The necessary reorientation of Italian energy policy

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered profound changes in European energy policy. This was particularly the case for a country like Italy, highly dependent on Russian gas supplies and traditionally an energy partner of Moscow. In this article, we trace the major policy measures enacted by the Draghi government to address security-of-supply risks and foster the development of renewable energy. Moreover, we highlight a number of continuities and differences that emerged in these areas with the appointment of the new government led by Giorgia Meloni. Finally, we discuss some possible longer-term implications and risks for Italian energy policy in the wake of the innovations introduced after the invasion. These include a return of the state in energy governance, the shift of Italian foreign energy policy towards the Mediterranean and Africa as well as unsolved problems in the management of centre-periphery relations for accelerating the country’s energy transition.