The Role of Energy Policy in the Post-Crisis European Industrial Strategy (Ukraine, COVID-19)

The European Union’s industrial landscape has undergone profound transformations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. This study investigates the evolving role of energy policy as a central pillar of the EU's post-crisis industrial strategy. By integrating data from Eurostat, ECB, OECD, IMF, and World Bank, alongside peer-reviewed literature from Scopus and Web of Science databases, the research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative trend analysis with qualitative policy evaluation. Findings reveal a decisive shift toward strategic autonomy in energy, as evidenced by declining energy import dependency and increased renewable energy deployment. However, this transition demands substantial investment—estimated at up to 3.7% of EU GDP annually—and exposes short-term vulnerabilities in traditional manufacturing sectors. While carbon pricing and energy efficiency initiatives enhance long-term competitiveness, the lack of coordination in state aid and industrial policy poses risks to market integration and cohesion. The study underscores the necessity of aligning energy, industrial, and financial policies under a unified strategic framework. It concludes that a resilient, green, and competitive European industry requires harmonized governance, targeted investment tools, and an inclusive approach to transition planning.