally, and many of its targets may not be achieved by 2030. Within the EU, measures pertaining to SDG 3 focus on achieving more resilient, accessible and inclusive health systems; improving reproductive, maternal and child health; ending major communicable disease epidemics; and reducing non-communicable and mental disorders. They also focus on lowering behavioural and environmental health risk factors.
See the publication behind this podcast:
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): The EUs role in promoting health and well-being for all
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2024)762380
🎧Listen to our podcasts reporting on the latest EU policy developments, looking into the impact they will have on our lives and capturing their policy implications:
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/european-parliament-eprs-policy-podcasts/id1086996218?mt=2
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#sdg3")
