Simone Tagliapietra
Simone Tagliapietra is a Senior fellow at Bruegel. He is also Adjunct professor of Energy, Climate and Environmental Policy at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 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, he is the author of Global Energy Fundamentals (Cambridge University Press, 2020), L’Energia del Mondo (Il Mulino, 2020) and Energy Relations in the Euro-Mediterranean (Palgrave, 2017).
His columns and policy work are published and cited in leading international media such as the Financial Times, The New York Times, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, Die Zeit, Corriere della Sera, Il Sole 24 Ore and others.
Simone 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
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.
National policies to shield consumers from rising energy prices
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.
The Global Quest for Green Growth: An Economic Policy Perspective
A review on green growth and degrowth arguments.
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.
How to weaken Russian oil and gas strength
Letter published in Science.
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.
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.
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
The most efficient way for Europe to sanction Russian energy would not be an embargo, but the introduction of an import tariff that can be used flexib
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)
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
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. But if managed well, disruptions would remain te
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 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, accepting that in many cases it won’t
The Kremlin’s gas wars
How Europe can protect itself from Russian blackmail.
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.
How an open climate club can generate carbon dividends for the poor
The German-led G7 can accelerate decarbonisation while tackling climate justice.
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.
Is the EastMed gas pipeline just another EU pipe dream?
Is the EastMed pipeline really a feasible project? The answer to this question is not simple, but the EastMed plan sounds unconvincing.
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
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
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?
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
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.
The EU can’t separate climate policy from foreign policy
How to make the European Green Deal succeed.
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
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
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
Xi’s pledge on financing coal plants overseas misses point
China’s domestic installation of coal-fired power plants continues at great pace.
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 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.
Hydrogen development strategies: a global perspective
Despite different strategies, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, China and Japan all expect hydrogen to play a significant rol
How much investment do we need to reach net zero?
The size and scope of investments needed to reach net zero will have significant macroeconomic implications.
Science is clear: climate action can't wait any longer
Without immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will not be able to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement -
Poorest should be able to buy into decarbonisation
Climate action should be designed in a way that improves social equality.
A Safety Net for the Green Economy
How to protect workers hurt by the fight against climate change.
Fit for 55 marks Europe’s climate moment of truth
With Fit for 55, Europe is the global first mover in turning a long-term net-zero goal into real-world policies,
marking the entry of climate policy
A breakdown of EU countries’ post-pandemic green spending plans
An analysis of European Union countries’ recovery plans shows widely differing green spending priorities.
Relaunching transatlantic cooperation with a carbon border adjustment mechanism
The best way for the EU and the US to jointly introduce carbon border adjustment would be to form a ‘climate club’.
A transatlantic climate alliance
When Joe Biden visits Europe for the first time as US president, he should begin forging a transatlantic green deal.
For the climate, Asia-Pacific must phase out fossil-fuel subsidies
An exit from coal in the Asia-Pacific region is a global decarbonisation priority.
Four pillars to make or break the European Green Deal
The recipe for a successful European Green Deal is as simple as it is breath-taking: to intelligently promote deep decarbonisation by accompanying the
Europe’s Apollo 11 will not be about the moon
The European Green Deal has an ambitious double target to “reconcile the economy with the planet” and to become Europe’s “new growth strategy”.
Berlin will make or break the European Green Deal
€1 trillion isn't enough for the European Green Deal and the EU's fiscal framework is constraining public investment. "Mrs Merkel, tear down this rule
Europe’s Green Deal must reach beyond its borders
A European Climate and Sustainable Development Bank could become the external investment arm of the European Green Deal.
