Green Horizons: A Comparative Analysis of European Union and China’s Strategies for Energy Transition

At a moment of escalating geopolitical tensions, it is as hard as essential to cooperate on a global level, particularly in addressing the climate crisis. This research dives into the role of the European Union and China – two of the greatest renewable energy promoters and decarbonisation champions globally – in enhancing global climate action. Both actors share similar challenges, such as balancing energy security with renewable transitions and bridging inconsistencies in domestic and international environmental policies. Using Robert Putnam’s Two-Level Game Theory, this comparative analysis investigates to what extent domestic political agendas determine global climate commitments, in a context in which geopolitics of climate change is reframing cooperation and capacity-building as crucial means to shatter previous rivalries and establish shared global strategies. Despite divergent approaches, findings indicate the existence of significant opportunities for collaboration between China and the EU. Both are relying on an increased state involvement in economic planning and recognise climate change as a common threat, with overlapping interests in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture technology. Shared multilateral leadership also offers additional ground for cooperation. However, hurdles persist, including divergent narratives and normative gaps in sustainable development approaches. The research proposes three possible future scenarios for the relationship between the two actors: the most probable one is that of selective cooperation and strategic competition, through which it can be possible to harmonise standards in sustainable development, leverage complementary strengths in regulation and manufacturing, and expand multilateral engagement. Already in progress collaborative initiatives in green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and the decarbonisation of developing economies could serve as practical foundations for cooperation. Ultimately, the EU and China are decisive in the global energy transition. Convergence is what is needed, moving beyond competition. A cooperation scenario with a balance of joint projects and complementary capabilities offers the most promising path to a sustainable future, calling for cooperation rather than polarisation in the fight against climate change.