Spring 2016
5297 European Union (EU) Energy Law
Professor: Volker Roeben (ADJUNCT)
Credits 2
Course Areas: Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law
Time Intersession
Course outline:
Energy in the 21st century is a global market. This class focuses on the fast growing energy law of
the European Union, which is pursuing the strategic project of establishing a “European Energy
Union” for the 28 member states of the EU and further applicant states. The purpose is to identify
the main objectives and dimensions of the EEUS. The discussion will enable students to draw
parallels with US energy law and to analyze the increasingly important international context in
which both operate.
The course contains the following major components
. A discussion of the strategy of the policy and the law-making that will establish a European
Energy Union, transforming the current compartmentalised national energy markets and leading the
transition to a low-carbon energy system for Europe.
. A discussion of the essential dimensions of that strategy, namely Secure Supply, the Internal
Energy Market, and the Decarbonization of the economy
. A discussion of the international trade context of the European Energy Union and namely the
TTIP
. A discussion of the international climate change control context of the European Energy Union
and namely the outcome of the Paris negotiations.
. A discussion of the implications of the European Energy Union for energy producers and
consumers in the US
. A comparison of the legal development in Europe and the US
Course Notes: This course will meet on January 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 from 9-12 and 1-2.50 with 10 minute
break each day.
Suggested readings
There will a packet of course material available for pick up at the Associate Dean’s office starting
Monday December 14 to Friday December 18, 2015 from 9AM to 4 PM.
This material will facilitate in classroom discussion. It contains the primary materials that will
underpin the classroom discussions.
For students wishing to gain a background in general European Union law, I recommend Elspeth
Berry, Matthew J Homewood, & Barbara Bogousz, EU Law, Text, Cases and Materials (Oxford
University Press, 2nd ed, 2015).
Note on attendance
Given that the course is of short duration and based on intensive class discussion, classroom
attendance is imperative for success.
First day assignment
The first assignment is to read and analyze the 'Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union
with a forward looking climate change policy' (COM(2010)80), the second document in the
compilation. We will be discussing it in depth on the first day of the course.
Final Exam Schedule. This class will have a 48 hour take home exam.
No required books for this course.