Energy has become the subject of discussion among European leaders. Between the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the slow economic recovery and loss of competitiveness (partly) due to high energy prices, and the gloomy climate change forecasts, it’s no wonder that the need and political will for a unified energy policy at European level is greater than ever. However, three fundamental challenges block the road to this ‘energy union’: first, there is the question of competences regarding the energy mix, with many areas of energy policy still residing under national authorities. Second, the issue of political coherence – or more specifically, the lack thereof; to devise an energy policy that will tackle energy security, sustainability and competitiveness all at the same time, different Commissioners have to work together and overcome the tendency to work in separate silos. Finally, who is going to pay for all of this? How will the Commission finance the energy union and help those countries that are most affected by the lack of energy and energy security?