Simone Tagliapietra
Simone Tagliapietra is a Senior fellow at Bruegel. He is also a Professor of Energy, Climate and Environmental Policy at the Catholic University of Milan and at The Johns Hopkins University - School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Europe.
His research focuses on the European Union climate and energy policy and on the political economy of global decarbonisation. With a record of numerous policy and scientific publications, also in leading journals such as Nature and Science, he is the author of Global Energy Fundamentals (Cambridge University Press, 2020).
His columns and policy work are published and cited in leading international media such as the BBC, CNN, Financial Times, The New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, Die Zeit, Corriere della Sera, and others.
Simone also is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Clean Air Task Force (CATF). He holds a PhD in Institutions and Policies from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Born in the Dolomites in 1988, he speaks Italian, English and French.
Disclaimer of external interests
Featured work
Net Zero Industry Act: is it fit for purpose?
Invitation-only event where we discuss NZIA and clean-tech investments in Europe.
Russian LNG: what measures will help the EU kick the habit?
Net Zero Industry Act
Testimony before the S&D ITRE Working Group at the European Parliament.
Europe’s critical struggle with its economic paradigm
As the European elections approach, the main policy choices are more existential than perhaps ever before.
Adjusting to the energy shock: the right policies for European industry
In its industrial strategy response, the EU must ask if the energy-intensive parts of the value chain should be outsourced permanently.
Cleantech manufacturing: where does Europe really stand?
A single European Union cleantech manufacturing capacity target should be based on an understanding of the situation in each cleantech sector
EU strategic autonomy and industrial policy
Testimony before the Committee on European Affairs at the French National Assembly.
Green transition: create a European energy agency
As energy and climate economists, we propose that a European energy agency be set up to guide the continent’s transition to net-zero carbon by 2050.
North Sea Summit: blowing in the wind?
National fiscal policy responses to the energy crisis
Europe is out of the immediate energy crisis
The challenge now for policymakers and industry alike is to smoothly facilitate a transition toward structurally lower gas consumption.
The EU Net Zero Industry Act and the risk of reviving past failures
How the EU might respond to clean tech subsidies, in the form of a leaked draft law entitled the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), is deeply worrisome.
Economic efficiency versus geopolitical resilience: strategic autonomy’s difficult balancing act
A timely analysis on the notion of strategic autonomy in the EU's industrial policy.
Economic efficiency versus geopolitical resilience: strategic autonomy’s difficult balancing act
The fiscal side of Europe’s energy crisis: the facts, problems and prospects
Europe needs to move beyond emergency fiscal responses and focus on structural changes to allow the EU to accelerate its decoupling from fossil fuels.
The fiscal side of Europe’s energy crisis
Testimony before the Interparliamentary Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs at the European Parliament.
How Europe should answer the US Inflation Reduction Act
This policy brief explains what is in the IRA, the impact on the EU and other economies, and how the EU should react.
Europe’s half a million barrels per day diesel supply question
A new European Union embargo on Russian oil products should not affect EU diesel supplies and prices, but could encourage re-routing by Russia.
How can Europe prevent the next energy crisis?
Preparing for the next winter: Europe’s gas outlook for 2023
We explore in detail the two pillars of energy security: LNG supply and the nature and volume of natural-gas demand reductions.
How would the European Union fare without Russian energy?
This contribution explores how Europe can manage without the imports of Russian coal, crude oil, oil products and natural gas.
Energy crisis: five questions that must be answered in 2023
Here’s how researchers can help overcome the threats arising from market turmoil and geopolitical realignment after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
National energy policy responses to the energy crisis
Beating the European Energy Crisis
The EU needs a grand bargain that reduces demand, increases supply, and keeps energy markets open.
Will the European Union price cap on Russian oil work?
The G7 Russian oil price cap is an ambitious but untested instrument. While pitfalls exist, the cap has the potential to be the most potent sanction.
Europe’s Green Investment Requirements and the Role of NextGenerationEU
The EU countries’ priorities on climate and environmental spending, as reflected in the allocations of the Recovery and Resilience funds are assessed.
Europe must now strike a deal on energy prices
Europe must move beyond blocking agreement on a coordinated solution and undermining EU unity in the face of Russian aggression.
The Sound of Economics Live: Reflections on COP27
A special episode of the Sound of Economics Live exploring the key takeaways from COP27.
To cap or not to cap: the deal Europe needs on energy prices
An EU gas price cap would be counterproductive, but the reasons why it is supported widely must be acknowledged and addressed.
The European energy crisis and the future of the UK-EU relations in the field of energy and climate
Testimony before the European Affairs Committee at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
Success at COP27 will be defined by progress on climate finance and ‘loss and damage’
COP27 should create the basis of a global loss-and-damage fund to help vulnerable countries already suffering from climate disasters.
