Ad
One dogma remains unquestioned: that of economic growth. Yet, a 'slower' economy would allow the EU to reduce its over-reliance on imported energy and materials (Photo: Nareeta Martin)

The geopolitics of a post-growth EU

More than a year into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU still imports natural gas and uranium from Russia, adding to Vladimir Putin's war chest.

The response to the Ukraine war, which includes an accelerated transition to renewable energies, has made the EU more dependent on China. This country dominates the supply chains for critical raw materials as well as the solar panels, batteries and magnets made from them.

Thus we are stuck between two aggressive autocracies.

Get EU news that matters

Back our independent journalism by becoming a supporting member

Already a member? Login here

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author’s, not those of EUobserver

Author Bio

Richard Wouters works at Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks (the think tank of the Dutch Green party) and is project leader of geopolitics of a post-growth Europe for the Green European Foundation.

One dogma remains unquestioned: that of economic growth. Yet, a 'slower' economy would allow the EU to reduce its over-reliance on imported energy and materials (Photo: Nareeta Martin)

Tags

Author Bio

Richard Wouters works at Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks (the think tank of the Dutch Green party) and is project leader of geopolitics of a post-growth Europe for the Green European Foundation.

Ad

Related articles

Ad
Ad