Prepare me softly - European integration in the energy sector

The article applies theoretical insights on the role of soft law in the EU legal system to the evolution of the Union’s energy policy. The relationship between soft law and hard law remains a topic of scholarly debate, particularly in efforts to establish its precise role within the EU legal system. We identify and examine the key characteristics of soft law in the EU’s energy policy. By juxtaposing the qualities of soft law with the evolution of the EU’s energy sector, the article determines which features of soft law are particularly relevant to this domain. It highlights key aspects of the interplay between soft law and hard law, demonstrating how the former can serve as a precursor to the adoption of binding legislation.