Advantages of legal forms of fixing the fundamental principles of EU energy policy

Questions of formation of a common energy policy of the EU, and, above all, legal consolidation of its main directions and principles remain one of the most important conditions for successful development of European integration. A clear legal regulation of relations in the energy sector is a prerequisite for EU prosperity and well-being of its citizens. These factors determine the relevance of the present article. The article defines the role and importance of soft law in the EU legal regulation of the energy sector. The conclusion is that soft law instruments are a significant element of the EU system of benchmarks and programs governing the energy sector. Without legally-binding values, these acts determine the formation of EU law for the future and outline the strategic framework for the rulemaking. The author highlighted the basic principles of the energy policy in the region. These include non-discrimination principle, the principle of transparency, the principle of not causing harm to the environment, taking into account the principle of the social factor in energy policy. It was established that these principles are also the principles of the EU energy law. The definition of the integration of energy law in Europe is provided.