How have sanctions impacted Russia?
In this paper we assess both the immediate economic impact and the likely longer-term impact of sanctions on the Russian economy.
How European Union energy policies could mitigate the coming recession
The European Union faces recession, but the way in which policymakers manage the energy crisis will determine its depth and duration.
Europe’s Quest for Energy Security and the Renewed Case for a Strong Mediterranean Green Energy Partnership
IEMed Mediterranean Yearbook 2022
Small modular reactors: technology, policy, and economic prospects
At this closed-door event we will discuss the realistic deployment prospects for SMRs and their future in Europe's energy systems.
Does the European Union need an energy crisis fund?
An EU energy fund is justified, but for different reasons than commonly assumed, with implications for the fund’s design.
Germany’s gas-price ‘defence shield’: problems and redeeming features
The €200 billion “defence shield” risks undermining European solidarity. This could be avoided by designing it well.
An assessment of Europe’s options for addressing the crisis in energy markets
Action to intervene in the gas and electricity wholesale markets is also being taken at European Union level, which is what we analyse in this paper.
How Can the European Union Adapt to Climate Change?
Europe must increasingly deal with the harmful impacts of climate change, regardless of its success in reducing emissions.
How can the European Union better adapt to climate change?
A stronger adaptation governance framework would benefit adaptation efforts.
Bruegel Annual Meetings, 6-7 September 2022
The Annual Meetings are Bruegel's flagship event which gathers high-level speakers to discuss the economic topics that affect Europe and the world.
A grand bargain to steer through the European Union’s energy crisis
The current crisis looks set to leave behind it a radically different system, but what that system will look like remains an open question
The grand energy bargain Europe needs to defeat Putin
Climate club ‘green certificate’ would boost membership
Europe Needs a Grand Bargain on Energy
Why a “Go It Alone” Approach Will Leave Countries in the Cold This Winter
EU climate agenda is not at odds with energy security
In the coming weeks and months, Europe must deploy all available options to counter Putin’s energy blackmail.
Europe needs energy solidarity — not a North-South rift
The bloc must urgently implement a compensation scheme to prevent Putin from dividing member countries.
A Transatlantic Energy and Climate Pact Is Now More Necessary Than Ever
A possible G7 price cap on Russian oil: issues at stake
A price cap on Russian oil might improve the current western sanctions regime, but effectiveness will depend on the west’s willingness
Scorching summers are becoming the new normal. Can Europe prepare itself?
As global average temperatures continue to rise beyond the current 1.2°C above pre-industrial averages, Europe is likely to warm even faster.
How can the European Union adapt to climate change?
A stronger adaptation governance framework would benefit adaptation efforts.
How to make the EU Energy Platform an effective emergency tool
The platform could become an effective emergency tool to safeguard Europe’s gas supply, but policymakers need to address challenges to make it work.
Europe’s Russian oil embargo: significant but not yet
The ban on most Russian oil significantly scales up the EU response to aggression against Ukraine, but the bloc should stand ready for retaliation.
Economics of access to energy
This chapter discusses the key obstacles that have so far prevented 840 million people worldwide from gaining access to electricity.
REPowerEU: will EU countries really make it work?
By acting together, the European Union can optimise its response to the energy crisis in all scenarios but each country will have to make concessions.
For Europe, an oil embargo is not the way to go
Even at this late hour, the European Union should consider taking a different path.
The Global Quest for Green Growth: An Economic Policy Perspective
A review on green growth and degrowth arguments.
How to weaken Russian oil and gas strength
Letter published in Science.
A phase out of Russian oil may be less effective than a tariff at reducing Putin’s rents
A punitive tariff on all energy imports from Russia would be a better choice than a gradually phased-in embargo on selected fuels.
Europe must get serious about cutting oil and gas use
As energy security risks increase, European governments must stop subsidising oil and gas, and ask people to consume less.
EU risks letting Putin’s gas divide-and-rule strategy win
The 2 May meeting of EU energy ministers should deliver strong and common EU action. Failing to do so would undermine Europe’s unity, energy security
Cutting Putin’s energy rent: ‘smart sanctioning’ Russian oil and gas
Infrastructure bottlenecks prevent Russia from selling all the oil it wants to bring to market, even at lower prices.
Green public procurement: A neglected tool in the European Green Deal toolbox?
A new EU regulatory action in public procurement could unlock the potential of green public procurement and add an important element to the European G
Climate migration: what do we really know?
While uncertain, studies suggest that climate change will cause significant internal and international migration over the next century.
Cutting Putin’s energy rent: ‘smart sanctioning’ Russian oil and gas
Three ways Europe could limit Russian oil and gas revenues.
UK energy supply and investment
Testimony before the Economic Affairs Committee at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
Dans l’urgence climatique
Book published by Gallimard and overseen by Groupe d’études géopolitiques (GEG)
Can Europe manage if Russian oil and coal are cut off?