Von der Leyen’s Green Deal isn’t just a plan for the environment
Ursula von der Leyen's proposal of a European Green Deal is ambitious and urgent. Not only does it aim to reduce the continent's emissions, but it als
Coming soon: a massive laboratory for ‘Green New Deals’
Green New Deals’ are not going to turn countries into ‘hermit nations’,but they are not going to turn countries into economic paradises either. They s
A green industrial policy for Europe
A ‘green industrial policy’ able to promote economic growth, job creation and environmental goals altogether will be fundamental to Europe’s climate c
The EU can’t separate climate policy from foreign policy
How to make the European Green Deal succeed.
Setting Europe’s economic recovery in motion: a first look at national plans
Plans for spending European Union recovery funds submitted by the four largest EU countries reflect rather different priorities. So far, only Italy is
China has a grand carbon neutrality target but where is the plan?
China’s new long-term targets, to reach peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, are yet to be matched with a consistent shor
It’s time for a green social contract
The green transformation will have far-reaching socio-economic implications. Action is needed to ensure domestic and international social equity and f
Letter: ‘Strategic autonomy’ is now an EU catchphrase
Strategic autonomy should not be an illusionary search for independence, but rather a strategic management of interdependence, based on diversificatio
Form a climate club: United States, European Union and China
If the three biggest economies agree a carbon tax on imports, it will catalyse climate action globally.
Carbon price floors: an addition to the European Green Deal arsenal
As the European Union sets out a more ambitious climate policy, carbon price floors provide an opportunity to place greater emphasis on altering expec
Carbon border adjustment in the United States: not easy, but not impossible either
President Biden has promised to implement a levy on carbon-intensive imports, albeit without a federal domestic carbon price. The measure faces a numb
The geopolitics of the European Green Deal
The Green Deal will redefine Europe’s global policy priorities; as such, it is a foreign policy development with profound geopolitical consequences
A green industrial policy for Europe
This Blueprint examines how the European Union can develop a coherent green industrial policy that will serve the goals of the European Green Deal.
2021 can be a climate breakthrough, but Biden and Europe need to talk
"2021 can be a breakthrough year for climate: the new US administration and the EU have a real opportunity, through a ‘global net zero coalition’, to
The effect of digitalization in the energy consumption of passenger transport: An analysis of future scenarios for Europe
The paper evaluates the effects on energy consumption of digitalization in transport. Digitalization needs a tailored policy support to avoid higher e
The geopolitical implications of the global energy transition
Energy has traditionally played an important role in global geopolitics, contributing to the rise of great powers, the formation of alliances and, in
An opportunity for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean
After a decade of false starts, producers should grab the chance to co-operate as exporters.
Review of EU-third country cooperation on policies falling within the ITRE domain in relation to Brexit
What is the possible future relationship between the EU and the UK in light of Brexit? The report provides a critical assessment of the implications o
The role of international institutions in fostering sub-Saharan Africa’s electrification
With a new commentary published by the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, Simone Tagliapietra and Morgan Bazilian discuss the role of
Renewables for Energy Access and Sustainable Development in East Africa
This book, co-authored by Bruegel's Research Fellow Simone Tagliapietra, investigates the role of renewable energy in East Africa to provide policy-re
EU should pay member states to get rid of coal
The European Union should act to ensure the continued transformation of its energy system, and encourage member states to overcome their dependence on
The Impact of Brexit on the EU Energy System
What will be the impact of Brexit on the EU energy system? With or without the UK, the EU will be able to complete its market, to achieve its climate
Electrification in sub-Saharan Africa: The role of international institutions
Bruegel fellow Simone Tagliapietra contributed to the new issue of the 'Oxford Energy Forum' with an article on the role of international and European
The importance of economic diversification in the Middle East
Simone Tagliapietra's latest opinion on the Financial Times, on the role of Middle East as cornerstones of global energy
Understanding the world of tomorrow through the great challenges of energy and climate change
“Only a broad policy framework – taking into account economic, fiscal, industrial, labour, innovation and social policy issues – can address the chall
The European climate law needs a strong just transition fund
To deliver on the goals of the European climate law, the European Union needs finally to get coal out of its energy mix: the EU should quicken the pac