Roll up, roll up, get your energy here

摘要

In europe, policy packages are like patent remedies: if they promise to cure one or two ills, they might be worth a try; if a dozen, suspect quackery. On January 23rd the European Commission is to unveil a comprehensive energy policy that promises to curb climate change, increase energy security, shield economies from volatile fuel prices and foster new industries in which Europe will lead the world. The mandate for this monster comes from national leaders, who set themselves a string of ambitious but sketchy energy goals at a summit last March, the European Union's first after growing to 27 members. Beforehand, some people wondered how such a diverse group would agree about something as tricky as an energy policy. In the event, agreement came fast. The reason for that is now clear: like the finest snake-oil, the new policy promises something for everyone.