A stop to Russian oil and coal supplies would push Europe into a short and painful adjustment period.
How to wean Europe off Russian gas as swiftly as possible
A trans-Atlantic pact between North America and Europe is essential if Europe is to free itself in the short term from its dependence on Russian energ
How Europe can defeat Russia’s divide and rule strategy in the long term
The European Union will have to bolster members most vulnerable to Russian blackmail and rethink the structure of European energy markets in order to
How Europe can sustain Russia sanctions
Russia's war in Ukraine has underscored the need for Europe finally to invest more in its own defence and security. Such an outrageous act of aggressi
Preparing for the first winter without Russian gas
The European Union can manage without Russian gas next winter, but must be united in taking difficult decisions.
The Kremlin’s gas wars
How Europe can protect itself from Russian blackmail.
Greening Europe’s post-Covid-19 recovery
At this event Bruegel launched a new Blueprint that collects voices of policymakers and academics on the crucial topic of how to make sure Europe will
Greening Europe’s post-COVID-19 recovery
This Blueprint includes some of the Group’s most prominent voices on the different aspects of the multidimensional issue of green recovery.
Letter: The EU’s green taxonomy is a missed opportunity
The taxonomy is unlikely to become the international “gold standard” in the field, which is a missed opportunity.
Can Europe survive painlessly without Russian gas?
If Russian gas stops flowing, measures to replace supply won’t be enough. The European Union will need to curb demand, implying difficult and costly d
Where is Biden's climate policy?
A year after his inauguration, what has President Biden really achieved on climate?
How an open climate club can generate carbon dividends for the poor
The German-led G7 can accelerate decarbonisation while tackling climate justice.
What the EU climate package has to overcome in 2022
An overview of the EU climate package to be negotiated in 2022.
Sustainability transition and the European Green Deal: A macro-dynamic perspective
Report of the results of work carried out at ETC/WMGE on Green economy transition: Macroeconomic analytical framework in 2020 and 2021.
The Global Gateway: a real step towards a stronger Europe in the world?
Disappointment at the lack of fresh cash from European Union global connectivity strategy is short-sighted: Europe supports global development more th
Europe's path to net-zero
Fostering the industrial component of the European Green Deal: key principles and policy options.
Rising energy prices: European Union countries’ views on medium-term policies
Alongside short-term measures to shield consumers from rising energy prices, EU countries have set out their positions on medium-term measures to prev
COP26: global stocktake and what’s next
Join us in this episode of the Sound of Economics Live as we contribute to the global stocktake of the climate summit.
Goodbye Glasgow: what’s next for global climate action?
After COP26, and as the debate on whether Glasgow represents a success or a failure dies down, what next for global climate action?
Glasgow: a clearer sense of direction but with no hard numbers
Global climate action is visibly accelerating however the conference failed to deliver on the hard numbers.
European Union countries’ National Recovery and Resilience Plans: A cross-country comparison
Testimony before the Economic Affairs Committee of the French Senate.
Keeping the energy policy triangle in balance is key to reach net-zero
Delivering policies that address energy security, competitiveness and sustainability is one of the most formidable challenges facing governments in th
Can climate change be tackled without ditching economic growth?
What will be necessary to achieve climate goals and keep growing?
How green are electric vehicles?
A policy paper dissecting existing life cycle assessments of electric vehicles and identifying potential future trends in the different stages of the
Xi’s pledge on financing coal plants overseas misses point
China’s domestic installation of coal-fired power plants continues at great pace.
The only quick-fix to Europe’s energy price crisis is saving energy
The only thing Europe can quickly do to prevent a potentially difficult winter is to actively promote energy conservation in both the residential and
Will China use climate change as a bargaining chip?
Beijing shows signs of changing tactics ahead of the COP26 conference.
Letter: The lesson Europe should learn from the gas crisis
Europe’s gas supply security could more effectively be safeguarded by ensuring that unused alternatives are maintained.
Can climate change be tackled without ditching economic growth?
The ultimate answer to the question on whether climate change can be tackled without ditching economic growth depends on our willingness to step up cl
Can climate change be tackled without ditching economic growth?
The notion of degrowth to reduce greenhouse gas emissions appears unrealistic; decoupling of emissions from growth is in principle possible but requir
Is Europe’s gas and electricity price surge a one-off?
Surging natural gas prices in Europe, driven by rising demand and tight supply, are pushing up electricity prices; to prevent volatility, governments
Conditions are ideal for a new climate club
The technical and political conditions are ideal for the creation of a climate club to catalyse tougher climate action worldwide.
The role of the state in providing infrastructure for decarbonisation
Bruegel Annual Meetings, Day 2 - Who should be responsible for providing crucial infrastructure for decarbonisation and how should it be managed?