From vulnerability to strategic autonomy: Discursive transformations In Eu energy security (2003–2024)

This article examines the transformation of the European Union's energy security discourse following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which triggered a profound shift in strategic, institutional, and normative frameworks. Using a qualitative, discourse-analytical approach, the study analyzes official EU documents and international reports to trace how recent narratives emphasize structural resilience, strategic autonomy, and sustainability. It identifies three core dimensions of this transition: the semantic redefinition of energy security, the institutional anchoring of the “open strategic autonomy” paradigm, and the growing integration of social, territorial, and environmental considerations in EU energy governance. While not fully consolidated, this discursive shift suggests more than a geopolitical realignment—it reflects an evolving configuration of power and legitimacy within the EU’s green transition. However, internal asymmetries and strategic vagueness persist, raising questions about the coherence and effectiveness of the emerging framework. By adopting a multidimensional and constructivist lens, the article contributes to debates on energy governance and highlights how crisis-driven learning and institutional adaptation shape the future of EU energy policy.